Self-centered ambition can be obvious-like stepping over yourcoworkers to get a coveted promotion or lying to a client to win aproject. - P79
But other times, it is subtler-like trying to outwork othermissionaries in the same area to obtain greater influence or aiming apassive-aggressive remark at your sister because she won‘t help you en-sure Jesus‘ visit to your house goes perfectly. - P79
The solution, the apostlePaul writes, is to "have the same mindset as Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5).
But how are we to gain this mindset? - P79
Scripture teaches that it is incontemplating Jesus that we are transformed more and more into Hislikeness (2 Cor. 3:18). - P79
So, Scripture invites us to draw encouragementfrom being united with Christ, cocoon ourselves in the comfort of Hislove, treasure our common fellowship in His Spirit, and bask in Histenderness and compassion (Phil. 2:1). Then, we will begin to reflectthe mindset of Christ. - P79
13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act inorder to fulfill his good purpose.
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleaseshim. - P80
16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I willbe able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not runor labor in vain.
16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ‘s return, I will be proudthat I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. - P81
Paul urges believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
He tells them to do everything without grumbling or arguing so that theywill shine like stars among a crooked generation. - P81
Even though Paul is beingpoured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from theirfaith, he rejoices with all of them. - P81
When Paul tells believers to work out their salvation, he is not sayingthat we must work to earn our salvation. Rather, he is urging us totake hold of the salvation that is already ours, paid for by the blood ofChrist, and apply it in a lifestyle that demonstrates love and obediencethe whole personin the power of the Spirit. - P82
It is a lifestyle that engages the wholeand reflects a genuine fear of God-not in the sense of being afraid ofimpending judgment, but a deep desire to live in a way that honorsGod‘s perfect holiness and infinite power. - P82
This obedience is joyful anduplifting because we know that God Himself is actively working tobring our sanctification to completion. - P82
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