SOME
ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!
Phil
2:12-13
12
Wherefore,
my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much
more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13
For
it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
One
of the little joys of Christmas is the unassembled gift. It is complete
and comes in a box. All the potential for function and enjoyment is in the box
but it needs to be assembled. The above verse refers to our salvation which was
fully purchased by Jesus Christ. The full potential of that salvation requires
some assembly on our part. We need to put it into practice in order to enjoy it
fully.
The
Greek word that is translated “work out” is katergazomai and it
means “to work fully; to accomplish; to finish.” Salvation cannot be
accomplished through our own personal work. We know that from Titus 3:5-6
which says: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through
Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
Salvation,
once obtained, can be neglected (see Hebrews 2:3). Imagine a gift
certificate for a health club membership. The gift is given and fully paid for
but the full benefit requires a “work out.” Are you neglecting your gift of
salvation? Are you neglecting your prayer life or your Bible study? Are you
making full use of your opportunities? As with many good gifts, some assembly
is required.
Dear
Lord, I find that, when I am disappointed with my gift, it is my fault for not
fully assembling it. Help me today to put together all the various parts of
your great gift to me. AMEN
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