“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for It Is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure”. Philippians 2:12
There are two key points in the above scripture for us to explore; 1) work out your own salvation and 2) God works in you both the will and to do. God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3); and as a result we are responsible for the manifestation of all that He has already done for us and put into us. God created an environment that allows for those who are called by His name to grow, become like his son Christ Jesus, become examples of the believer and be a light to the world.
The only way we can “work out” is to have something on the inside, something put in. As believers when we accept Christ as our savior, the spirit of Christ comes in and causes our human spirit to come alive to God. All that we need is now on the inside, and we then are responsible for working out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Salvation in this scripture refers to daily deliverance from self (flesh) and the issues of everyday life. Eternal salvation is a free gift, and is on the inside of us….now we have to work it out and become on the outside what God has placed on the inside. Working it out is a process; and within this process we will look at the 3D life. Living life in 3D consists of dependence, desire and discipline.
Desire for God leads to discipline which comes through obeying God’s word; then we develop a dependence on him. Desire for God (a thirst and hunger) will lead you to study his word, pray (talk to Him) and it will cause growth. We all need to “build up” (edify ourselves) and that only takes place when we have a thirst and hunger for God (Matthew 5:6). Building up is establishing a relationship with God. It is difficult to walk in the spirit without an intimate relationship with God, the giver of the spirit.
Discipline is the ability to maintain a focus. While we build up, we are also “building in”. As you read and study and pray to get to know God better, you are also strengthening your spirit man. Growth and maturity is the by-product of getting to know God. Focusing on your responsibility to read, study and pray develops discipline in your life. Now the process is unfolding as we move into the third step.
Dependence on God is you and I allowing HIM to lead us and guide us. Yielding my will to the will of God denotes my total trust in Him. Trusting God to make good decisions for me, trusting Him to direct my path, trusting him for every area of my life is a necessity because He knows what is best for me. He knew me before I was born, he created me, “He knows the way I take” and He knows the end from the beginning so why not let someone like that have control of my life. It is unnatural to be dependent on others; therefore we find it difficult to allow God to control our lives. However, developing that type of life style gives glory to God. Giving glory to God is also worshiping Him. As we worship God we then can “build out”, by touching the lives of others. We are then in a position for God to use us to encourage His people. Helping others to get where you are, helping others to enjoy God’s presence, helping others to grow, helping others to Live Life In 3D is the result of a life totally dependent on the Most High God.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Rosita
