Philippians 2:13 – “ For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
For so many Christians, the most fundamental tenants of living a life for Christ seem to be the most challenging things for them to master. They know doctrine, they have scripture memorized, and they can show you how to be saved through scripture; yet, they can’t be faithful to the house of God, read their bible, or pray.
Some things (such as doctrine, verses, and the road to salvation) can be taught, as often many that grow up in church are taught in Sunday School. But most of Christianity is yielding your willpower and allowing Christ to live through you. It is not a matter of willpower, it is a matter of submission.
My will, that of the carnal man, never feels like going to church, never feels like studying the Bible or any number of things that God expects a Christian to do. But praise God that my will isn’t what I rely upon to drive me to do such things.
This verse explains that God not only calls us to do His will but the Lord both does the work through us and causes the will of the spiritual man to strengthen within us. The carnal man’s desires pale in comparison to the conviction that comes when God reveals His will to us and burdens us to abide in the Will. Then once we humble ourselves and yield our members to the Will of the Father, God’s omnipotent power uses earthen vessels to do what we could not do on our own.
Too many saints beat themselves up because they cannot will themselves to be a Christian. You cannot force Christianity through the strength of the flesh; and, you don’t have to. Instead of trying to exert the willpower of the carnal man, ask God to reveal and cement His will unto your heart and strengthen your spiritual resolve. You didn’t will yourself into salvation, why would you be able to will yourself into a righteous life?
Stop trying and start trusting that God can do in us what He wills and use our vessels to bring honor and glory unto Himself. Have faith that if we submit that He will show out.
Your fellowservant in Christ,
Bro. Jordan Foster
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