Philippians 2:13
Verse
Context
Sermons
Smith Wigglesworth
Major Ian Thomas
Zac Poonen
J. Glyn Owen
Leonard Ravenhill
A.W. TozerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For it is God which worketh in you - Every holy purpose, pious resolution, good word, and good work, must come from him; ye must be workers together with him, that ye receive not his grace in vain; because he worketh in you, therefore work with him, and work out your own salvation. To will and to do - Το θελειν και το ενεργειν. The power to will and the power to act must necessarily come from God, who is the author both of the soul and body, and of all their powers and energies, but the act of volition and the act of working come from the man. God gives power to will, man wills through that power; God gives power to act, and man acts through that power. Without the power to will, man can will nothing; without the power to work, man can do nothing. God neither wills for man, nor works in man's stead, but he furnishes him with power to do both; he is therefore accountable to God for these powers. Because God works in them the power to will and the power to do, therefore the apostle exhorts them to work out their own salvation; most manifestly showing that the use of the powers of volition and action belongs to themselves. They cannot do God's work, they cannot produce in themselves a power to will and to do; and God will not do their work, he will not work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Though men have grievously puzzled themselves with questions relative to the will and power of the human being; yet no case can be plainer than that which the apostle lays down here: the power to will and do comes from God; the use of that power belongs to man. He that has not got this power can neither will nor work; he that has this power can do both. But it does not necessarily follow that he who has these powers will use them; the possession of the powers does not necessarily imply the use of those powers, because a man might have them, and not use or abuse them; therefore the apostle exhorts: Work out your own salvation. This is a general exhortation; it may be applied to all men, for to all it is applicable, there not being a rational being on the face of the earth, who has not from God both power to will and act in the things which concern his salvation. Hence the accountableness of man. Of his good pleasure - Every good is freely given of God; no man deserves any thing from him; and as it pleaseth him, so he deals out to men those measures of mental and corporeal energy which he sees to be necessary; giving to some more, to others less, but to all what is sufficient for their salvation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--encouragement to work: "For it is God who worketh in you," always present with you, though I be absent. It is not said, "Work out your own salvation, though it is God," &c., but, "because it is God who," &c. The will, and the power to work, being first instalments of His grace, encourage us to make full proof of, and carry out to the end, the "salvation" which He has first "worked," and is still "working in" us, enabling us to "work it out." "Our will does nothing thereunto without grace; but grace is inactive without our will" [ST. BERNARD]. Man is, in different senses, entirely active, and entirely passive: God producing all, and we acting all. What He produced is our own acts. It is not that God does some, and we the rest. God does all, and we do all. God is the only proper author, we the only proper actors. Thus the same things in Scripture are represented as from God, and from us. God makes a new heart, and we are commanded to make us a new heart; not merely because we must use the means in order to the effect, but the effect itself is our act and our duty (Eze 11:19; Eze 18:31; Eze 36:26) [EDWARDS]. worketh--rather as Greek, "worketh effectually." We cannot of ourselves embrace the Gospel of grace: "the will" (Psa 110:3; Co2 3:5) comes solely of God's gift to whom He will (Joh 6:44, Joh 6:65); so also the power "to do" (rather, "to work effectually," as the Greek is the same as that for "worketh in"), that is, effectual perseverance to the end, is wholly of God's gift (Phi 1:6; Heb 13:21). of his good pleasure--rather as Greek, "FOR His good pleasure"; in order to carry out His sovereign gracious purpose towards you (Eph 1:5, Eph 1:9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For it is God which worketh in you,.... Which is both an encouragement to persons conscious of their own weakness to work, as before exhorted to; see Hag 2:4; and a reason and argument for humility and meekness, and against pride and vain glory, since all we have, and do, is from God; and also points out the spring, principle, and foundation of all good works; namely, the grace of God wrought in the heart, which is an internal work, and purely the work of God: by this men become the workmanship of God, created unto good works, Eph 2:10, and are new men, and fitted for the