21 Nov December 16th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

GOD WORKS HIS PURPOSE IN YOU

Philippians 2:12-13 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”

It is true you have been saved by God’s grace through His gift of faith to you in Christ Jesus, not by any works that you do. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  There, is, however the next verse that says you are, “ . . . God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

In today’s devotional verses, St. Paul wrote, “God . . . works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) This aligns exactly with what Jesus taught in His Sermon on The Mount, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

God works in you! God is the energy and the energizer of the universe and all people who reside in it. God does it all. Yes, but He puts you to work in His creation.  Your working was His instructions to Adam and Eve even prior to their sin. He said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” The Holy Spirit inspired the Psalmist to write, “The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to mankind.” (Psalm 115:16)

R.C.H. Lenski comments on verse 12, that St. Paul is exhorting the Philippians to “stand firm as one body by a conduct worthy of the Gospel, unafraid of any opponents. St. Paul wrote similarly to the Colossians, “ . . . continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard . . . “ (Colossians 1:23) and to the Corinthians, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

And, for you “ . . . Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself . . . to redeem You) from all wickedness and to purify (you) for Himself (that you will be eager to do what is good.” (Mirly paraphrase of Titus 2:13-14)

Prayer:  Lord, fill me with Your Spirit to lead me to do works that are in accord with Your will and that will give glory and honor to You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Fruitful trees, the Spirit’s sowing, May we ripen and increase,

Fruit to life eternal growing, Rich in love and joy and peace.

Laden branches freely bearing Gifts the Giver loves to bless;

Here is fruit that grows by sharing, Patience, kindness, gentleness.

Rooted deep in Christ our Master, Christ our pattern and our goal

Teach us, as the years fly faster, Goodness, faith, and self-control.

Fruitful trees, the Spirit’s tending, May we grow till harvests cease;

Till we taste, in life unending, Heaven’s love and joy and peace.

(LSB 691)