As their example in the Christian life, Paul pointed the Philippians to Christ, who, "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in a fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.""Wherefore, my beloved," he continued, "as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain."These words were recorded for the help of every striving soul.Paul holds up the standard of perfection and shows how it may be reached."Work out your own salvation," he says, "for it is God which worketh in you."The work of gaining salvation is one of copartnership, a joint operation.
There is to be co-operation between God and the repentant sinner.This is necessary for the formation of right principles in the character.Man is to make earnest efforts to overcome that which hinders him from attaining to perfection.But he is wholly dependent upon God for success.Human effort of itself is not sufficient.Without the aid of divine power it avails nothing.
God works and man works.Resistance of temptation must come from man, who must draw his power from God.On the one side there is infinite wisdom, compassion, and power; on the other, weakness, sinfulness, absolute helplessness.
God wishes us to have the mastery over ourselves.But He cannot help us without our consent and co-operation.The divine Spirit works through the powers and faculties given to man.Of ourselves, we are not able to bring the purposes and desires and inclinations into harmony with the will of God;but if we are "willing to be made willing," the Saviour will accomplish this for us, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2Corinthians 10:5.
He who would build up a strong, symmetrical character, he who would be a well-balanced Christian, must give all and do all for Christ; for the Redeemer will not accept divided service.Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender.He must study the word of God, learning its meaning and obeying its precepts.Thus he may reach the standard of Christian excellence.Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test.And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings.
"I count not myself to have apprehended," Paul wrote; "but this one thing Ido, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."Paul did many things.From the time that he gave his allegiance to Christ, his life was filled with untiring service.From city to city, from country to country, he journeyed, telling the story of the cross, winning converts to the gospel, and establishing churches.For these churches he had a constant care, and he wrote many letters of instruction to them.At times he worked at his trade to earn his daily bread.But in all the busy activities of his life, Paul never lost sight of one great purpose--to press toward the prize of his calling.One aim he kept steadfastly before him --to be faithful to the One who at the gate of Damascus had revealed Himself to him.From this aim nothing had power to turn him aside.To exalt the cross of Calvary--this was the all-absorbing motive that inspired his words and acts.
The great purpose that constrained Paul to press forward in the face of hardship and difficulty should lead every Christian worker to consecrate himself wholly to God's service.Worldly attractions will be presented to draw his attentions from the Saviour, but he is to press on toward the goal, showing to the world, to angels, and to men that the hope of seeing the face of God is worth all the effort and sacrifice that the attainment of this hope demands.
Though he was a prisoner, Paul was not discouraged.Instead, a note of triumph rings through the letters that he wrote from Rome to the churches.
"Rejoice in the Lord alway," he wrote to the Philippians, "and again I say, Rejoice....Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.""My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus....The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."
