God Works In You to Work out of You

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. – Philippians 2:13

It is said that God is in your salvation from the first to the last. The scripture says Jesus is the “founder and perfecter of our faith“ (Hebrews 12:2). The Lord is the initiator. You are saved by God’s grace, but it is through faith that you come to true salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).

One commentator noted, “We must learn deep within that God wants only our cooperation. He does not need us to do anything for Him.”

The Spirit of God will work in you to help you grow in your faith and “be transformed by the renewal of your mind that… you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Humbly relying on the Holy Spirit takes attentiveness and care. You are a participant in the guarding of your faith. The Spirit is there to provide divine aid, and He will guide your disposition so that God’s purposes can be fulfilled through you by His power.

You are encouraged to live a life of faith, being obedient to God’s Word, and seeking to do what pleases the Lord. Paul tells the Philippians to “be blameless and innocent, children of God in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16). The more you know God through His Word, the more you will know what pleases Him, and your behavior will be a good witness to those around you.