Experiencing The Joy of The Submissive Mind

Submission

Some people try to make verse 12 say we need to “work for our salvation” instead of “work out our salvation.” Paul is writing to people who are already Christians. He is telling them to put into practice in their daily living what God has already worked in them by His Holy Spirit. This outworking was to be done with “fear and trembling,” which means with a complete trust in God and not in themselves. God must work in us before He can work through us (v. 13). It seems that many Christians obey God only because of pressure on the outside, rather than by power on the inside. In the natural man we have a tendency to obey God only when others are watching. The power that works in us is the power of the Holy Spirit of God (Acts 1:8).

Evidently the believers at the church at Philippi were arguing and complaining among themselves (v. 14).  As a result, non Christians were saying, “If that is a Christian I don’t want to be one.” Our lives should be characterized by moral purity, patience and peacefulness. God’s people are to “shine like the stars” (v. 15). It is not by leaving the world but by ministering to it that we see God’s purpose fulfilled in our lives. The joy of the Christian life comes from submission (vv. 16-18). It should not be a series of disappointing “ups and downs.” Instead it should be a sequence of delightful “ins and outs.” God works in us and as a result we need to “work out.” This is accomplished through the Word, prayer and suffering.

Application

Is it costing me anything to be a Christian? If it isn’t then I am probably not doing anything that is meaningful or lasting for the Lord.

Philippians 2:09-16 (English Standard Version)


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