Monday, September 26, 2016

God’s Work and Your Work


God’s Work and Your Work
 
Pastor Allan was reading from Philippians as I took notes and offer his digested sermon.
Philippians 2:12-13  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now 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 do of his good pleasure.
Paul is speaking in these verses urging the Christians to obey God, even when no one is watching.  He is reminding the believers that although they are saved by the blood of Jesus, that they have a part to do in walking free.  Jesus did a work in their hearts and now they have a part in the work of their salvation. 
There are some lifestyle changes that need to be made, and often some house cleaning in the cupboards, closets and hiding places.
The Word of God will work in us as we begin to daily read our Bible.  There is a washing of the Word that occurs as our thoughts are centered on what the Holy Spirit is revealing to us. 
Our greatest enemy is our own fleshly desires that try to pull us back into slavery.  The Holy Spirit is faithful to convict you, and it is important to understand that He is not there to make your life miserable but to help you to live a Holy life. 
Face up – or Face down, however the Holy Spirit manifests himself for he is our teacher. 
Our work is to have a teachable spirit instead of a prideful and rebellious attitude. 
At times we do stupid things.  The wisest man in the world did some stupid things.  He took women as wives who were not believers and who served other gods.  These ungodly women became the teachers of his rebellious children. 
Everything we have are blessings from the Father God. 
James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning. 
We must become a doer of the Word and not a hearer only.  It is up to us to put aside the things that are weighing us down, and allow God’s Word to wash us clean.
James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and extreme wickedness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 
Verse 26 says: If you seem religious but can’t control your tongue, your testimony is worthless. 
Our Christian walk must be a walk in the Holy Spirit, and we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  The flesh lusts against the Holy Spirit. 
Jesus is watch and praying for you that you don’t fall short, but that you will yield to the Holy Spirit.  His desire is that you stand fast in the liberty that you have been set free and to not to be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 
You have a responsibility to keep moving forward; to keep clean by the Word and by seeking the face of Jesus.  Always seek a higher level in God.  Don’t be satisfied with status quo, but to the best of your ability keep your relationship with Jesus up to date. 
Keep plugged in God's Word, The Holy spirit and your local church; to grow, to mature and to be able to encourage others. 
The Holy Spirit is so important in our lives.  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit, but love Him and the attention He is giving to you.  The Holy Spirit is here to assist and to guide you in your daily walk. 

Allow The Holy Spirit to be your closest friend.

 

3 comments:

Cheryl said...

Dear Hazel, You will never know how much I needed this word tonight. It went RIGHT ALONG with a hard lesson the Holy Spirit has been teaching my family and me. Praise His name forevermore! All glory to GOD! And, thank you for being obedient.

caryjo said...

I've sure understood this, too! Have thought of a lot of stuff for many, many years! And Paul and Peter and many others were murdered, b/c they were Christians. Again, when I'm in Heaven I want to see of many of them and let them know that we appreciate them for what they had done. Thank you...

Unknown said...

You hit on so many huge issues! This flesh is indeed weak… It's a constant striving and only in His spirit can we live above this flesh.

It's always amazing that the wisest man in the world too fell off the wagon now and then. Good reason for us to dust ourselves off and keep moving toward the voice of our Father. Thanks for the reminder, sister.