3 October 2026
The Christian life avoids two dangerous ditches. One says, “Let go and let God.” The other says, “I must do everything myself.” Neither reflects the biblical picture of sanctification. Mike summarized it clearly: “We work out what God is working in.” Philippians 2:12–13 holds these truths together. We work. God works. We pursue holiness. We depend completely on His grace. Paul says, “Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Our responsibility does not compete with God’s work. It depends on God’s work. We do not work for salvation. Christ has accomplished our salvation through His perfect life, death, and resurrection. We work because He has saved us. We obey because grace has changed us. We pursue holiness because God is already working within us. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” That means we never face obedience alone. God gives the desire. God gives the strength. God gives the grace. Yet He still calls us to get to work.
Mike gave us five practical ways to pursue holiness. Dwell in the Word of God. Have faith in the Son of God. Walk by the Spirit of God. Spend time with the people of God. Pray for sanctification. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” These practices do not earn God’s favor. They put us where God has promised to work. Open the Bible. Trust Christ. Walk by the Spirit. Gather with His people. Pray. Do not wait until you feel spiritual. Take the next faithful step while depending on His strength.
This matters in our homes too. Our children need to see that Christian growth requires both dependence and responsibility. We should not simply tell them to try harder. We should teach them to trust God and obey His Word. At the dinner table this week, ask, “What is one way we can depend on God and obey Him this week?” Then pray together for His help. As Mike reminded us, “Dependent responsibility.” Take responsibility for your obedience, but never rely on yourself to produce holiness. When you fail, confess it. When you are weak, ask for strength. When God gives grace, obey.
Father, create in us what we cannot create in ourselves. As David prayed, “God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Keep us from spiritual passivity and self-reliant striving. Teach us to depend on You while taking responsibility for obedience. Help us dwell in Your Word, trust Your Son, walk by Your Spirit, love Your people, and pray for holiness. Make us more like Christ. Give us grace to work faithfully because You are working within us. Amen.