performance of acts of righteousness, and true holiness; and this grace, which God works in them, is wrought in a powerful and efficacious manner, so as not to be frustrated and made void. The word here used signifies an inward, powerful, and efficacious operation; and the "king's manuscript", mentioned by Grotius and Hammond, adds another word to it, which makes the sense still stronger, reading it thus, "which worketh in you", "by power"; not by moral persuasion, but by his own power, the power of his efficacious grace. The Alexandrian copy reads, "powers", or "mighty works": God works in his people both to will and to do of his good pleasure; God works in converted men a will to that which is spiritually good; which is to be understood, not of the formation of the natural faculty of the will; or of the preservation of it, and its natural liberty; or of the general motion of it to natural objects; nor of his influence on it in a providential way; but of the making of it good, and causing a willingness in it to that which is spiritually good. Men have no will naturally to come to Christ, or to have him to reign over them; they have no desire, nor hungerings and thirstings after his righteousness and salvation; wherever there are any such inclinations and desires, they are wrought in men by God; who works upon the stubborn and inflexible will, and, without any force to it, makes the soul willing to be saved by Christ, and submit to his righteousness, and do his will; he sweetly and powerfully draws it with the cords of love to himself, and to his Son, and so influences it by his grace and spirit, and which he continues, that it freely wills everything spiritually good, and for the glory of God: and he works in them also to "do"; for there is sometimes in believers a will, when there wants a power of doing. God therefore both implants in them principles of action to work from, as faith and love, and a regard for his glory, and gives them grace and strength to work with, without which they can do nothing, but having these, can do all things: and all this is "of his good pleasure"; the word "his" not being in the original text, some have taken the liberty to ascribe this to the will of man; and so the Syriac version renders it, "both to will and to do that", , "which ye will", or according to your good will; but such a sense is both bad and senseless; for if they have a good will of themselves, what occasion is there for God to work one in them? no; these internal operations of divine power and grace are not owing to the will of men, nor to any merits of theirs, or are what God is obliged to do, but what flow from his sovereign will and pleasure; who works when, where, and as he pleases, and that for his own glory; and who continues to do so in the hearts of his people; otherwise, notwithstanding the work of grace in them, they would find very little inclination to, and few and faint desires after spiritual things; and less strength to do what is spiritually good; but God of his good pleasure goes on working what is well pleasing in his sight.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 For God is working in you: God empowers and energizes believers’ lives (see John 15:5; 1 Cor 12:6; 15:10; 2 Cor 3:5; 1 Thes 2:13). Both the desire and the power to do what pleases him come from God.
Philippians 2:13
Lights in the World
12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.13For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Immersed in the Holy Ghost
By Smith Wigglesworth6.7K04:26Audio BooksMAT 7:7MRK 16:17JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ACT 8:39ACT 17:6PHP 2:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being in a room and feeling unable to communicate with others. However, through prayer and the power of God, the speaker was able to bring three men to their knees and initiate a revival. The speaker expresses a hunger to see even greater things and believes that God has a plan to turn the world upside down. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being immersed in God and experiencing His power and might, leading to transformation and the manifestation of signs and wonders. The speaker also shares a testimony of healing and emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers.
Life of Elijah - Part 4
By Major Ian Thomas5.2K1:07:26ElijahPHP 2:13In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of trying to live a Christian life by following certain religious practices. He realizes that his own nature has no desire to read the Bible, pray, or share his faith. He then emphasizes the importance of understanding that it is God who works in us to will and do His good pleasure. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize that they have received the same resources from God as he did, and therefore, they should live their lives fully according to God's will. He concludes by highlighting the significance of learning to "expire" or die to self in order to truly "inspire" and live a life that reflects Christ living in them.
