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Refining the light
To be a shining light, a light set on a hill, can be a daunting task.
But we are told we “are” a light, and if Jesus said it, that settles it, we are.
But do we believe it?
Do we walk in it?
Do we embrace it and walk in the power of it?
(Mt4:14-16)
We live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.
Our passage for this series gives us both direction and hope (Php2:12-16)
Previously we have discussed
Work out your salvation (Php2:12) - get plank out!
Work out with fear and trembling (Php2:12) -healthy balance of fear of the Lord.
If you notice (v.13) it says “For it is God who works in you” - Today we are going to look at that work, how, why, what it is.
God did not leave us alone and tell us to be light.
He is with us and works in us.
He is working in you, and will continue to work in you (Php1:6)
Not only works in you, but will strengthen you to be light (Php4:13)
So in our lesson today, we are looking at the power of God working us, the source of the power working in us and the purpose of the power working in us.
I. Source of the Power
Power is not something mysterious, not hidden, Paul wanted us to know the source of the power (Eph1:15-23)
Wanted us to know the exceeding greatness of the power in the believer (v.19)
That power that raised Him from the dead (v.20)
That power that seated Him on the throne (v.20)
The power that is at work in us is the same power that raised Christ from the dead!
That power raised us too
Resurrection power at work in us.
(Eph2:1-6)
We were dead in our trespasses, but God made us alive in Christ and raised us up to sit in the heavenlies together with Him.
That power that raised Jesus, raises you is the power necessary for forgiveness of sins and brings the dead sinner back to life by regeneration and washing.
(Tit3:5)
Divine power needed, divine power delivered so we can accomplish what the Lord wants us to be and to do.
Be a shining light!
If you need further description of the power, Paul further addresses this in (Eph3:14-21)
The source and the purpose are found (Eph3:16)
The exaltation or doxology look at the description there (Eph3:20)
Exceedingly abundantly above (or in some versions more) - that is the power at work in us!
Excee
Now we do have some responsibility, we need to understand the purpose of the power and the accessing the power.
II.
Purpose of the Power
Source of the power (Eph3:16)
Jesus promised the power (Jn7:37-39)
Referred to by Paul (Rom8:9-11; 1Cor3:16, 6:19)
Promised by Peter (Act2:38-39)
Referred to by Paul (1Cor3:16, 6:19)
This power is God’s instrument at work in us (Eph2:22)
Let’s not argue about how the Spirit works in us, but agree the Spirit does work in us, as noted in (Eph3:16)
Now I really had not gotten to much to the purpose
Purpose of the power - to strengthen (Eph3:16)
So more on the purpose now.
To work out our own salvation (Php2:12-13)
Put to death deeds of the body (flesh) (Rom8:12-13)
To glorify God in the body (1Cor6:19-20)
Death to deeds of the body (Rom8:12-13)
To glory God in the body (1Cor6:19-20)
1Cor
we are working at refining our lights so we can shine for Jesus, The Holy Spirit does what is necessary in us so we can let our light shine.
This power in you, received when you were baptized, it there to be used for God’s purpose and God’s glory but you have to do it.
Understanding the source of the power and the purpose of the power should be a motivating factor to access the power.
III.
Accessing the power
Eph3:16-21 is a prayer, so to access it, ask for it in prayer
Those who wait upon the Lord will receive strength (Isa40:28-31) - waiting in prayer is part of it.
Look at what Isaiah had to say (Isa40:28-31)
Want strength, ask for it, want
So you want to access the power that is purposed and provided, prayer is a powerful tool to do it, now could that with the Word.
Access the power through the Word of God (Eph6:10-13)
We need the truth (v.14); the gospel (v.15) and faith (v.16) but I should give you the passage
Putting on the full armor
Eph6:16
All of this is coupled together with the Word of God, as described as a sword
So to be a light, a shining light we need to use the sword to reach others so they can be born again (1Pt1:23; Jam1:21)
That is able to save souls (Jam1:21)
One commentator said this:
“Allow the word of God to be an avenue through which God strengthens us in the inner man, and to work in us, both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
The proof is in the pudding, when we put the power that is available in us to work for God to will and to do.
Our passage in (Php2:12-13) speaks of that doesn’t it?
We need to decide to allow the power to work in us and through us.
It is by grace through faith in which we are saved, and it is by faith that we believe that God has given us the power to work in us, and it is by faith that we will act on that power!
III.
Food for thought
Are we being a shining light?
If not maybe we have not allowed the power to work in us and through us?
Are we struggling with with to believe in the power of the Spirit that is available to us?
Join in prayer and in the word and access the power to do what God wants and to be what God called you.
-Shining lights
And it is all for Gods good pleasure (Php2:13)
(insert slide: Be light) = lead to invitation
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