Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13 (KJV)

Context

Paul writes to the church in Philippi to encourage unity, humility, and service among believers. This verse follows the exhortation to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), grounding that command in the divine enablement God Himself provides.

Meaning

The verse begins with the phrase, “For it is God which worketh in you.” Paul reminds the Philippians that the ability to live according to God’s will and to do His good pleasure comes from God Himself. Believers are not left to their own strength or abilities; God actively works within them. The Greek word translated “worketh” (energeō) emphasizes that God is the source and sustainer of both the desire and the action.

God works in us “both to will.” This means that God not only empowers us to carry out His will but also influences our desires and intentions. As we yield ourselves to God, He aligns our hearts and minds with His purposes, shaping our desires to be in line with His will.

God also works in us “both to will and to do.” It is not enough to have the right intentions; God enables us to carry out His good pleasure in our actions. This emphasizes the partnership between God’s empowerment and our active participation. We are called to take action in obedience to God’s leading, knowing that He is at work within us, guiding and strengthening us.

The verse concludes by mentioning that God works in us “of his good pleasure.” God’s desire and pleasure are for us to live according to His will and to reflect His character. This divine work is according to His gracious purpose and good will. It points to the spring, principle, and foundation of all good works: the grace of God wrought in the heart, which is an internal work and purely the work of God. God works in believers a will to that which is spiritually good, making them willing and enabling them to act for His good purpose. This is not merely moral persuasion but the power of His efficacious grace.

Application

Reflecting on this verse, we are reminded of the need to rely on God’s strength and guidance in every aspect of our lives. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, empowering us to live in a manner that honours God. We are called to surrender our wills to God, allowing Him to shape our desires and leading us to take actions that align with His good pleasure.

This verse also serves as an encouragement to those conscious of their own weakness to work, and it is a reason and argument for humility and meekness, since all that believers have and do is from God. It guards against pride and vain glory. The believer’s role is to respond to and cooperate with the work God is doing within them, as the preceding verse’s command to “work out” salvation indicates. The ultimate aim is that God’s good pleasure and purpose are fulfilled in the believer’s life.