1st let me admit that I borrowed (copy and pasted) this from another site I visit occasionally... The following was said to be from "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges. I read the book quite some time ago and was blessed and challenged by it. ...
A Farmer plows his field, sows the seed, and fertilizes and cultivates—all the while knowing that in the final analysis he is utterly dependent on forces outside of himself. He knows he cannot cause the seed to germinate, nor can he produce the rain and sunshine for growing and harvesting the crop. For a successful harvest, he is dependent on these things from God.
Yet the farmer knows that unless he diligently pursues his responsibilities to plow, plant, fertilize, and cultivate, he can- not expect a harvest at the end of the season. In a sense he is in a partnership with God, and he will reap its benefits only when he has fulfilled his own responsibilities. Farming is a joint venture between God and the farmer. The farmer cannot do what God must do, and God will not do what the farmer should do.
We can say just as accurately that the pursuit of holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christian. No one can attain any degree of holiness without God working in his life, but just as surely no one will attain it without effort on his own part. God has made it possible for us to walk in holiness. But He has given to us the responsibility of doing the walking; He does not do that for us.
Anyway this just sounded very similar to many points from my last sermon on Philippians Chapter 2 - we must work out our salvation, with fear and trembling, while God works in us to will and act according to His purpose... If you didn't get a chance to listen or read my study, just check Monday's link. God bless.
Live holy, preach Jesus!
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