
Philippians 2:12-13, “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
Despite difficult circumstances, Paul was such a strong Christian who maintained joy in the Lord no matter what he was dealing with. He stated in Philip. 1:19, the Holy Spirit would be helping him as the people in the church prayed for him. It was due to their prayers for Paul that those prayers, along with the Holy Spirit, helped Paul see his difficulties in prison through new eyes. He didn’t then resent accepting his current situation, that of being in prison. Paul is a lesson and example of how God wants us to serve him faithfully and joyfully wherever we are until he decides it is time to move on to his next service assignment.
Paul’s entire letter to the Christian church in Philippi always focused on sacrificial love and humility. He taught that they must have the same attitude Christ Jesus had (2:5). Throughout chapter two, Paul is teaching about having the attitude of Christ and what that looks like.
Joseph’s dream came to pass, and his vision is described in Genesis 37:5-7, where his brothers bowed down to him in his dream. They eventually did (Gen. 42:6), but it didn’t happen until after he was thrown into a pit and tossed into prison. Then we have Abraham, who finally received the promise after he patiently endured (Heb. 6:15). He waited 25 years from when God promised him a son, and Isaac was born. Through our faith and patience, we believers can receive the promises of God he has for us, but it may take a while. Patience often brings rewards.
The question is, are we (am I) learning that what we (I) really want, that what we (I) truly desire, is God’s will? Or do we allow ourselves to be side-tracked from our own irritations and frustrations? It takes a submitted mind to put into practice 1 Cor. 15:58, which declares, “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the LORD [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” AMP. There it is. That is how to “work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 12:13. It involves God’s grace and moral effort in our Christian life.
Listen to We Are Messengers – A Thousand Times featuring Cochren & Co. (Official Lyric Video).