stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:13)

Have you ever thought about how a motor works? I usually don’t – until it stops. Internal combustion produces external power. It propels a car to transport people from one place to another. When my car engine quit once, I got out and pushed it to the nearest gas station. I sat there until the tow truck arrived. That’s not what the car was intended to do. It’s designed with a powerful engine for movement.  How foolish it would look if I didn’t get it repaired and pushed it everywhere! If the engine’s pistons are not working internally, the car’s wheels are not working externally.  

Working out our salvation should remind us of God’s work in our salvation.  We work out from what God is working in us. Working out without working in leads to working up. Without God working in us, conforming us to His image and will, we will either try to fake or make works happen in our power. In Philippians 2:13, Paul says, “For it is God who works in you…”  God produces the good works that stem from our lives, not us.  While we are to obey, He is the one that “gives us the desire and power to do” (NLT).  Without the Lord working in us, we wouldn’t want or be able to grow.  He provides the motivation and motor for spiritual growth. He does this “for His good pleasure.” While we and others benefit from doing good works, God is the primary beneficiary.  Our good works are for His great glory.  

God took the initiative to save us by sending Jesus.  Without His salvation, we wouldn’t want to nor be able to grow in it.  He starts, sustains, supplies, and satisfies our salvation. He saved us from sin to Himself.  We no longer live for ourselves but for Him.  Our selfish way of living should be replaced with God’s purpose for our lives.  Doing God’s will trumps doing our own.  We are to let our lights shine so others will see our works and glorify Him (Matthew 5:16).  Ephesians 3:10 says God’s manifold wisdom should be made known through the church. God began a work in us and will complete it for His glory (Philippians 1:6).  

There is a partnership with God in our spiritual growth. This sanctification involves both our “working out” (v. 12) and His “working in” (v. 13). God’s activity in us should do away with passivity and cause us to work for Him.  Human efforts apart from God cannot produce spiritual works that please Him. We must not think the two are at odds with each other. God working in and our working out should display beautiful harmonious cooperation that results in God’s glory and our growth.

Questions for the Head (Think)

• When it comes to salvation, how harmonious is God’s “working in” and your “working out”?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Read Philippians 2:13 and allow the Spirit to show you how your works please Him.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• List any works that do not stem from God working in you (fleshly, fake, etc.). Ask the Lord to purify your motive and efforts.