Read Philippians 2:12-13 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
Yesterday we looked at Paul’s urging of the Philippian church to stay on mission in his absence. Today he builds on it by reminding them that God is at work in them, motivating and empowering them to do what pleases Him. In other words, Paul is saying, “God wants to help you become the people He intended for you to be before sin messed everything up.”
That same motivation and power is at work within us today. God gives us desire and power, forming us more and more into His image and likeness. The only problem is that sometimes we view God as our assistant – someone to help us get our own way, to accomplish or achieve all that we desire to do. But that’s not His role. Rather than us trying to get Him to fit the image or likeness we prefer, He wants to form us into the image of Jesus – to shape our desires and identities so we look more like Him.
• Resist the temptation to get your own way. What is one of your greatest desires right now? How are you approaching God about it – as your assistant to do what you want or as your example who shapes your thoughts and behavior? Spend some time in honest reflection and prayer as you move forward to response.
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 verses for a prayer you can pray as you reflect. Ask God to reveal anything in you that needs reshaping and then continue with your time of response.
• Psalm 139:23-24