Growing in Virtue
Friday, May 13, this day has been commonly characterized as a day of bad luck. The bible tells us that Jesus and his 12 disciples had the last supper on a Thursday. The very next day, a Friday, Jesus was crucified on what we call Good Friday. Friday the 13th being a bad day is an old superstition based on the number of people attending the last supper “13” and “Friday” being the day of Jesus’ crucifixion. So having 13 guests at dinner was an omen for bad luck. Oddly, enough this Friday the 13th was anything but “bad” for the ladies who joined our monthly gathering. It was a time of fellowship in its truest form. We fellowship horizontally with one another and vertically with the Lord. We enjoyed food, conversation, God’s word, and prayer. The food provided by our host was excellent. Our conversation at first was just reconnecting and small talk. Later we discussed 3 articles on, Christian obedience, God’s will for our life and messy Christianity. We analyzed the biblical significance these readings brought to our lives.
The article being reviewed for this blog is written by Justin Dillehay, Philippians 2: Mind Blowing Mystery of Christian Obedience. In a round table discussion, we read the article out loud. The author deconstructs Christian obedience, asking the questions, “How does Christian obedience work? Is it something we do, or something God does in us? And if it’s something we do, how can God get the glory instead of us? Moreover, is obedience something we should actively seek, or should we simply “let go and let God?" If salvation is something God does from start to finish (Phil. 1:6), what does that leave for us to do?” We took a moment to reflect on the questions the author asked himself. Each lady spoke on their experience with obedience to authority in our lives, and contemplated our obedience to God. The author lets us know that Philippians 2:12-13 address the questions for us.
We have a responsibility to obey, and God is sovereign over our obedience. It was truly mind blowing that these two constructs are linked to one another; “Responsibility” and "Sovereignty”. Our responsibility in obedience is found in Philippians 2:12 telling us: “Work out your own salvation.” We took a moment to reflect on that scripture. Asking ourselves how we go about this work? The author explains, “The salvation we’re called to bring about is the sanctification that climaxes in glorification.” He goes on to reminds us that sanctification isn’t something passive like watching TV. It takes effort from us, and the understanding that God isn’t going to do it for us. How do we bring about our salvation? Obedience. Philippians 2:13 gives us the answer to verse 12. One quote that stood out stated, “You shouldn’t work because God works, or if you work, then God will work, but you should work because God works in you.” Read that quote again. It all boils down to God working in you, giving you the inclination to seek salvation, and the willingness to obey. We came to the conclusion that we are not always seeking to be continually saved and we are not always obedient or have a willing heart to obey.
We are covered in grace and thankful to God for his grace. We ended our meeting in prayer, optimistic about our salvation that leads to sanctification and ultimately glorification. Amen.
Articles mentioned: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/mystery-christian-obedience/
Other articles discussed: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/gods-will-life-obvious-think/ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-dangers-merely-messy-christianity/