Philippians 2:13

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

1. Context:Philippians is one of the Epistles written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi. In this particular passage, Paul encourages the believers to have the mindset of Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death on the cross. He emphasizes the importance of unity, humility, and service among the believers.

2. Divine Empowerment:The verse begins with the phrase, “For it is God which worketh in you.” Here, Paul reminds the Philippians (and us) that the ability to live according to God’s will and to do His good pleasure comes from God Himself. As believers, we are not left to our own strength or abilities. God actively works within us to bring about His purposes.

3. God’s Work in Our Will:The verse continues by stating that 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.

4. God’s Work in Our Actions:The verse further states that God works in us “both to will and to do.” It is not enough to have the right intentions; God also 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.

5. God’s Good Pleasure: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. When we align ourselves with God’s purposes, we find fulfillment and experience the joy of pleasing Him.

6. Practical 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.