Philippians 2:13-16

God Works In Christians

When Christians submit their lives to God's will, it can be said that God works in them (1 Peter 2:13). The Almighty works in them through his great plan for man's salvation. "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:13). God also works in Christians as they live for Christ each day. Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

The follower of Christ needs to carry out his works for God without complaint or question. To do otherwise is to risk giving others grounds for just criticism. Also, God is not pleased with those who murmur. "Nor murmur, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer" (1 Corinthians 10:10).

Christians must have a pure character. If their actions involve no wrong and their motives are free from wrong, the name of the church will not be hurt because of them. This will also help Christ's followers to be more like God in nature every day. They will stand out as examples of good in the middle of wicked people. The truth will thus be held forth for the world to see. Paul told the brethren that living in the way just described would mean his labors in Philippi would come to a fruitful end at the judgment. Christians can only be the light of the world when they hold up the word of truth (1 Peter 2:14-16). Remember, Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).