Carefully put into action God’s saving work in your lives. Philippians 2:12-18.

Pause for thought

Because of imprisonment Paul was not around to encourage the Philippians they were now on their own. They had to take responsibility for how they were to live out their faith in a hostile world, Paul expected them to continue to put their faith into action just as if he were still working amongst them. I once read a book with the title “ who are you when nobody’s looking! “ We all need fellowship with other Christian. 2:12

Our salvation is not dependant on our Christian performance, but we do have responsibility to express our salvation in how we live. I love the way the N.L.T. Puts it “put into action Gods saving work in your lives” 2:12

When we become Christians God does not take away our free will but He is always ready to come alongside us and within us to help giving us the power to do what He wants 2:13

Paul saw his life as a sacrifice being poured out for the Philippians, he uses the illustration of the drink offering in the law of Moses, which like all the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to the final and greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Paul was always doing what was pleasing to God, let’s pray that God the Holy Spirit creates in us a similar longing 2:17-18

memory verse

For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him. Philippians 2:13 N.L.T.

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@jessemichaelsibley