Read Philippians 2:12 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
In Paul’s writing to the Philippian church, he reminded them that in his absence, they faced greater temptation to cave to pressure. He told them to work hard to show the results of their salvation. Not because salvation is earned, but because how we live reveals the results of the salvation Jesus won on our behalf.
One of the biggest “joy killers” in our lives is the temptation to do our own thing. But when we put our trust fully in Jesus rather than ourselves, we’re no longer conformed to this world but transformed into the image and likeness of Jesus. We are saved by grace through faith, and this should change everything.
Let’s resist the temptation to do our own thing and instead give God the weight He deserves. He's the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who laid the foundations of the world. Our only response is to put ourselves aside and show Him reverence and awe.
• Resist the temptation to do your own thing. Think through different places you spend time each week. Where are you most tempted to do your own thing or to put your trust in someone or something above God? Post today’s verse somewhere in that space as a reminder to give God the weight He deserves.
Respond
Use your Philippians Guidebook to reflect and respond. For a digital copy of the guidebook, visit tpcc.org/rebels-guide.
Want to go deeper? Look up the following Old Testament verses to see an exchange between God and a man named Job who walked through unthinkable hardship. What stands out to you about how God describes Himself and how Job responds? Note what you observe and then continue with your own time of response.
• Job 38:1-13 (If you have time, continue reading to the end of chapter 38.)
• Job 42:1-6