Dear Friends,

Our God is so merciful.  Even when He calls us to the highest standard of performance (“work out your salvation with fear and trembling”), He promises to empower us to accomplish that work. God supplies what God requires.  As Psalm 103:14 says, “For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.”

Interestingly, although the English word is “work” in both cases, there are two different Greek words being represented.  In the first case (the Christian’s responsibility to work out their salvation), the word means, “to perform, accomplish, achieve, or fashion.”  It implies that there is external action going on.  In the second case (God’s promise to work in us), the word means, “to be operative, to put forth power, to effect.”  It implies that there is internal action going on.

As we come to know God, and as we fear Him as a God of power, righteousness, holiness, and perfect love, we are filled with the internal “work” of the Holy Spirit.  God then calls us to specific actions, tasks, areas of growth, and habits.  In this passage, Paul is calling us to rely on the internal power of God in order to accomplish and execute external change and movement in the direction of His calling in our lives.  

Not only does our gracious God provide the power for us to accomplish the work He has given us to do, He also provides us with the perfect example of obedience, diligence, and purpose in Jesus Christ.  

May you be emboldened and encouraged to do the work God has given you to do as you rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and look to the example of Jesus.

Blessings,

Ron