What does it mean to will and work for God?

What does it mean to will and work for God?
Monday, August 12, 2024 by Melissa McLaughlin

The aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafted through the house. Our kids came running.

When my children were young, they loved helping make cookies. Chocolate chip cookies topped their list. They rushed to the kitchen to assist. Their eyes twinkled as they mixed the batter and stirred the chocolate chips. Small fingers scooped dough, rolled balls, and dropped them onto cookie sheets.

I popped each tray in the oven and the sugary scent swirled. Our mouths watered. When the tiny treats came out of the oven, children gathered around to taste the results. Gooey chocolate chip goodness melted in our mouths. Smiles, laughter, and joy warmed our home with love sweeter than any dessert.

As I look back on those days, I am reminded of God working through us to bring about the fruits of His kingdom.

Many Bible verses illustrate this Scripture truth. However, during my recent Bible reading, one passage jumped out.

What Does it Mean to Will and Work for God?

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV) – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

In the preceding passage, Philippians 2:1-11, Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation is highlighted. Therefore, these verses do not suggest we save ourselves. Our salvation is given by grace through faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross (Ephesians 2:8 ESV).

Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling

So, what is this passage saying? Especially this phrase “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

As we ponder the gruesome path Jesus walked to save us, we desire to live for Him. When we remember Jesus’ blood and anguish pouring down to atone for our selfishness, pride, impurity, addictions, greed, and envy—we are undone.

Jesus, I bring nothing to the table except my need. Yet, You saw my need and gave Yourself.

There is no other gift like Jesus.

Further, we do not fear condemnation, for in Christ there is no condemnation. Instead, we gaze at Him, breathless— with holy awe and reverence. We begin to grasp God’s immense greatness and the sacred salvation we did not earn but now possess.

We tremble at this divine offering. Free for the taking. Our only response is to love Christ with our hearts, souls, minds, and strength (Mark 12:30 ESV).

Consequently, how can we not “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling?”

God Works in You to Will and Work for Him

Next, let’s contemplate the ending of this passage— “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

This phrase stopped me in my tracks.

As believers, God works in us through His indwelling Holy Spirit. He is our teacher, counselor, comforter, advocate, and the One who convicts us of sin.

What does it mean to will and to work for His good pleasure?

The Holy Spirit is causing our will to align with God’s will. As we seek to follow and know Him through His Word, the Spirit assists us in accomplishing deeds that please God.

This is not a reason to sit back in laziness and let God drive. Rather, we recognize the enormity of this wonder. The God of the universe, who formed every planet and star, who intricately painted the butterflies’ patterns, who spoke to the winds and the waves, is in us and helping us. He is willing and working out His good plans through us.

We love Jesus and we may desire to honor Him. But God is bringing it to pass.

Blessings upon blessings. Grace upon grace.

Yes, the expansive love of God makes me tremble. He formed our frames. He breathed into us the breath of life. He sustained our heartbeat day by day. He provided water, food, and shelter. Family, friends, jobs, and His kingdom family.

Yet shining out high above all blessings, He sent Jesus to save us. Through Christ, God absorbed into Himself the penalty for our rebellion. Then He arose in all power and dominion.

Jesus rules and reigns in heaven, where He intercedes for us. Imagine this. Right now, Jesus is praying for you and me. As if that’s not enough, He filled every believer with His Spirit to guide and strengthen us.

Through His Spirit, God endows us with the will to do the work that brings Him glory. And spiritual blessings ensue. The thought that God is in me bringing about eternal purposes causes me to tremble! This is a great mystery of God.

God has done it all! An avalanche of love and blessings drenching us daily. With more to come in eternity.

God Invites Us and God Helps Us

Like when I baked with my children, I didn’t force them to help me. They witnessed the outcome of the work and enjoyed the goodness of the cookies. They wanted to help.

With small hands, big eyes, and joyful hearts, they completed the parts they could. Overseeing and undergirding them, I ensured proper measurements and handled the hot trays coming in and out of the oven.

But the cookies meant more when we baked together. To me and to the kids. Working together meant we shared the experience and the results.

That is God’s heart for us. To share in His love and experience His power as He works through us. In addition, we anticipate rejoicing together in heaven at His kingdom harvest. The sweetest blessing we will ever know.

Do you feel like God’s plans are too big? Feel like He’s asking too much of you? Be encouraged, my friend! It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. May this miracle renew your heart today.

Bible Study
Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin to discover the Truthful Grace and spiritual riches of studying God’s Word. Find joy in the knowledge of Jesus Christ through Biblical Growth and the life-changing truth of His Word.

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