…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you…"
- Philippians 2:12-13
Part 1:
There are things only God can do.
However, God will not do for us we he has called us to do in faith. We must understand this. If not, we remain stuck in the same spiritually-stagnated spot. No progress, and we somehow blame God.
Spiritual stagnation is evidence that we have not been faithful to act on what we know. James, in the book bearing his name, makes the argument that faith is demonstrated in action.
Paul tells us to work out our salvation. We do this by acting on what we already know, and trusting God for what we don't. The biblical narrative is chalked full of examples of the greats of the faith acting on what they knew and relying on God for what they didn't. Faithful action, steps of obedience, trust in God; this is working out our salvation.
Notice Paul writes, "…your OWN salvation…" No one else can do it for us. Not our parents, pastor, friend, spouse, favorite author, etc. We are responsible and accountable for the incredible gift God has given us. No one can be faithful and obedient for us.
God, I will take the steps I know; help me to trust walk the steps i don't see.\
For now...
D
