Rejoice! God is Working in You!

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Rejoice! God is Working in You!

Date: Oct. 25, 2016

Passage

Philippians 2:12-18 (ESV)

12 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.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 2:13

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

First, work out your salvation (12-13). God's good and wonderful purpose for us is to grow in the image of Christ. This is the life-long process of sanctification and it is something we can't do on our own. The desire and power for this comes from God as He works in our hearts through His Spirit and word. Our part is to cooperate! In light of Christ's example of obedience and exaltation, we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. How great was the price of our salvation and how wondrous the glory that awaits us! The grace and mercy of our Lord motivates us to obey His word and grow.

Second, do everything without grumbling or arguing (14-18). God's vision for us is to shine like stars in this dark and wicked generation. For this, we are to be blameless and pure, which is impossible if we allow ourselves to grumble and argue with each other. Shining and complaining are complete opposites! The Holy Spirit is grieved when we struggle with each other. Instead, look at Paul's example. Even if his life was being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of the Philippians' faith, he rejoiced. They were to rejoice as well, as God was using their obedience to produce the image of Christ in them.

Prayer: Father, help us to walk in the Spirit and to grow in Christ. Forgive our grumbling and arguing.

One Word: It is God who works in you!

Countless Saved from God’s Wrath by the Blood of the Lamb

Revelation 7:1-17

Key Verse: 7:9-10

Today's Question

Are all sins equally evil?

See answer and references