Read Philippians 2 Following Jesus Example

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13 NKJV)

Paul was writing to the Philippians to encourage them to walk in unity showing the example of Christ. Are they capable of doing so? Here Paul reminded them that God is at work.

He energizes them both for salvation and sanctification. It is not working for salvation. Salvation is a free gift. It is a reference to His sovereignty of choosing and calling us according to His foreknowledge, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. (I Peter 1:2) They have nothing to boast.

God works in our will to fulfill His desire. The reason is to be aware that God has to energize our will. He brings about sanctification as we walk in the Spirit, yielding to Him. He is working on our will not feeling a desire to please Him. We are first foremost important to God than our work or achievements. We are often prompt to initiate, act or react before discovering Gods guidance. How different it would make to our approach if we have the end in mind that God has ordained the outcome He is working in and through us! Ask yourself what is in your heart desire. Perhaps its how our heavenly Father leads. He puts His laws in our minds and writes them on the tablets of our hearts!

Its not our effort but our submission and discovery that brings Him pleasure. Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Prayer: Lord, I desire is to bring You pleasure. I do not have the full certainty, capability, and willing heart to fulfil it. I am leaning on You as You energize me to will and to do Your will for Your pleasure.

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