SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!

Sunday, December 16, 2018

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