Philippians 2:12-13 AMP 12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13 JB Phillips So then, my dearest friends, as you have always followed my advice – and that not only when I was present to give it so now that I am far away – be keener than ever to work out the salvation that God has given you with a proper sense of awe and responsibility. For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose.
Observation
We are foolish and short-sighted when we allow ourselves to fall into the trap of thinking that we are wise enough – and our own strength and abilities are sufficient enough – to take care of life’s challenges on our own – “I can handle this one; I know what to do here; no need to pray and get God’s input.” No matter how many books we read or classes we take or certificates/degrees we obtain, our efforts and achievements are temporary and inefficient when we work outside of His will and purpose. We cannot work out our own salvation. He is not impressed by human power, status, crowds, knowledge accumulated, achievements, or any self-acclaimed righteousness. Also, He is not dismayed or deterred by what we may see as incurable, insurmountable or immovable. “For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose.” Shouldn’t we check with Him on what His purpose is and how He is making us just right to fulfill it?
We forget sometimes that God has only one plan, the same one that was set in motion before creation. I stand amazed at the fact that He wants to partner with us to fulfill it and the patience with which He works within us to make us His fine instrument. Ultimately, He is impressed by our depth of submission, degree of obedience and absolute trust in Him – that genuine righteousness that comes from faith in Christ and makes us one after His own heart – evidence that we have been supple clay in His hands, allowing Him to work out His salvation in us.
Impact on Me
So, I have mentioned before that I consider myself a recovering over-achieving perfectionist – who is sometimes not recovering. When I fall of the wagon, it is encouraging to know that the Holy Spirit is at work within me to restore, refine and remake me into a fine instrument in the Redeemer’s hand, teaching me how to partner with Him in the work He desires to do. Ultimately, I want to be an instrument of release for every follower of Christ, allowing them to hear God’s will and purpose for them, embrace the call He has placed on their lives and find the confidence to step out in faith to fulfill His will and purpose in and for them.
The result of His work in us should be spiritual growth which leads to spiritual muscle (the power and ability to produce fruit for the kingdom of God), and not just the spiritual fat of increased knowledge and looking spiritual (feeding ourselves without producing fruit). That over-achieving perfectionist is spiritually obese. My recovery is focused on living each day an obedient, Holy Spirit driven, practical expression of my gratitude and love for the grace poured out on me. Certainly, teaching and training will help, but it must be combined with experience – stepping out in faith into the scariest of places and finding Jesus before/behind/beside you. I leave us with the final words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes:
Ecclesiastes 12:11-14 MSG 11 The words of the wise prod us to live well. They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd. 12-13 But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. 14 And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.
Prayer
Lord God, Loving Father, Gracious Redeemer, Helper, I marvel at Your patience with me. When I fall off Your wagon into the muck of my humanity, You stop and pick me up, wash me off, and show me again Your wisdom and grace. I am so grateful that You are working within me to make me fit to partner with You in fulfilling Your will and purpose. In Your mercy, “bring everything that I do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil” but do it now so I may give You joy in Your heart through the rest of my life. Make it so, in Jesus’ name.
Pressing On In His Footsteps 