Bible Verse 0f the Day Friday March 15th, 2024

Philippians 2:13 (NKJV) for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

We often hear the statement "my pleasure" when we thank someone who has provided us with a service. We listen to it from other areas and our friends and neighbors when we gladly do something to help them. Moreover, there is another situation in which we hear that phrase when someone says, "I serve at the pleasure of." We hear this in the political arena; someone might say, "I serve at the pleasure of the Governor." This tradition dates to the 1700s and means that the person is loyal to the officials they serve. Whatever the officials that they serve wants, they are willing to carry out.

But that is certainly different from what Paul had in mind here. He wasn't serving at the pleasure of any political leader of his day. He was serving at the pleasure of God. Whatever God wanted in his life; he was willing to do. No matter the sacrifice, circumstances, or distance, he was willing if it was for God. The Apostle wanted God to be able to move in his life and accomplish His will. He was serving at the pleasure of God.

Are we serving at His pleasure? No matter what God would have us to do, are we willing? We all can choose to serve God or not. Rather than fighting against Him, we should let God work in our lives. Our commitment should be to live our lives, serving at His pleasure.

The idea is that since God has done and is doing work in the Christian life, the Christian has a greater responsibility to work diligently with fear and trembling regarding their salvation and service for Christ. God's work in His children increases our responsibility; it doesn't lessen it in any way. Those who are indeed God's servants use their comprehension of His sovereignty and omnipotence as a motivation for more excellent, more dedicated service to Him.

Followers and believers of Christ Jesus are partners with God, laboring together with Him. This scripture verse's verb "works" indicates energizing or delivering enablement. God makes His children both eager and keen to do His work. This plan creates assurance in God's work and God's church. If we surrender to the will of God, He will work in His own unique and incomparable way. The word "works" in God's Word is always used supernaturally and for efficient action. Humans will not thwart God's good work; God will affect the result.

God is working according to his stipulations, corresponding to a building plan. God will carry out His design. Either He works in us or works on us. Either way, He will achieve His purpose. God has enacted a plan that every Christian will ultimately be like the Lord Jesus, no matter what the costs to that person.