As we continue to think through the issue of deconstruction and, in turn, to reconstruction, ministry leaders must pray that they are given the opportunity to reconstruct. Even more so, ministry leaders should look for opportunities to help themselves and their people to grow in the Lord. Thankfully, Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives clear instruction on how the church can work towards this goal collectively. Paul admonishes us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Peter O’Brien in his book The Epistle to the Philippians: A Commentary on the Greek Text is helpful when he informs us that…
“This demand to make salvation fruitful in the here and now, as the graces of Christ, or the fruit of the Spirit, are produced in their lives, involve(s) a continuous, sustained effort that they should pursue with godly fear and all the more zealously now that they have been deprived of Paul’s personal presence. The outworking of the gospel in their day-to-day living has in view the approaching day of Christ when their salvation will be complete.”
The other piece we must recognize is that God is the one who is working on us and the people to whom we minister. Even the greatest orator who speaks for God must recognize if God does not go before him, he will be ineffective. We ask and pray for God to move on us so that we would grow closer to Him each and every day.
Consider the devotion above and post your response to the questions below.
- What are some ways the Lord is helping you to work out your salvation with fear and trembling?
- Why do we need to have a spirit of humility even as we put in the work to grow?
Comments are closed