“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12b
Inward transformation vs outward compliance has always been a challenge for me. I would typically learn what I’m supposed to do but eventually, I would fail. Outward compliance can only last for so long, it will run out of steam if it is not driven by an inward transformation.
The sanctification process is meant to allow God to change us from the inside out. When we cooperate with the Spirit of God to give us an eternal perspective, we begin to see things that are eternal. Outward compliance will tend to value the temporal things, putting more value on stuff instead of people. People will wear us out unless a work of the Spirit has been done on the inside. The idea of a “Demonstration of the Manifestation” is when both come together in order.
When the inner man is in the process of being renewed the outward man will display or manifest itself as genuine. So, it’s important to have a manifestation of inward to outward rather than outward to inward. When we begin to try to follow Christian values in our own strength, outwardly first, the inward man can become frustrated, bitter, and angry.
Being in the Word of God and spending time in prayer and fellowship will attribute to becoming spiritually-minded. “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.” This can be a barometer to see when the temperature changes. When the Holy Spirit has His way, we will be able to turn from the outward compliance which leads to complaining and disputing and work out our salvation by cleansing the inward man.
If you are tired of “Trying” to be a Christian, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure”. Confess that we need to be conformed and transformed more and more like Jesus. It is then we can show a “Demonstration of the Manifestation” Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org
