The Power of Change: It’s Both God at Work and You at Work

Wisdom Scripture

Exodus 31:1–3 (NIV)

Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—”

Wisdom Quote

True wisdom is God’s gift to those who seek it (Job 28:12–28; Proverbs 3:13–18; Romans 1:22; 16:27; 1 Corinthians 1:17–21; 2:6–8; James 1:5).

—Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Insights: It’s BOTH—God at Work and You at Work

Do you change your character through personal effort, or does God change your character through the power of the Holy Spirit? Many Christian authors emphasize one side or the other.

As you begin a new year, you can benefit from embracing both perspectives. Each highlights a vital aspect of biblical truth. Properly understood, both are true: God works in you, and you actively work out your salvation.

Paul explains this beautifully to the believers in Philippi:

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

—Philippians 2:12–13

To work out your salvation does not mean earning it. Salvation is entirely God’s gracious work. Instead, Paul urges saved people to carry their salvation forward—to live out its implications.

Notice Paul does not place God’s work and your work in opposition. He links them: you work out your salvation, for God is working within you. Your confidence to grow comes from knowing God is already at work in your heart, shaping your will and empowering your actions.

Without God’s work in you, lasting character change would be impossible.

Without your intentional effort, your character will not mature.

There is no division of labor—God does His work, and you faithfully do yours. Because He is working in you, you can move forward with assurance: in Christ, you can do all things.

Footnote

[1] Easton, M. G. Illustrated Bible Dictionary and Treasury of Biblical History, Biography, Geography, Doctrine, and Literature (1893), p. 694.