Power of Working It Out

Key Scripture:  “Work out your own salvation.” Philippians 2:12

“Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the One He has sent.” John 6:29
Power Point:

     Each of us has a job assignment. According to Jesus, Our job is to believe. From what I understand it is our own personal job to make sure that we live believing.  I can’t believe for you.  Your husband or wife or child or pastor or best friend cannot believe for you. It’s your job to work out your salvation  "Work out" means that you have to apply effort to the details of your salvation so that it brings the results, which God desires, for you.

     Paul further warns us that the work must be done with "reverence" for the gift of salvation and "trembling".  Sometimes when I lift weights or do lunges, my muscles will begin to tremble with the effort. I think that may be the picture Paul is presenting here. The thing is Beloved, you are the one who has to “lift the weight” of carrying your salvation. You are the one who has to flex your “salvation muscles”. You are the one who has to read what God has said and apply it to your life.  You are the only one who can get to know Him better by spending more time with Him. You are the one. No one else can carry those weights for you. Others can encourage you, teach you, and pray for you but at some point it’s your job to believe.

     You have no excuses, you know. Nobody said it would be easy, in fact we have evidence that it probably won’t be. But each of us has the same Spirit that totally defeated the enemy at the cross. Ever since then Satan has worked overtime to get us to convince us that what Jesus died to give us is not real. God says it is. You have to work that out for yourself.

     Believing isn't something that just zaps you and then you coast for the rest of your life. When you believed  in Jesus, that was just the beginning.  I don’t think anyone would disagree that believing is a process. If you fail one test, don’t worry you’ll have another opportunity. Believing is a life choice not a one-time event. You simply have to learn to flex your faith muscles and gain strength for the work. And you have to build that strength for yourself.

      It’s our job to believe. Work it out.

      Power Thought:

      Working out your own salvation is going to involve YOU working it out. Are you ready? Go for it! A little trembling is a good thing.