(A Heavenly Church) 4. the Faith of Jesus
By Zac Poonen3.6K1:07:09New Covenant LivingFaithISA 55:8EZK 36:27MAT 6:21LUK 18:8ROM 4:201CO 2:162CO 2:14PHP 2:13HEB 11:401JN 2:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the rarity of true faith and love in today's world, referencing Luke 18:8, where Jesus questions if He will find faith on earth upon His return. He critiques the shallow, intellectual understanding of faith that many believers possess, which leads to a lack of spiritual depth and experience of God's power. Poonen encourages believers to seek a deeper, experiential faith that aligns with the New Testament, where faith is not merely belief in facts but a transformative relationship with God that empowers them to live as Jesus did. He highlights the importance of surrendering to the Holy Spirit, allowing God to write His laws in our hearts, and living a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of Heaven rather than earthly concerns. Ultimately, he calls for a faith that is active, vibrant, and reflective of Christ's own faith, urging believers to evaluate their lives and priorities in light of eternal truths.
(A Heavenly Church) 6. Contentment
By Zac Poonen3.3K1:04:06GEN 12:2MAT 6:33LUK 17:15ACT 1:8ROM 1:21PHP 2:13HEB 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a father in heaven who provides for our needs. He encourages the audience to be faithful and righteous with money, as this is a testimony of our trust in God. The speaker paraphrases Luke 16:11, stating that if we are faithful with money, God will entrust us with true riches. He also highlights the need to be content in all circumstances, whether we have little or much, and warns against comparing ourselves to others.
For the Love of Christ Constraineth Us
By J. Glyn Owen3.0K41:05Love Of GodMAT 6:33ROM 12:11CO 6:192CO 5:112CO 5:14PHP 2:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of understanding and commitment among Christians towards the love of Christ. He emphasizes that many believers talk and sing about the cross but fail to truly comprehend its significance. The speaker highlights the example of the apostle Paul, who was compelled by the love of Christ to give himself fully to the service of the Lord. The key to experiencing this compelling love, according to the speaker, is to meditate on and reason about the love of Christ, allowing it to deeply impact and transform our lives.
Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K37:14LAM 2:10MAT 6:33PHP 2:13COL 1:271PE 2:112PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson, who was once a powerful and mighty warrior, is now imprisoned and bound with chains. The preacher emphasizes that Samson's power came from the Spirit of the Lord being upon him. He also mentions the importance of seeking a second work of grace, beyond what one already has, in order to experience a deeper level of spiritual power. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to let God transform them into a new creation and to trust in His authority and power.
Spiritual Axioms
By A.W. Tozer2.8K1:06:51Christian LifeMAT 6:33JHN 5:17ROM 8:281CO 14:2EPH 2:10PHP 2:13JAS 1:17In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing the story of David and Goliath, emphasizing how God used a young and unarmed David to defeat the giant Goliath. The preacher then moves on to discuss the passage in 1 Corinthians 12, which explains how God works in and through his people by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in God's plan and not to be discouraged by their own ignorance or mistakes. The sermon concludes with the preacher announcing that he will be discussing spiritual actions and reading three verses from the Bible that highlight God's work in believers.
Bearing Fruit - Part 4
By Keith Daniel2.6K08:51PSA 51:17ISA 48:10ROM 8:281CO 1:272CO 12:9EPH 2:8PHP 2:13JAS 4:101PE 5:6
This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God through trials and challenges, highlighting how God refines and purifies us like gold through the fires of life. It discusses the concept of brokenness and how God lifts us up by His grace alone, transforming us to bring glory only to Him. The speaker shares a personal testimony of experiencing God's perfect work in his life, leading to a deeper understanding of God's ways and the manifestation of Christ-likeness.
The Spirit Is Willing
By Eric Ludy2.5K07:35PSA 51:10ROM 6:62CO 12:9GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:13HEB 4:16JAS 4:71PE 5:71JN 1:9
This sermon emphasizes the need for individuals to surrender themselves to God, acknowledging their own sinful nature and selfish desires that hinder their relationship with Him. It challenges the audience to let go of control, pride, and doubts, and to fully trust in God's power to transform their lives. Salvation is portrayed as a continuous process of being rescued and delivered by God, requiring a daily reliance on His strength and grace.
