Law In The Day Of Grace

Many Christians are confused about our relationship to the law.  Romans 8:1-tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”  As a result, many have concluded that the Law is no longer relevant. 

Jesus contradicted such an idea in Matthew 5:17-20.  “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus literally said that as long as this earth remains, the Law will remain in effect, exactly as written with no changes whatsoever.  He also said that anyone who breaks those commandments or teaches others to do so will be considered one of the least in heaven, essentially losing his rewards.  Fortunately, because Christ has died for us, he has freed us from that old law as Romans 10:4 tells us.  “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”  Only those who believe have been freed from the law.  Everyone else is still under the law. 

Although we have been freed from the Law, we ought not go back and do the things the law forbids, as Romans 6:12-18 tells us.  “:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.   For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

After the Civil war, there were slaves who did not understand what it meant to be set free, and continued to serve their former masters just as they had before.  While they were legally free, in their own minds they were still slaves.  When we became a Christian we were set free from sin, as Romans 6:6-7 tells us.  “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.”  For the Christian to continue in sin implies he is still a slave to sin just as those slaves were to their master, even though they had been set free.   We need to realize that our salvation means we are not longer slaves to that sin, as Romans 6:11 tells us.  “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  why continue as a slave when you don’t have to?

For the Christian, the Law is just a set of warnings about potential danger, which only become a problem as we get farther from God.  For those who are living far from God, Those same Laws become very restricting. 

Don’t Be Like The World

There is a very real danger that Christians, surrounded by the world, will begin to adopt the attitudes and practices of the world around them.  As we saw in Philippians 4, it is possible to maintain a proper attitude by changing our focus and allowing the Holy Spirit to have control of our minds.  Romans 12:1-3 advises to avoid falling into the trap of just going along.  “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

Because we know we are saved and have no fear of losing our salvation, it is easy to fall into the mindset that what we are doing is what God wants and begin to judge others or impose our own ideas on them, as we saw in Romans 14.  We need to realize God has made us separate individuals and given different abilities and callings to accomplish his purposes, just as the physical body has different organs to do different jobs within the body, as Romans 12:4-5 explains.  “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Instead of fighting over who gets a particular job or blaming them for not doing what we think they should be doing, we need to focus on doing the job God has given us to the best of our ability..  Romans 12:6-8 commands, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

We need to work at maintaining a proper attitude toward one another.  There are several things we need to do in order to do the job we are called to do that are different than what the world does.  Romans 12:9-21 lists some of those things. 

“Let love be without dissimulation.”  Don’t fake the love, but love freely, as described in I Corinthians 13:4-7

“Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”Don’t just go along with the worlds moral            standards

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love” Learn to like and get along with each other.

“in honour preferring one another; “ Learn to put others needs and wants ahead of your own.   

“Not slothful in business;” Do your job well to the best of your ability.

“ fervent in spirit;”  Be sincere and devoted, not just mechanically doing the job.

“serving the Lord;”  Following God, rather than trying to build one’s own reputation.

“Rejoicing in hope;” Looking forward eagerly to God’s promises rather than dwelling on current problems.

“patient in tribulation;”  Not getting angry about curre3nt problems.

“ continuing instant in prayer;”  Prayer is an automatic response to problems

“Distributing to the necessity of saints;”  Helping other Christians when a need is seen.

 “given to hospitality.”  Welcoming others and sharing with them.

“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”  Be friendly and forgiving toward those who mistreat you.

“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”  Be aware of other people’s feelings.  

“Be of the same mind one toward another.” Consider everyone as equals

“Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.”   Make a special effort to reach out to those who are considered unimportant.

“Be not wise in your own conceits.”  Don’t think you are smarter or better than others.

“Recompense to no man evil for evil.”  Don’t do some one dirty because they did you dirty. 

“ Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”  Be open and honest about everything.

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”  Go out of your way to get along with everyone, realizing that some people do not want to get along.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”  Do not get even.  Trust God to make things right

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Don’t let the evil around you cause you to sin.

Maintaining a Godly Attitude

As we have seen, a proper heart attitude is vital for us to please God.  II Corinthians 5:17-18 tells us that when we become a Christian, God gives us a new spirit or attitude.  “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”  That new spirit or attitude is produced by the Holy Spirit in us, so that our focus is on the things of God. 

