In Paul Mahan's sermon titled "God's Good Work In Us," the primary theological topic is the divine work of faith within the believer, as articulated in Philippians 1:6, which emphasizes God's sovereignty in salvation. Mahan argues that faith is not a human endeavor but a miraculous gift from God, underscoring that it is God who initiates and sustains the believer's faith until the return of Christ. He references Scripture such as Romans 5:1 and Hebrews 11 to illustrate that faith is entirely dependent on God's grace and power, with the believer's assurance rooted in Christ's finished work on Calvary. The practical significance lies in the assurance it provides believers; if God has begun this good work of faith, He will faithfully complete it, encouraging believers to examine their faith and rejoice in their salvation.
Key Quotes
“Faith is not something we do, it's something God has done in us.”
“If God has done this for you, He'll finish it.”
“This work of faith is God's work according to the working of His mighty power.”
“God has performed this work for me. It's His performance, salvation.”
The Bible teaches that God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in His people (Philippians 1:6).
In Philippians 1:6, Paul confidently states that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. This affirms the belief that salvation is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process that is entirely God's work, from beginning to end. The assurance we have is rooted in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, which reflect His character and promises throughout Scripture. Those whom God has chosen will experience His transformative grace, evidencing faith that grows and matures over time.
Philippians 1:6
Faith is a gift from God, not an act of human will (Ephesians 2:8-9).
According to Ephesians 2:8-9, we learn that by grace we are saved through faith, and this is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. This underscores the Reformed understanding that faith itself is a miraculous work of God's grace. It is not something we can conjure up on our own, but rather, it is bestowed upon us as a precious gift. True faith is characterized by looking to Christ alone for salvation, and such belief is a direct result of God's sovereign choice and powerful work within us. Without His initiative, no one would naturally desire or possess true faith in Him.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Examining our faith is crucial to ensure that Christ is truly in us (2 Corinthians 13:5).
The importance of self-examination is highlighted in 2 Corinthians 13:5, where Paul instructs believers to test themselves to see if they are in the faith. This exercise is essential for Christians to confirm that they genuinely possess saving faith, which is evidenced by Christ being in us. The Apostle emphasizes that such examination isn't for self-condemnation but rather for assurance and encouragement in our walk with Christ. If we find evidence of that good work in us—trusting in Christ, loving Him, and seeking His glory—it brings immense joy and peace, reaffirming God's promise to carry on His work until completion.
2 Corinthians 13:5
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