Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

February 1
Sunday


GOD IS
AT WORK

READ:
Philippians 2:12-18
______________________________________________

It is God who works
in you both to will
and to do for His good
pleasure.
__Philippians 2:13
______________________________________________

We always crave change in a new year. This is why on January 1 we start diets, exercise programs, and new hobbies. Of course, a month later we're usually back to our old bad habits. Maybe that's because we crave too big a change and do not have enough power and will to make the changes.

I wonder how many Jesus-followers have made commitments to change and grow spiritually but are experiencing frustration because they don't have the will and power to carry out those steps.

Paul addresses this issue in his letter to the Philippians. As he encouraged them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (2:12). Paul said they would not be on their own. God Himself would energize them to grow and carry out His tasks. The first area affected would be their desires. God was at work in them, giving them the desire to change and grow. He was also working to give them the power to make the actual changes (v.13).

God has not left us alone in our struggles to attain spiritual growth. He helps us want to obey Him, and then He gives us the power to do what He wants. Ask Him to help you want to do His will. __Marvin Williams
_____________________________________________________________

```````````````````Every day more like my savior,````````````````
````````````````````````Every day my will resign,````````````````
```````````````````Until at last Christ reigns supremely````````````
````````````````In this grateful heart of mine. __Brandt````````````
_____________________________________________________________

The power that compels us
comes from the Spirit who indwells us.

**************Today's Bible Reading __ Philippians 2:12-18*********

12 Therefore, my beloved,
as you have always obeyed,
not as in my presence only,
but now 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 do for His good
pleasure.

14 Do all things without
complaining and disputing,

15 that you may become
blameless and harmless,
children of God without
fault in the midst of a
crooked and perverse
generation, among whom
you shine as lights in the
world, 16 holding fast the
word of life, so that I may
rejoice in the day of Christ
that I have not run in vain
or labored in vain.

17 yes, and if I am being
poured out as a drink
offering on the sacrifice and
service of your faith, I am
glad and rejoice with you
all. 18 For the same reason
you also be glad and rejoice
with me.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

The word therefore (v.12) is critical to understanding a text's
meaning, because it is a word that demands that we consider the
contxt of the passage. Here, therefore points to Philippians 2:1-11,
where there are two grand themes__concern for and ministry to
others, and how Christ Himself modeled those values. To allow our
hearts to be shaped by the attitudes of Christ (v.5) sets the table
for the challenges we read in verses 12-18. As Chist reigns in our
hearts, we can live as examples of His own heart of care for the
deep needs that are all around us. __Bill Crowder