Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. English Standard Version (ESV)
Yesterday, inspired by the words of Solomon and the sermon series by Andy Stanley we considered the question "what is the wise thing to do?" As I read today's verses I thought about how these verses go along with that theme. This "working out" our salvation involves asking that question in accordance with God's Word, and the "fear of the Lord", and applying it in our lives.
The other day, a friend and I were talking about John Piper's book "Don't Waste Your Life". It is a book that I've given out to high school seniors for graduation for years. It applies not only to graduating students but to all phases and stages of life. It deals with priorities and asking that question what is the wise thing to do should be asked if we don't want to waste our lives, don't want to squander those opportunities to please God. We will come to realize that it is not our doing, but God giving, infusing His power, direction and His will for our lives.
John Piper writes that "each day there is a work to be done in our special ministry. Paul commands us to work at doing it. But he tells us how to do it in the power of future grace: believe the promise that in this day God will be at work in you to will and work for his good pleasure.
It is God himself, graciously arriving each moment, that brings the future into the present. It is not the gratitude for past grace that Paul focuses on when explaining how he "worked harder than any of them." It is fresh grace for every new conquest in his missionary labor."
As we "work out" our salvation, may we continually be asking that questions "what is the wise thing to do" in all phases of life. In relationships, at work, in the community we will be well served and serve well if we would do so. "Be energetic in your life of salvation" (The Message),
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Philippians 2:12-13The Message (MSG)
Rejoicing Together
12-13 What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
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