August 5, 2013 Therefore

Read Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed — not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. WHEN someone says to you, “Therefore, this is what you must do.” How do you feel? Maybe you are resistant because you don’t like what you “must do”. Possibly you are hopeful because it gives you a direction to go to change your life for the better. “Therefore” is there for a reason (as one of my favorite pastors says). In essence the word means, “You know the truth. Now act on the truth.” What truth does Paul encourage the Philippians to act on? Read verses 6-11, where Paul powerfully reminds the Philippians their Lord Jesus is the name that is above every other name! Then comes the cal to act into this truth with, “Therefore.” What is the appropriate action to the truth? Of course it is to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (awe and reverence), isn’t it? Certainly you are in awe that Jesus’ power is within you, aren’t you? Certainly you are reverent to bow down before him. What else would you do? To consider Jesus’ Lordship in any other way is to negate Jesus’ power within you. Jesus is Lord of all, my friends. He will not accept your casual response to his passionate life and death for you. Therefore, go and do as he calls you to do. Be humble to the Savior, who has humbled himself for you. A Moment’s Thought: Jesus is Lord; therefore, rejoice!