Saturday, September 5: Philippians 2- Keep at it.

 “Keep at it,” those were the words that came to me as I began to processes this passage,  particularly verse 12, which is the verse that drew my attention.

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,

Continue… keep at it… press on… push yourself… these phrases seem to tumble out of my thoughts. It seems like Paul was playing the role of the personal trainer providing that voice saying, “You can do it. One more rep, one more sprint…”

I absolutely believe God will see us through to the end (Romans 8, Ephesians 1) but we are not absolved from doing our part. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling… I have a role in my sanctification. I have a role in my maturity.

Emphasis is on a role. Neither is my maturity and my sanctification ALL about me. The sentence continues in verse 13, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

God is at work, too! Our working out of our salvation is a cooperative work with God.

My thoughts flip back to the word, continue. I have work to do… God desires that I work on deepening, strengthening and growing my faith. Seems to me this means continuing to read and study the Word (filling my mind with the things of God), praying (keeping my relationship with the Lord open and flowing), and living my faith in the way I speak and act (exercising faith muscles).

Clearly, I have things to do today and all my tomorrows…

Lord, show me how to live today. Show me things I can do that will make a difference for You in the world…open my eyes to people who need a word and good deeds I can do, anything that will help me grow stronger and bless You, my Lord and my God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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