The Glory of God - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks2.4K33:13Glory Of GodPSA 121:4ACT 12:7EPH 1:15PHP 2:13JAS 2:11PE 4:12In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Peter's imprisonment and miraculous escape. He emphasizes the contradiction and confusion that arose when Peter found himself in the dungeon, bound and bleeding. The speaker suggests that it would have been impossible for any human effort to free Peter that night, as the forces of the world were determined to keep him captive. However, the Lord of glory intervened and sent an angel to release Peter from his chains and lead him to freedom. The speaker connects this story to the concept of glory, defining it as God's expression of satisfaction and delight, and encourages believers to rejoice in their participation in Christ's sufferings. The sermon concludes by highlighting the significance of Peter's letters, which were written years after his miraculous escape.
Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
By Major Ian Thomas2.2K06:421CO 6:19GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 2:13COL 1:27
This sermon emphasizes that the knowledge of having sins forgiven through Christ's sacrifice does not automatically transform one's spiritual capacity. It highlights that Christ's death qualifies believers to receive the life He lived, enabling them to live a different kind of life through His presence within. The focus is on inviting individuals to Jesus not just for forgiveness or heaven, but for the indwelling presence of Christ to transform and empower them for God's purposes.
Becoming What You Are
By Manley Beasley2.2K28:46Self-ImagePSA 139:16JHN 19:28JHN 21:22ROM 8:281CO 1:2EPH 2:10PHP 2:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of facing the issue of victory in our lives. He refers to Psalms 139:16, which speaks about God knowing and writing the days of our lives before they even come to be. The preacher also mentions Ephesians 2:10, highlighting the need to experience this truth. He then connects these verses to the crucifixion of Jesus, specifically John 19:28-30, where Jesus declares "it is finished" before giving up his life. The preacher encourages listeners to recognize themselves as overcomers and to live a life of submission to God's will.
The Eternal Purpose of God - Part 8
By Stephen Kaung1.5K05:55ROM 8:281CO 2:42CO 4:72CO 12:9EPH 1:11EPH 3:20PHP 2:13COL 1:292TI 1:7
This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and tapping into the exceeding great power of God to fulfill His purpose in our lives. It highlights how acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on God's power, as seen in the example of the apostle Paul, allows us to be vessels for God's work and experience His glory. The message encourages believers to align themselves with God's purpose, allowing Him to work through them to manifest His eternal plans.
Gift of Eternal Life
By Rolfe Barnard1.3K19:51Eternal LifeJHN 1:13JHN 17:1JHN 17:3ROM 6:232CO 1:20EPH 2:10PHP 2:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the threefold work of God in salvation, which is described in the teachings of the apostle Paul. He explains that salvation is a process that occurs in three different tenses: past, present, and future. The preacher emphasizes that the ultimate goal of salvation is for believers to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. He also highlights the concept of eternal life as a gift from God to sinful humanity, as described in the book of John.
The Mystery of Incarnation (9 of 9)
By Art Katz1.3K55:25IncarnationACT 13:21CO 14:262CO 3:18EPH 2:6EPH 4:30PHP 2:131JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration with certain individuals who present the gospel in a formulaic and smug manner, without acknowledging the struggles and contradictions of faith. The church is described as crippled, underfed, and lacking active participation. The speaker emphasizes the need for individuals to make a free choice to truly understand and live out their faith. The sermon concludes by highlighting the tension and suffering that comes with faith, but also the hope and confidence that believers can have in the ultimate victory and salvation found in Jesus Christ.
Let Him Finish the Good Work Begun in You
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K28:36Finishing WellPSA 27:14JHN 14:21EPH 6:11PHP 2:13REV 3:17REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving the cross of Christ and not allowing the devil, the flesh, and the world to have sway in our lives. He refers to the book of Philippians as containing all the divine wisdom and instruction needed for a man of God to be perfect and established in every good work. The preacher shares a personal story of being tempted to watch a show that his father deemed as of the devil, and the conviction he felt afterwards. He warns about the influence of the devil in educational institutions, movies, and television programs, and the need for Christians to be aware of the poison being spewed out by the enemy. The preacher also highlights the importance of family worship and prioritizing time with God, and warns that backsliding and a lack of devotion to God can lead to judgment. He concludes by urging listeners to fully surrender their lives to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to work in them.
