What does "working in us" imply about God's role in our sanctification? Setting the Context: Hebrews 13:21 “...equip you with every good thing to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” The Meaning of “working in us” • Greek energeō – to energize, be at work, produce effect • Present tense – continuous, not a one-time act • Internal focus – God operates inside the believer, not merely around us What This Reveals about God’s Role in Sanctification • Primary Source: God Himself initiates, sustains, and completes the process • Transformational: He produces the very qualities He commands—holiness, obedience, love • Personalized: The work happens “in us,” tailored to each believer’s heart and circumstances • Purpose-Driven: Everything He works aims at what is “pleasing in His sight,” aligning our lives with His will • Christ-Mediated: The work flows “through Jesus Christ,” grounding sanctification in the finished work of the cross and resurrection • Guaranteed Completion: What God begins He finishes (Philippians 1:6) Supporting Passages that Echo the Same Truth • Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely… The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” • Ezekiel 36:26-27 – Promise of a new heart and Spirit enabling obedience • 2 Corinthians 3:18 – We are “being transformed” into Christ’s image by the Spirit • Ephesians 3:20 – God “is able to do immeasurably more… according to His power that is at work within us” Our Response to God’s Ongoing Work • Dependence: Lean on His power, not self-effort • Obedience: Actively pursue what He prompts, knowing He supplies strength • Humility: Credit Him for every step of progress • Hope: Expect continual growth, because His work never stalls Key Takeaways to Remember • Sanctification is God’s inside job; He energizes both desire and ability. • The same grace that saved you now shapes you. • Cooperation matters, but confidence rests in God’s unfailing, internal, and personal work. |
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