God at Work

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Philippians 2:12-13 (KJV)

12. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

1. Your Christian life is not dependent upon another human being . . . "Wherefore my beloved brethren . . . "
   "Wherefore" is a conjunctive word that ties what Paul has just said to that which he is about to say. Paul has just reminded the Christians in Philippi that nothing should be done through strife or vainglory, but their lives were to be lived in humility, following the example of Christ who humbled Himself for us. "Wherefore . . . "
   1. Obey regardless of anyone's presence . . . "obey not as in my presence only . . ."
      Paul is reminding the Philippian Christians that they are not in need of his presence to continue obediently.
      So it is with you. You do not need a husband, a wife, a friend, a pastor, or a mentor to continue with Christ.
   2. It is your salvation, not another's . . . "work out your own salvation . . . "
      It is God who matters in your salvation and God is there; it is God who is working in you, not another.
      Ever hear anyone say, "He just didn't stick with it because there was nobody there to disciple him"?
      Discipleship, teaching, and mentoring are important, but you are not dependent on another for growth.
2. Your Christian life is completely dependent upon God . . . "For it is God which worketh in you . . . "
   Nowhere does the New Testament represent the Christian life and salvation as something that we can achieve.
   It is only when we are given salvation that we can begin to think along the lines of living the Christian life.
   1. Your part is to "fear and tremble."
      This does not mean that you are to fear your final destiny or that you are to wonder if you are saved.
      It means a "holy reverence and awe of God." It carries with it the idea of dependence upon Him.
      Paul said to the Corinthians "I was with you in . . . fear and much trembling" (I Corinthians 2:3).
      1. You are to fear your own sinfulness . . . "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
         "I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18).
         It is the responsibility of every Christian to believe he is capable of the worst kind of conduct.
      2. You are to fear God's sovereignty . . .
         If it is only God who can subdue your sinful nature, then you are completely dependent on Him.
         1. Prayer is pleading to God for His mercy and grace.
         2. Pride keeps a man from fearing and trembling and "pride comes before a fall."
   2. God's part is to be at work in you . . . "For it is God which worketh in you . . . "
      The Christian life is lived by the life and power of God at work within the soul of man.
      1. God's at work in you to desire His good pleasure . . .
         "In the day of His power, his people are made willing" (Psalm 110:3).
         "Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).
      2. God's at work in you to do His good pleasure . . .
         Whatever you do for God, it is because He gave you both the will and the power to do it.
3. God at work in you is a guarantee of your perseverance in the faith . . . "For it is God which worketh . . . "
   That person who says you may be saved one day and lost the next is both illogical and unscriptural.
   It is God who has given you salvation, and He is going to perfect you and sanctify you by His power in you.
   1. He saved us to glorify Himself through us . . .
      "He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
   2. God will never give up on His people . . .
      "He who began a good work in you will carry it on until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).
      Where there needs to be a course or character correction, God will gently, but efficiently correct.
      "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth Hebrews 12:6).
   3. God will eventually accomplish His good pleasure in you . . .
      "Fear not, little flock, for it your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Matthew 12:32).