Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The passage leading up to Philippians 2:13 is focused on the concept of humility and selflessness, using the example of Jesus Christ as the ultimate model. In verses 5-8 (Philippians 2:5-8), the apostle Paul encourages the Philippians to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself, took on human form, and even sacrificed himself on the cross for the sake of others.
In verses 9-11 (Philippians 2:9-11), the focus shifts to the exaltation of Jesus. It describes how, as a result of his humility and obedience, God highly exalted Jesus and bestowed upon him the name that is above every name, so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
With this context in mind, we can better understand Philippians 2:13:
"For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
This verse is emphasizing the divine role in the process of transformation and sanctification in the lives of believers. It's highlighting that the ability to desire and perform actions that are in alignment with God's will comes from God Himself. The verse points to the fact that God is at work within the believers, enabling them to both desire to follow His will and to actually carry out His good purposes.
In the context of the passage on humility and selflessness, this verse reinforces the idea that just as Jesus exemplified humility and obedience, believers are also called to live in a manner that reflects these qualities. The transformation of their desires and actions is attributed to God's active involvement in their lives.
Philippians 2:13 underscores the spiritual transformation and empowerment that believers experience through God's work within them. It aligns with the themes of humility, selflessness, and the imitation of Christ presented earlier in the passage.
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