Growing in Grace #3 - Living Daily by the Grace of God
By Bob Hoekstra1.1K59:52EXO 24:7MAT 26:41ACT 14:271CO 15:102CO 9:8EPH 2:10PHP 2:13In this sermon on John 15:4-5, the preacher emphasizes the importance of abiding in Jesus and having a deep connection with Him. He uses the analogy of a vine and its branches to illustrate this concept. Without abiding in Jesus, we cannot bear fruit or do anything of significance. The preacher also highlights the role of faith and grace in a believer's life, emphasizing that good works and bearing fruit are a result of living by grace and trusting in God. The sermon concludes with a call to live daily by the grace of God and seek a deeper connection with Jesus.
Discipleship and the New Covenant
By Zac Poonen9961:05:48PHP 2:13HEB 8:10
This sermon emphasizes the transformation brought about by the New Covenant, focusing on God's promises to forgive sins completely, to be known as a loving Father, and to give the desire and ability to follow His will. It challenges listeners to open every area of their lives to God, seeking to live a life that pleases Him and expresses gratitude for His sacrifice.
Living the Throne Life (Spanish)
By David Wilkerson97948:27ISA 40:31ROM 12:12CO 3:17EPH 2:6PHP 2:13COL 3:1HEB 4:16HEB 10:19JAS 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life surrendered to God, entering into a heavenly throne room experience through faith in Christ. It challenges believers to move beyond striving and comparison, focusing on laying down their will and embracing a life of rest and intimacy with God. The speaker encourages a shift from seeking revival to seeking a continuous heavenly life, where believers can boldly approach God's throne and live in His presence.
11 New Wine in New Wineskins - Coming to Jesus to Receive Life
By Zac Poonen9651:00:58JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ROM 5:51CO 12:13GAL 5:22EPH 5:18PHP 2:131TH 5:19
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking and receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit to experience transformation and power in our lives. It highlights the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit to overcome weaknesses, love others with divine love, and be equipped for all situations. The speaker shares personal testimonies and encourages believers to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit with a sense of desperate need and surrendering all aspects of their lives to God.
God's Will - Man's Responsibility
By Manley Beasley88745:50Will Of GodMAT 6:33JHN 15:1ROM 8:38EPH 6:10PHP 2:13COL 1:291JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker begins with a prayer, asking for protection from Satan and for the message to bring glory to God. The sermon focuses on the concept of abiding in God and cooperating with the Holy Spirit to please God and meet the needs of others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves, as it fulfills the first and great commandment. The sermon also highlights the power of God to defeat Satan and encourages listeners to pray for the nation and for God to raise up more men to be used by Him.
Entering the Full New Covenant
By Zac Poonen5961:15:06JHN 6:38PHP 2:13HEB 8:10HEB 13:9
This sermon emphasizes the progression in the new covenant relationship with God. It starts with the forgiveness of sins and justification, then moves to knowing God as a loving Father, and finally to having God's law written in our hearts to love Him and others. The goal is to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit in loving unconditionally and living out God's will.
Are You Following Jesus - Part 1 - True Followers
By Phil Beach Jr.2058:56Following ChristFollowing JesusDiscipleshipMIC 2:10MAT 11:28JHN 10:1JHN 21:15PHP 2:13Phil Beach Jr. challenges the congregation to reflect on their true following of Jesus, emphasizing that self-deception can cloud our understanding of our spiritual state. He urges believers to seek God's Word for truth rather than relying on feelings, highlighting that true followers will hear Jesus' voice and obey His commands. The sermon stresses the importance of intimacy with Christ, honesty in our relationship with Him, and the necessity of surrendering our rights to follow Him fully. Beach warns against the dangers of modern Christianity that prioritizes comfort and pleasure over genuine discipleship. Ultimately, he calls for a passionate longing for God that leads to a transformative relationship with Jesus.
