Shining as Lights in the World

By Letting God Work in UsPhilippians 2:13

Introductory Thoughts

Shining as lights in the world is a daunting task, especially living in a world that is becomingincreasingly crooked and perverse

But in Philippians 2:13, we see something that should give us great hope

We are not alone in our efforts to shine as lights in the world!

Philippians 1:6Philippians 4:13

There is power from God to aid us

The Power Available to the Christian

This power is something Paul wanted us to know - Ephesians 1:15-23

Along with other things, Paul wanted them to know what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe

Note that Paul says this power toward us is according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ

How is it possible that we have experienced the same sort of power God used in raising Jesus from the dead?

Ephesians 2:1-6

The Power Available to the Christian

This power is described further by Paul - Ephesians 3:14-21

The source and purpose of this power is hinted at in verse 16

But elaborated upon in his doxology in verse 20

ExceedinglyAbundantly

Above All That We Ask or Think

The power is there for us

The Source and Purpose of this Power

The source is God's spirit in the inner man - Ephesians 3:16

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians

As promised by Jesus - John 7:37-39As promised by Peter - Acts 2:38-39

As referred to by Paul - Romans 8:9-11

The Source and Purpose of this Power

The purpose of this power is to provide strength - Ephesians 3:16

To be strengthened with might

To work out your own salvationTo put to death the deeds of the body - Romans 8:12-

13To glorify god in your body - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

But notice carefully in our text, that God works in you both to will and to do

To do - Help us in our motivationTo will - Help us in our ability

Accessing this Power

Through prayer

Simply put, ask for itBe like Solomon

Through the Word

In instructing the Ephesians to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, he tells them to put

on the whole armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-17

Allow the word of God to be an avenue through which God strengthens us in the inner man, and to work in us, both to will and to do for His good pleasure

Accessing this Power

By Just Doing It!

We receive a lot of help through the word of God and prayer, but the ultimate demonstration of God's power is to be seen when we do His will

But it won't be seen until we decide to do it and then do our part

So it is by faith that we believe that the power to do God's will is there, and it is by faith that we act upon it

Concluding Thoughts

If Christians are not shining as lights in the world, perhaps it is because God is not at work in

them

If such is the case, it would only be through lack of faith on our part

Let's do all that we can to have God work in us, so that we can truly shine as lights in the world