We are to shine as lights in the world—and that’s no easy task. We live in a world that grows more crooked and perverse with each passing day. But the passage we’re focusing on today brings us both direction and hope.
Let’s turn our attention to Philippians chapter 2 and verse 13. This is the heart of our message today: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
We’ve already seen in the previous verse that we are called to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Why? Because we are not all the same. Each one of us faces unique struggles. Each one of us has different burdens. That’s why each of us must take responsibility for our walk with God. But verse 13 reminds us of this life-giving truth: we are not doing this alone.
God is working in us.
Paul reassures us in Philippians 1:6 that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Again, in Philippians 4:13, he declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That’s not just Paul’s experience. That’s our promise, too.
This morning, I want us to focus on three main points:
- To deepen our understanding and appreciation of the power of God that is available to us as Christians.
- To identify the source and purpose of that power.
- And finally, to learn how we can access and allow that power to work in us.
- God’s Power Is Available to Us
Let’s look at Ephesians 1:15–23, where Paul prays for the church in Ephesus. He wants them to understand what they’ve been given. In verse 19, he speaks of “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.” This power is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him above all.
Let that sink in: the same power that raised Christ is working in us.
In Ephesians 2:1–6, Paul goes on to say that we were once dead in our sins—but God, rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. We have been raised up together with Him. That’s resurrection power, and it’s not just for eternity—it’s for right now as we strive to live holy and faithful lives.
- The Source and Purpose of God’s Power in Us
Now, where does that power come from? Paul tells us clearly in Ephesians 3:16 that it comes from God’s Spirit, dwelling in the inner man. He prays that we would be “strengthened with might through His Spirit.”
We remember Jesus’ words in John 7:37–39 when He spoke of rivers of living water flowing from those who believe in Him—speaking of the Holy Spirit that would be given. That promise is echoed by Peter in Acts 2:38, when he said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized… and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
As Paul says, the purpose of this power is to strengthen us—to help us both will and do what pleases God. It’s not only strength to act—it’s strength to want to act. God helps align our will with His.
But we must believe. Romans 8:11 reminds us that if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus dwells in us, He will also give life to our mortal bodies. The Spirit indwells us, and that is how God works in us.
- How We Access That Power
God’s power is available—but we must access it. How do we do that?
First, through prayer.
Just as Paul prayed for the Ephesians, we too should pray that God strengthens us. Isaiah 40:28–31 reminds us that God gives strength to the weary—and those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.
Second, through God’s Word.
In Ephesians 6:10–17, Paul commands us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and to put on the whole armor of God. That includes truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation—and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
We cannot be strong without Scripture. 1 Peter 1:23 reminds us that we are born again through the Word. And James 1:21 tells us that the implanted Word is able to save our souls.
If we want God to work in us—to will and to do—we must let His Word shape our hearts and renew our minds.
Third, we access God’s power by doing His will.
We can pray and study, but the power of God becomes visible when we obey. When we step out in faith—when we walk in the light—we experience the power God promises. As Paul said in Philippians 2:12–13, we work out our salvation because God is working in us.
A Closing Challenge
Let’s be honest: if we are not shining as lights in the world, it may be because God is not working in us. And if that’s the case, it’s not because God has withdrawn—it’s because we’ve failed to believe, or failed to ask, or failed to obey.
We must ask ourselves:
Are we trusting in God’s strength—or trying to live this life on our own?
Are we accessing the power through prayer and the Word—or letting it sit untouched?
Are we stepping out in faith—or sitting still in fear?
Philippians 2:13 reminds us: “It is God who works in you, both to will and to do, for His good pleasure.”
Let’s not waste that power. Let’s not ignore that promise.
So this morning, we each need to ask ourselves: Is God working in us?
If we’re not Christians yet, we can’t expect that power to be working in us. But it’s available. We must hear the gospel, believe it, repent of our sins, confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and be baptized for the remission of our sins. When we do that, we’re washed clean—and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
And for those of us who are already Christians but may have fallen short, we can return to God. We can ask for forgiveness. He is faithful. He is gracious. And His power is still ready to work in us.