*Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart];
Matthew 3:8 *
Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).
Philippians 2:12 AMPC
Grace has been the best gift that has been given to mankind, we don't work for it..
Grace also on this other end is seen as a seed and seeds are to be cultivated so as to produce more of its kind through its fruits..
John in mattew 3:8 was telling the people that the proof that you've received grace is by living it out, reproducing its fruit because fruits are things that are seen..
When we bear fruits, we don't need to tell people we've received grace... No! But rather people will see grace in you and acknowledge it... A mango tree doesn't announce its a mango tree but people see its fruit and know this is a mango tree..
"Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:20 AMPC"
Hence, Paul admonished us in Philippians 2:12 to live it out. Why?
The product of work is seen by its fruits, that's why he said, after receiving this free gift of grace, work it out! Prune it, weed it, fertilize it, so as to make sure the fruits show..
Remember, it is when your light shines forth that men will see and give glory to our father..
Hence, brethren, it doesn't end at receiving, you need to make the fruits show..
How?
- By relying on the spirit of God who is already working in you. Philippians 2:13
*By studying the His words, its the lifewire of our seed..
*By Hearing the word..
*By doing the word..
*By Testifying the word, telling others our testimony.. That's how we overcome..
Shalom!