­For years we practiced our old attitude until it became a habit, and it is hard to break those old habits and attitudes.  If we do not work at establishing a new habit of attitude we will inevitably fall back into the same old way of thinking.  Philippians 4 lists several things we can do to help make a godly attitude habitual

The very first step in developing a godly attitude is learning to enjoy our lives.  Far too often we are so busy trying to get something we think is missing to enjoy what we have.  Philippians 4:4 commands, ”Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice”  Learn to enjoy what God has given you.  After years of constantly trying to find something more, in Ecclesiastes 3:22 Solomon realized, “…there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?”  .   Hebrews 13:5 directs, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”.

Learn not to go to extremes in anything.  It doesn’t matter whether we go to extremes in politics, fashion, health, sports, or religion, those things begin to interfere with our relationship with the lord, causing frustration when we have to settle for something less.  Philippians 4:5 commands, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”  None of those things, not even our extreme religious activities will count for much when Christ returns.  Ecclesiastes 7:16-17 advises, “Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?  Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?”  Going to extremes will almost always destroy ones happiness and his relationships with others.

The third thing we can do is learn not to worry.  Philippians 4:6 commands, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”  Instead of worrying about things, just pray about them, taking time to thank God for all the things he has already done for you.  Thanking him for what he has done will relieve much of the stress, as well as giving you confidence he will take care of the things you have been worrying about.  As a result, Philippians 4:7 promises, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The fourth thing we can do to maintain a godly attitude is to learn to focus on things that are good.  The world constantly calls our attention to the things that are bad, but we need to make a conscious effort to think about what is good.  Philippians 4:8-9 commands, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

When we have a godly attitude, it is natural to do the things that please God because we are open to the Holy spirit’s leadership rather than being controlled by our fears and frustrations.

What’s In The Heart?

As we have seen throughout this study, the thing that makes the biggest difference in our pleasing god or not pleasing him is our attitude because it affects everything we do.  One of the most obvious things affected by our attitude is what we say.  In Matthew 12:34-37, Jesus said, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” 

Literally, he said that the things we say in unguarded moments show our basic heart attitude.  We will not be judged on the eloquence of our carefully planned prayers or speeches, but on our reactions to surprises and things that do not go as planned.  In those situations we do not have time to organize our words to leave a certain impression, and the truth comes out.   Unfortunately, our words can have serious effects on those who hear us.  James 3:1-2 warns about the dangerous effects of our words.  “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”  A few thoughtless words can destroy a person’s reputation, his self-esteem, or any interest he might have in being a Christian, and the more authority we have, the greater impact our words have.    A person who has control of their tongue will be able to control all the other aspects of their life. 

James goes on to explain How impossible it is for a person to truly control their tongue, in James 3:3-12.  “Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

As Jesus said, those unplanned words show what is really in the heart.  A person might dip out clear pure looking water by being very careful, but the water will still be contaminated, and in the same way, if what comes out of person’s mouth is polluted, it implies even the good things are polluted as well.   If a person really knows the Lord it should affect his entire life, including what he says, as James 3:13 tells us.  “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”

James 3:14-16 points out that an improper attitude does not come from god, but from the world and Satan.  “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” A carnal or satanic spirit or attitude can only lead to confusion or sin.  Selfishness and conflict indicate a carnal spirit or attitude.

A Godly spirit or attitude is completely different, as James 3:17-18 tells us.  “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”  A godly spirit is pure, with no need to be careful when one speaks.  It isn’t looking to stir up a fight, but is willing to overlook things and focus on what is good.  It doesn’t have to constantly hide its anger or frustration.  As a result it can freely do good things without having to force itself or pretend to like what it is doing.    

Law Versus Grace

One of the problems throughout history has been that people try to live a godly life through their own strength and will power.  They have developed various moral codes and religious rituals that, if practiced religiously, are supposed to make one pleasing to God.  As a result many are trying to earn their own salvation through these various sets of rules.  God himself established the Old Testament law, yet Romans 3:20 tells us, “…by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight…”  If keeping God’s own law will not save a person, how will keeping any other set of laws do so?  Galatians 3:21 tells us that if it were possible for a set of laws to give life then that would have been enough and there would have been no need for Christ to come.  “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.”

Because the obedience to the law could not save, God sent Jesus Christ to give us salvation, as Galatians 3:22-26 explains.  “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:20 tells us, “… for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”  The law just shows us that we are sinners and need a savior.  Romans 10:4 tells us, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

Christ has set us free from having to follow the Old Testament law or any other such standard, by fulfilling the law for us.  If we deliberately go back and do the things that made the sacrifice necessary again, we make a mockery of his sacrifice, as Galatians 2:16-19 tells us.  “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.  For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.  For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.”

