God Working In You: Philippians 2:12-16

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.

This is not teaching salvation based on works (Eph. 2:8-9) but working out (living out) the salvation that is in you. God is at work in us and wants His will and pleasure to be done through our lives.

14   Do all things without complaining and disputing,

This must be one of the most difficult commands of Scripture. 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.

Followers of Jesus should stand out from the world. Statistics say the average Christian doesn’t live that much different from the people of this crooked and perverse generation UNLESS they are believers with a Biblical worldview. Those who believe in the truth of Scripture and endeavor to live it out statistically are less likely to 1) abuse alcohol, 2) be involved in spousal abuse, 3) view pornography, 4) live sexual impure lives or 5) lie, cheat and steal.

Let’s hide God’s truth in our hearts and by the power of Christ, live it out as lights shining in the darkness.