By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Philippians 2:12-13 "So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose." - GNB
The call to work out our salvation with fear and trembling is a tough decision to make. This is more so, given the many trials that come along with it. But lest we are tempted to think this is from our own making and abilities, Paul says it is all about God working in us to will and to obey Him.
God created man with a will and freedom of choice. Even after coming to Christ and submitting our wills to His, we still retain that God given right to make decisions. The natural tendency of fallen human nature is towards disobedience to God and His will. On our own, we cannot obey God. But He helps us to align our wills to obey Him, and to suppress the rebellious nature that wants to disobey. As we work out our salvation, the will and strength to do so, all comes from God our Father.
Our part is the attitude of reverential fear of God and a willing submission to do His will despite the prevailing enemy forces attempting to divert us from the Way. When we make up our minds to stand for God and remain in the faith, then nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from His love. Let’s purpose in our hearts to remain firm in the Lord. He will supply the strength to enable us stand to the end.
Romans 8:37-39 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Shalom children of God.