We Can't Ignore Our Role in Christian Maturity - Philippians 2:12-13

Paul commends persecuted Thessalonian believers for their faith in the midst of trials (2 Thessalonians 1). 

He then prays a wonderful prayer for them. It’s what I like to call an “Our Part, His Part” passage, of Scripture. 

Paul prays: 

1. That the Thessalonians will live worthy lives – our part. 

2. That God will give them power to accomplish everything prompted by their faith – God’s part. 

The “Our Part” of the Bible is often ignored in modern Christianity.

This is partly due to a popular description of God’s love not found in Scripture: “unconditional love.” If God's love were unconditional in every aspect, He'd have no expectations of us. But He does.

God's love is better than unconditional – it’s a love that refuses to leave us in our sin. 

"Therefore,my dear friends ...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling [seriously and deliberately], for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."  Philippians 2:12-13

---------------

To read more about the incorrect use of "unconditional love": Better Than Unconditional 

To do a short Bible study on this devotion examining several other "our part, His part" passages, check out today's Bite Size Bible Study.
-----------------------------

Why not add some more of God's Word to your schedule by having a 1-minute devotion like this one delivered to your email each weekday. Sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.