As we go through Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he begins to talk about his purpose. In my last post, we saw that the church was exhorted to walk in purity, shining the light of Christ, and holding forth the Word of God.
Paul told them these things…
…in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
Philippians 2:16 NIV
Paul did not want his labors in the Philippian church to be in vain. Literally, that word means to be empty. But, what is Paul trying to get across to them?
It’s actually an important concept that we need to take note of. Our desire should be that our walk before God is not an empty walk. I want to explain it to you from Scripture.
We first have to start with the grace of God. His grace has been poured out on all of mankind. Some choose to receive it, while others either reject or ignore it.
As believers in Christ, we must receive it with a purpose. Scripture is clear.
As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
2 Corinthians 6:1 NIV
This is where it begins. The receiving of God’s grace. He has poured it out on us in abundance. But, what are we doing with it? That’s the real question.
So it’s not a matter of obtaining grace. You’ve already got it. You have the grace of God for everything you need. So what’s the problem?
Notice that Paul refers to his audience as God’s fellow workers. Do you see yourself as working alongside God in His field? If not, then that’s where you need to concentrate your prayers.
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
You have the grace, now you need to start putting it to work. Your work, alongside God as a fellow worker, is not empty. It will have an effect. It will make a difference in your life and in those around you.
Grace always has a destination – a purpose – in mind. Receiving God’s grace, and not acting on it, makes for an empty life. All the work you’re doing is worthless.
That brings me to the final piece of the puzzle. We can’t act on God’s grace without a knowledge of God’s will. God’s Word is His will revealed to us. We should already know that faith comes by hearing that Word (Romans 10:17).
This faith has a relationship with grace.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
Romans 5:1-2a NIV
Faith gives us access to use the grace we’ve received. We hear God’s will. Faith is birthed I us. We trust that God’s Word is true. Then we act on it.
James understood this concept.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
James 2:20 NIV
This is an interesting verse because that word, foolish, is the same Greek word, vain that we’ve been talking about. If you don’t take the grace and faith that you’ve been given, and act on them, you’re empty and unfulfilled.
I don’t want an empty, unfulfilled life. I want to accomplish my destiny in the Lord. That will require me to take the grace and faith I’ve been given and use them to work alongside the Lord in His kingdom.
Let that be the desire of your heart!
Question: How are you putting God’s grace to work in your life?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 