The Divine Exchange
How can we strive for a deeper spiritual life without falling into legalism or self-reliant, works-based burnout?
There is a divine exchange that happens as we combine our efforts to love God and expand His Kingdom. God does not want us to merely use the fuel of our own efforts to somehow work our way into sanctification, anointing, or intimacy with Him. On the contrary, the New Testament is clear that the Holy Spirit provides supernatural “energy” for us to put the word of God zealously and joyfully into action.
Is it the empowerment of God or our own endeavours that make us grow spiritually?
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Is it my effort or God's grace that leads to spiritual growth and kingdom advancement?
Yes! As explained in this video, we draw on the empowerment and the energy that God provides through grace to act. This is not like the world’s slogans of self-reliance and grit; it is radical dependence on the Holy Spirit and faithful obedience to the simple words of Christ. Philippians 2.12-13 tells us to “work out (energeia) our salvation… for it is God working (energeia) in you.”
Can you think of ways this God/you dynamic has worked in your personal history?
Test Yourself
Answer
Talk it Through
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1.4 Working from the Energy of God
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Yes! So often I’ve heard the idea that we don’t need to do anything now that we are in Christ, it should all be effortless… But scripture is pretty clear that we still need to struggle and choose.
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Reading these passages and watching the video I thought it is very important to know that we also have to put in effort. God doesn’t just change you if you don’t allow Him to do so. God is amazing and His love is never ending. His grace is enough, but that doesn’t mean we are to just sit back and do nothing. God requires many things of us and we ought to do them, not because we have to (that would turn into legalism) But because we want to serve God and do His will. He won’t drag us into Heaven. what we have to do is so small compared to what God has done for us.
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We are saved through grace not works.
we work with energy from the Holy Spirit who works in us.
Without the energy of the Holy Spirit, I can do nothing.
I am like my 1940s electric drill that will not drill a hole in a piece of wood unless it is plugged in and turned on.
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Amazing, I had never thought of the significance of this wonderful passages in Greek language before.
Thanks for this knowledge. Interestingly, in my personal experience, i can only see from whence i came and where God has brought me today.
Actually, it’s quite amazing the transformation that His energizing power has worked in me and continues to work in me. It is a joy to be alive, in-God. Thank you Jesus.
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