God Working In Us

A pastor is walking down the street one day when he notices a very small boy trying to press a doorbell on a house across the street. However, the boy is very small and the doorbell is too high for him to reach.

After watching the boy’s efforts for some time, the pastor moves closer to the boy's position. He steps smartly across the street, walks up behind the little fellow and, placing his hand kindly on the child's shoulder leans over and gives the doorbell a solid ring.

Crouching down to the child's level, the pastor smiles benevolently and asks, "And now what, my little man?" To which the boy replies, "Now we run!"

God Working in Us

Philippians 2: 13-15

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

I. God is in control of our lives (v. 13)

A. God should always be the one in control of our lives, especially since He knows what tomorrow holds. He sees the future and therefore knows what is best for us.

B. Our lives do not always go as we plan them to. Things are not always easy and at times, we deal with really bad things. Have you ever seen a really good, Christian person (maybe even yourself) go through some really bad times and wondered why? Jesus was speaking to His followers during the Sermon on the Mount and said ... He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Mt 5:45)

C. Even at moments when it seems so unfair, we must realize that God should always be in charge of our lives - the ruler of our destiny and at the center of our hearts.

II. We are bought by God - For God (vs13)

A. Our purpose is to fulfill God's purpose. We were purchased by Him with the blood of Christ. I Corinthians 6:20 tells us "You were bought for a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This tells us we belong entirely to God.

Because of this, we should honor God through:

1. Being faithful to His house

2. Maintaining our purity

3. Saving ourselves for the right person

4. Refraining from drugs or alcohol

5. Live like Christ!

Ill. God has Plans for you (v 13)

A. God knows what He's doing! Never doubt your purpose or that you have a reason for being who you are where you are. God has a great plan in mind for us. We just have to realize it and surrender ourselves to His plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 is a beautiful reminder of the fact that God has awesome plans for our lives. It says "For I know the plans I have for you 'declares the Lord'; Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope." What a beautiful word from God just reminding us, Hey, I know what I want to do with you and your life - just trust me. And btw, it's good!

IV. Let's stop the complaining (v 14)

"Complaining is like bad breath, you notice it when it comes out of somebody else's mouth, but not your own."-Will Bowen

A young Catholic priest decided to enter a monastery. He joined one particularly strict sect. The head monk told him, at his indoctrination, that they were sworn to TOTAL silence. They could not speak one word at all. However, every ten years, they would be permitted to speak two words. After 10 years of total silence, the head monk indicated it was now time for him to speak his two words. The monk said, "Bed hard!" And then he resumed his silent study and work. Another 10 years passed and the head monk again indicated it was time for him to speak his two words. The monk said, "Food bad!" And then he resumed his silent study and work. Another 10 years passed and the head monk again indicated it was time for him to speak his two words. The monk said, "I quit!" The head monk shook his head and said, "I knew this was coming. You've done nothing but complain for the past 30 years!"

We all know someone who spends most of their time complaining about things... it's too hot or it's too cold ... the food tastes bad, the traffic is slow ... Brad is preaching too long ... the list goes on and on about things we hear people complaining about, but how does this bring glory to God? Do you think He is happy with us when He hears us complaining and groaning all the time?