Day 20
Snowy day out, roads iced over and no services tomorrow. Enjoy your daily reading and worship tomorrow as a family!
Philippians 2:12-18 NIV
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing,15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe16 as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Paul begins this passage with an interesting statement "you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence". Obviously Paul has heard good reports about the church at Philippi. We have all heard character defined as what you do in the dark or alone. The Philippians were people who exemplified Godly character. Paul finishes verse 12 with "continue to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling". Continue is the optimal word! Continue with God, continue in His grace. Paul begins by testifying of what he has seen and heard but then exhorts them to continue down the path of service to God. Paul makes this continuation personal when he says "work out your own salvation", he is letting them know that neither he or anyone else can live the life for them. We too should know that no one can make us continue in service, it is a personal choice and success comes when we die daily! Verse 13 says "for it is God who works in you". Paul is aware that he cannot be there guide and conscience, he is aware of his soon coming fate and he is encouraging them to have a relationship with God and to yield to the Holy Spirit. This passage challenges us to spend time with God and to listen intently to the Spirit for direction so we continue to walk according to our calling. This should challenge us to make our relationship with God first and foremost. Even a devout Apostle like Paul was not able to help these people continue, only God and the leading of His Spirit can do so.
Be led of the Spirit, obey the Word and the inner witness and continue with HIM!!!
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment