SATURDAY January 1, 2022

New Year’s Day

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; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13

Moving forward into this New Year, we shall continue to study and complete the book of Philippians. We concluded Philippians 1 with suffering for Christ’s sake. Then we moved into Philippians 2 covering the consolation believers have in Christ.

During the Christmas season, we viewed Christ’s humility as seen in the incarnation––Christ coming to earth as a Babe, the Son of God––born of Mary. We examined His dual nature––100% man and 100% God. Jesus was obedient to the will of the Father in that He came to die for the sins of the world (Philippians 2:8). We touched on the wonderful names of Jesus Christ and pondered once more the Christmas story––amazing.

Philippians 2:12-13 relates to our salvation. However, some teachers stop at verse 12, and they fail to read the entire phrase. In the New King James and KJV, there should be no semicolon or period, because literally, in the Greek language, this is shown as one complete phrase. Otherwise, it would read as if salvation comes by works––not so.

Salvation is the work of God. We are saved by faith not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). We have nothing to do with it! The Holy Spirit convicted us of righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). Everything we do for Christ is done through the power of the Holy Spirit who energizes us.

Then Paul calls to our remembrance that it is God who is working in and through us for His good pleasure. God reveals His will to us. He directs our lives, and we no longer live by our will, but His. This New Year, fully give yourself to God. Pray to know His will, serve the Lord, and allow Him to work in your life to the fullest.

God doesn’t work through us because we’re flawless; rather, He works through us in spite of our imperfections.
~A.W. Tozer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!