Lord, Work On, In, & Through Us

Lord, Work On Me

Our text says, “Now may the God of peace… make you complete in every good work to do His will” (Heb. 13:20-21a).

The verb translated “make you complete” means to put something in its proper place (Mt. 4:21). It was used to set a broken bone, mend a broken net, outfit a ship for a voyage, or equip an army for battle.

God wants to set the broken bones in our lives and repair our nets. He does this through the word (2 Tim. 3:16-17), prayer (1 Thess. 3:10), fellowship (Eph. 4:11-12), spiritual people (Gal. 6:1), and suffering (1 Pet. 5:10). Lord, make us complete in every good work to do Your will.

Lord, Work In Me

Our text goes on to say, “working in you what is well pleasing in His sight” (Heb. 13:21b).

The verb translated “working in you” means to accomplish or carry out an action (Heb. 1:2; 13:6). Admittedly, there is great mystery as to how God works His will into our human will without destroying its freedom.

The idea here is God desires to equip us fully to perform or accomplish whatever is pleasing in His sight (Jn. 8:29; 1 Jn. 3:22). This equipping is inward, not outward (Phil. 1:6; Eph. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:23). Lord, begin a good work in us.

Lord, Work Through Me

Our text concludes by saying, “working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb. 13:21c).

God is at work in us “through Jesus.” He is the one who pioneered the way, makes it possible to enter God’s presence, and waits to welcome us in that city to come (2:10; 10:19; 13:14).

Faithful obedience, reverential service, and a yielding and submissive disposition are necessary to allow God to work in our lives (Phil. 2:12-13). Lord, help us to become partners with you.

Benediction:

May we strive to trust more in your presence in our lives. May you work in our lives to make us complete in every good work to do your will. May you strengthen and establish us as you begin a good work in us. May we work out our own salvation and give our lives over for your service and glory. May we see ourselves as partners together with You, Your Son, Your Spirit, and Your people. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NKJV)