Facing My Behavior
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13 (ESV)
You know what should be done. You do not do it. You know what should be stopped. You go back to it. This gap distresses you, and guilt settles in — "I really am incapable of changing." Paul knew this inner struggle.
His answer is not a call to more effort; it is an astonishing promise: it is God who works in you, both to will and to work. Not just the strength to act — the wanting itself. That longing you have to become better? It comes from Him. That ability to follow through? That also comes from Him. Your sanctification does not depend on your human will; it depends on His faithfulness. Keep going, even if you stumble. He keeps going too.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)