Transformed Characters
By Major Ian Thomas91:00:59RedemptionTransformationJHN 7:38JHN 14:6ROM 12:22CO 5:172CO 5:21GAL 2:20EPH 4:24PHP 2:131PE 1:231JN 1:9Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the transformative power of Christ in the sermon 'Transformed Characters', recounting the story of Kimo, a man who murdered missionary Nate Saint, and later became a pastor after accepting Christ. Thomas illustrates that true transformation comes from being in Christ, where old things pass away and all things become new, highlighting the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. He encourages listeners to recognize their need for redemption and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to maintain purity in a corrupt world. The sermon calls for a genuine acceptance of Christ, leading to a spiritual resurrection and a new identity in Him.
Law vs Good - Do & Live vs Live & Do
By Phil Beach Jr.735:37ObedienceChristian LifeGrace vs. LawJHN 14:15JHN 15:5ROM 8:1GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:13COL 3:1HEB 12:12PE 1:31JN 5:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the distinction between law and grace in the context of obedience, explaining that the law demands obedience to achieve life, while grace offers life that naturally leads to obedience. He highlights that true obedience stems from a relationship with Christ, where the Holy Spirit empowers believers to align their hearts with God's will. Beach encourages the congregation to seek the life of Christ in areas of disobedience, asserting that genuine transformation comes from a heart in communion with God. He concludes by urging believers to feed their souls with the Word of God and remain filled with the Spirit to experience a life of obedience.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For it is God which worketh in you - Every holy purpose, pious resolution, good word, and good work, must come from him; ye must be workers together with him, that ye receive not his grace in vain; because he worketh in you, therefore work with him, and work out your own salvation. To will and to do - Το θελειν και το ενεργειν. The power to will and the power to act must necessarily come from God, who is the author both of the soul and body, and of all their powers and energies, but the act of volition and the act of working come from the man. God gives power to will, man wills through that power; God gives power to act, and man acts through that power. Without the power to will, man can will nothing; without the power to work, man can do nothing. God neither wills for man, nor works in man's stead, but he furnishes him with power to do both; he is therefore accountable to God for these powers. Because God works in them the power to will and the power to do, therefore the apostle exhorts them to work out their own salvation; most manifestly showing that the use of the powers of volition and action belongs to themselves. They cannot do God's work, they cannot produce in themselves a power to will and to do; and God will not do their work, he will not work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Though men have grievously puzzled themselves with questions relative to the will and power of the human being; yet no case can be plainer than that which the apostle lays down here: the power to will and do comes from God; the use of that power belongs to man. He that has not got this power can neither will nor work; he that has this power can do both. But it does not necessarily follow that he who has these powers will use them; the possession of the powers does not necessarily imply the use of those powers, because a man might have them, and not use or abuse them; therefore the apostle exhorts: Work out your own salvation. This is a general exhortation; it may be applied to all men, for to all it is applicable, there not being a rational being on the face of the earth, who has not from God both power to will and act in the things which concern his salvation. Hence the accountableness of man. Of his good pleasure - Every good is freely given of God; no man deserves any thing from him; and as it pleaseth him, so he deals out to men those measures of mental and corporeal energy which he sees to be necessary; giving to some more, to others less, but to all what is sufficient for their salvation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--encouragement to work: "For it is God who worketh in you," always present with you, though I be absent. It is not said, "Work out your own salvation, though it is God," &c., but, "because it is God who," &c. The will, and the power to work, being first instalments of His grace, encourage us to make full proof of, and carry out to the end, the "salvation" which He has first "worked," and is still "working in" us, enabling us to "work it out." "Our will does nothing thereunto without grace; but grace is inactive without our will" [ST. BERNARD]. Man is, in different senses, entirely active, and entirely