God At Work. Philippians 2:13

Stand with me now and hold up your Bible and repeat after me.

This is my Bible.

I am what it says I am.

I can do what it says I can do.

I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.

Today I will learn more of the word of God.

The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.

I will never be the same.

I will never be the same.

In Jesus Name

Amen?

Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.

God is Working in You

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” — Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

God at Work.

Today, I want us to consider a profound truth: God is at work in you. Yes, in you—right where you are, with your strengths, weaknesses, fears, and doubts. Philippians 2:13 isn’t just a promise; it’s an invitation to trust the God who calls, equips, and empowers His children for His divine purpose.

1. God is Always Working in You

Paul writes, “It is God who works in you.” This is not about your past accomplishments or future potential. It’s about God’s ongoing presence in your life, shaping and refining you.

Picture a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble. Each strike of the chisel removes what doesn’t belong, revealing the masterpiece within. This is how God works in our lives—removing sin, doubt, and fear to shape us into His image.

Let me share a story. There’s a young man I knew who battled addiction for years. He felt hopeless, believing he was beyond God’s reach. But when he surrendered to Jesus, God began to work in his heart. Day by day, his desires changed. Today, he’s not only free but also leading a recovery ministry, helping others find hope. That’s the power of God at work in us.

What areas of your life feel like that unshaped marble?

Trust that God is chiseling away for your good and His glory.

2. God Shapes Our Desires ("to will")

God doesn’t just call us to His purpose; He transforms our hearts so we begin to desire what He desires. This isn’t about self-discipline or willpower. It’s about surrender.

Example from Scripture: Think of Peter. Before Jesus called him, Peter was a fisherman concerned with his livelihood. After walking with Jesus, his desires changed radically. He left his nets to follow Christ and eventually became the foundation of the early church.

A sister in our congregation once shared that she was consumed with building her career. But as she grew closer to God, her heart shifted. She started volunteering at a local shelter, and that act of obedience turned into a full-time ministry serving the homeless. That’s God working in her to “will” according to His purpose.

What desires has God placed on your heart recently?

Don’t dismiss them. Pray over them and ask God to reveal His plan.

3. God Empowers Our Actions ("to act")

God doesn’t just stop at shaping our desires; He gives us the ability to act on them. How often do we feel unqualified or overwhelmed? Yet God equips those He calls.

Think of Moses. When God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses felt inadequate. He said, “Who am I?” But God’s response was, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). It’s God’s power, not our qualifications, that enables us to fulfill His purposes.

One of our elders felt God calling him to share the gospel in his workplace. Initially, he felt afraid—what if they rejected him? But he prayed for boldness, and God worked through him. Today, several of his coworkers have come to faith because of his obedience.

What step of faith is God asking you to take? Trust that He will provide the strength and opportunity.

4. God’s Purpose: His Glory and Our Good

Paul reminds us that this is all “to fulfill His good purpose.” God’s plans are always good, even when they don’t align with our expectations. He sees the bigger picture.

Joseph’s story in Genesis is a perfect example. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph still trusted God. In the end, he saw how God used his trials to save many lives.

Even if you’re in a season of waiting or struggle, trust that God’s purpose is unfolding. Your story is part of something greater.

Altar Call: Responding to God’s Work

As we close, I want to invite you to respond to this message. Maybe you’ve felt distant from God, or you’ve struggled to believe He’s working in your life. Philippians 2:13 is your reminder that God is not finished with you.

If you’ve never surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the day. Come forward and let Him begin His transforming work in you.