The New Life!

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13.

Every human being is a reflection of the choices they make. Christ-likeness is the result of making righteous choices and depending on His Spirit to help you fulfill those choices. It’s not a difficult task; once you decide to get serious about becoming like Christ, you must begin to act in new ways. You will need to let go of some old routines, develop new habits, and intentionally change the way you think.

The work of the Holy Spirit has been to help believers in decisions to please God, so you can be sure that the Holy Spirit will help you with the changes you decide and desire. Verse 12 of today’s scripture says, “Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Apostle Paul admonished the Philippian church to ‘work out’ their salvation. In other words, they should cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete their salvation. That highlights that they have a responsibility.

Again, in verse 13, he said, “Not in your strength, for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you; He energizes and create in you the power and desire, both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” This reveals that you need God. Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort between you and the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God works with us, not just in us.

Your responsibility is not to add anything to what Jesus already did, but to strive to grow in what He already did. God has given you a new life, and now you’re responsible for developing it with fear and trembling. Don’t be casual about your spiritual growth; take it seriously. Can you ask the Holy Spirit to create you an insatiable appetite for growth? Yes, He will, if you ask. Ephesians 1:5 says, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

Prayer:
1. Dear Holy Spirit, I desire and thirst for you more. Fill my heart and help my life, in Jesus’ name.
2. Isaiah 26:12- Lord Jesus, ordain your peace in my heart and accomplished all your purpose.