passive: God producing all, and we acting all. What He produced is our own acts. It is not that God does some, and we the rest. God does all, and we do all. God is the only proper author, we the only proper actors. Thus the same things in Scripture are represented as from God, and from us. God makes a new heart, and we are commanded to make us a new heart; not merely because we must use the means in order to the effect, but the effect itself is our act and our duty (Eze 11:19; Eze 18:31; Eze 36:26) [EDWARDS]. worketh--rather as Greek, "worketh effectually." We cannot of ourselves embrace the Gospel of grace: "the will" (Psa 110:3; Co2 3:5) comes solely of God's gift to whom He will (Joh 6:44, Joh 6:65); so also the power "to do" (rather, "to work effectually," as the Greek is the same as that for "worketh in"), that is, effectual perseverance to the end, is wholly of God's gift (Phi 1:6; Heb 13:21). of his good pleasure--rather as Greek, "FOR His good pleasure"; in order to carry out His sovereign gracious purpose towards you (Eph 1:5, Eph 1:9).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For it is God which worketh in you,.... Which is both an encouragement to persons conscious of their own weakness to work, as before exhorted to; see Hag 2:4; and a reason and argument for humility and meekness, and against pride and vain glory, since all we have, and do, is from God; and also points out the spring, principle, and foundation of all good works; namely, the grace of God wrought in the heart, which is an internal work, and purely the work of God: by this men become the workmanship of God, created unto good works, Eph 2:10, and are new men, and fitted for the performance of acts of righteousness, and true holiness; and this grace, which God works in them, is wrought in a powerful and efficacious manner, so as not to be frustrated and made void. The word here used signifies an inward, powerful, and efficacious operation; and the "king's manuscript", mentioned by Grotius and Hammond, adds another word to it, which makes the sense still stronger, reading it thus, "which worketh in you", "by power"; not by moral persuasion, but by his own power, the power of his efficacious grace. The Alexandrian copy reads, "powers", or "mighty works": God works in his people both to will and to do of his good pleasure; God works in converted men a will to that which is spiritually good; which is to be understood, not of the formation of the natural faculty of the will; or of the preservation of it, and its natural liberty; or of the general motion of it to natural objects; nor of his influence on it in a providential way; but of the making of it good, and causing a willingness in it to that which is spiritually good. Men have no will naturally to come to Christ, or to have him to reign over them; they have no desire, nor hungerings and thirstings after his righteousness and salvation; wherever there are any such inclinations and desires, they are wrought in men by God; who works upon the stubborn and inflexible will, and, without any force to it, makes the soul willing to be saved by Christ, and submit to his righteousness, and do his will; he sweetly and powerfully draws it with the cords of love to himself, and to his Son, and so influences it by his grace and spirit, and which he continues, that it freely wills everything spiritually good, and for the glory of God: and he works in them also to "do"; for there is sometimes in believers a will, when there wants a power of doing. God therefore both implants in them principles of action to work from, as faith and love, and a regard for his glory, and gives them grace and strength to work with, without which they can do nothing, but having these, can do all things: and all this is "of his good pleasure"; the word "his" not being in the original text, some have taken the liberty to ascribe this to the will of man; and so the Syriac version renders it, "both to will and to do that", , "which ye will", or according to your good will; but such a sense is both bad and senseless; for if they have a good will of themselves, what occasion is there for God to work one in them? no; these internal operations of divine power and grace are not owing to the will of men, nor to any merits of theirs, or are what God is obliged to do, but what flow from his sovereign will and pleasure; who works when, where, and as he pleases, and that for his own glory; and who continues to do so in the hearts of his people; otherwise, notwithstanding the work of grace in them, they would find very little inclination to, and few and faint desires after spiritual things; and less strength to do what is spiritually good; but God of his good pleasure goes on working what is well pleasing in his sight.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 For God is working in you: God empowers and energizes believers’ lives (see John 15:5; 1 Cor 12:6; 15:10; 2 Cor 3:5; 1 Thes 2:13). Both the desire and the power to do what pleases him come from God.