God has given us a whole new life.  To go back and live by the same old earthly standards discredits and devalues what Christ has done for us, as Galatians 2;20-21 tells us.  “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”  That effort to please him by such means hinders us from receiving the gifts and blessings he wants to give us. 

Unfortunately, many have been misled to believe that they have to keep some such set of rules, whether from the Old Testament or those set by some religious leader.  Galatians 3:1-7 points out the fallacy.  “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?  Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.  He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?  Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.  Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”

If keeping a set of rules could not save us, how can it possibly make us pleasing to God?  Abraham was not blessed for keeping the laws, but for believing in God.  Because he believed, Abraham obeyed God, but the blessings were the result of his faith, not his obedience.  The same is true for Christians today, as Galatians 3:8-14 tells us.  “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.  So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.  For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

I Timothy 1:9-10 tells us, “…the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.”  Its whole purpose was to make us aware of what is wrong, not to show us how to do right.  When we are trying to do what is right we will be more concerned whit what God wants than with what we can get by with.   Godly people have a different attitude.

Focus On What God Has Actually Said

In John 14:21, Jesus said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”  If we truly love the Lord, we will take the time to find out what he wants and then do it, and when we are obedient to him, he can demonstrate his love for us freely. 

Understanding this, in II Timothy 2:15, Paul instructed Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  Jesus commanded, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me,” in John 5:39.  If we wish to please God, we need to spend the time studying the scriptures, because they tell us who the Lord is and what he wants.  If we take the time to study the scriptures diligently, we will know exactly what God expects from us, 

In II Timothy 3:16-17, Paul tells us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  When we study and follow the scriptures carefully, they will impart all the information we need in order to please God completely.  However, this requires in depth study, not just a superficial reading of the scriptures.

 Because it is so easy for us to misinterpret a passage, II Peter 1:20-21 warns, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”  God used numerous different writers to give his word to us, but he directed their thoughts.  When we study the scriptures, if we find contradictions or paradoxes, between different passages, it indicates we have not yet obtained an accurate understanding of what God was saying.  No doctrine can be based on a single verse or passage. 

In our studying, we need to be careful not to get caught up in what others tell us about God, or we may well find ourselves doing what God has forbidden, as II Timothy 2:16-18 warns.  “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.  And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”   Distortions of the truth lead to disobedience and false teachings. 

Fortunately, God’s salvation is sure, with God knowing who is truly his.  Every one who is a truly a Christian should put known sin out of their lives.  Unfortunately, not everyone is equally devoted to God, as II Timothy 2:19-20 points out.  “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.   

If we want God’s blessings, we need to make the effort to put away the hings God has forbidden and avoid temptation, focusing on the new nature the Holy Spirit produces, as II Timothy 2:22-26 describes.  “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.  Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

If we are to please God, we need to avoid getting caught up in the various religious controversies, but to stay focused on what God has said.  By doing so, there is the possibility we may draw others to the truth, but if we get caught up in the controversies we will only turn them further from the truth.  II Thessalonians 3:14-15 commands, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.  Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”  We are not to go along with their false teachings or sin, but neither are we to drive them farther away.  We are to leave open the possibility of reconciliation. 

Demonstrating Salvation By Obedience

As Christians, we are to love each other.  As we have seen, certain actions may be considered loving, but without the proper underlying attitude, they mean nothing.  When we have a proper attitude of love, there will not be a sense of competition between us, but a sense of respect and concern for each other’s wellbeing, as Philippians 2:2-4 tells us.  “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”  I Corinthians 3:3 makes it clear when there is conflict between us, we are not walking in the Spirit.  “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”  Conflict and competition is proof of a carnal, unspiritual state.    

We need to develop the same attitude as Jesus had, as Philippians 2:5-11 tells us.  “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus, God’s own son, was God from the very beginning, yet he voluntarily became an ordinary human being, living as a poor working man, even allowing himself to be executed on the cross in obedience to God the Father’s wishes because he loved mankind.  Because of his obedience, he has been given authority over all God’s creation, and is to receive the respect and honor of every person who has ever lived.  He is not only our savior, but also our example as to how we are to live. 

If we have truly believed in Christ and received the Holy Spirit, we ought to demonstrate it in our daily lives whether there are other Christians around or not, as Philippians 2:12-16 tells us.  “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

It is the Holy Spirit in us which gives us the desire and enables us to do what God wants.  As a result, there shouldn’t be any grumbling of fighting on the part of Christians, even though they are surrounded by wicked people.  Their attitude makes them stand out like lights in a dark place, offering hope to the world, reassuring their teachers, like Paul that their efforts have not been wasted.