“Therefore, 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, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12–13 NIV)

 

Some people are really into exercise. They love to work up a sweat, go on a run, or lift weights. I hate all of it. And I know I’m not alone in that. But the fact of the matter is that we really need to exercise. We can’t hire someone to work out for us. It’s something we have to do for ourselves. In Philippians 2:12–13, the apostle Paul addresses a similar spiritual reality.

Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Therefore, 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, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (niv). Paul was in prison in Rome when he wrote those words. He was experiencing anxiety over the fact that he was separated from his fellow believers, whom he cared so much about.

Effectively Paul was saying, “Look, guys, I can’t be with you right now. I wish I were there to offer you guidance and to be a good example for you, but I can’t do it. But don’t forget: It’s God who works in you, and not Paul.”

The believers in Philippi may have been thinking, “We can’t live the Christian life without Paul around.” But the reality was, they could. And the same goes for believers today. If pastors and spiritual leaders are doing their jobs properly, they will get you up on your own feet, spiritually speaking, so that you’re not dependent on them.

This is especially important in the heat of spiritual battle. Some Christians may be hesitant to engage the enemy without the direction, encouragement, and motivation of their spiritual leaders. They don’t trust themselves. And the devil is quick to take advantage of that.

Paul speaks for all sincere Christian leaders when he says, in effect, “Guys, keep things in perspective. It’s God who’s doing the work. He’s the only One you have to rely on. Maybe He worked through me, but it’s still God who did the work. And He can do it through you.”

Paul would have been the first to object if someone had tried to put him on a pedestal or claim that he could do no wrong. So, our takeaway from Philippians 2:12–13 is that we must not base our relationship with God on someone else’s relationship with God. We need to develop our own faith, based on our own experiences with God and His Word. We need to build on our own spiritual foundation. We need to fight our own spiritual battles with God by our side.

 

Reflection question: Why is it tempting to rely too heavily on spiritual leaders? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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