Philippians 2: 12-13
Note: For the Summer we are reprinting some devotions that ran back when we were getting this site up and running. Hopefully this is new content to you, and we will get back into writing fresh devotions as our schedule allows.
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
This last Wednesday night I told a story about a shipwreck. I asked the audience to imagine they were in a rescue boat trying to find the survivors of a shipwreck. What are signs you would look for to tell if people were still alive? You'd start by looking for motion. If their arms are moving, that's a good sign they're alive. Also if they are breathing or yelling to you, that's a good sign. You know what's a bad sign? Floating face down in the water. If you're doing that you're probably not alive (unless you're Rose trying to catch a last glimpse of Jack as he floats to the bottom 'cause there wasn't enough room on the door for both of you!).
In this passage Paul reminds us that salvation isn't a one time event, but it's a process that we go through throughout our lives. Sometimes it's hard to understand why living the Christian life is so difficult, it's hard to see why we are constantly facing temptations. Yet all of this makes us more like Christ, which is truly what God wants for us.
-Jeff-
