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Php 2:12a [Amplified Classic]
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...

Php 2:12b [Amplified Classic]
...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).

Php 2:13 [Amplified Classic]
[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

Human Power
It typically manifests in mankind inventing solutions to problems that God has already accounted for and either solved directly (Php 4:19), or given us the means to cope with indirectly (1Co 10:13).

Human Power
It is the fingerprint of sinful man. Believers are called to depend on God’s grace; however, sinful man (unbelievers and sinning believers) depends on his own strength to solve problems.

Ecc 12:13-14
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

FAITH

Does the end justify the means?

Is 55:8-9 [TLB]
This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.

Is 56:1 [TLB]
Be just and fair to all, the Lord God says. Do what’s right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you.

Human Power
It typically manifests in mankind inventing solutions to problems that God has already accounted for and either solved directly (Php 4:19), or given us the means to cope with indirectly (1Co 10:13).

Ro 14:23b
For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Symptomatic Man
Wealth breeds human power. Human power breeds bullying. Bullying is merely a symptom like the rest; it’s borne of a lack of faith (“whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” - Ro 14:23b).

Ac 18:24
Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.

People love idols!!!

Eze 28:5
by your great wisdom in your trade you have increased your wealth, and your heart has become proud in your wealth-

Is 14:14
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’

The Danger of Wealth
Wealth is the breeding ground for arrogance that naturally evolves into a power-hunger. A corrupt heart precedes both forms of evil (the heart sets the vector, luck and determination achieve the end goal).

Lk 6:39
[Jesus] also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?”

“a meddler”
from allotriepiskopos - means one who meddles in things alien to his calling or in matters belonging to others; factious.

Wealth Breeds Arrogance
Have you ever noticed the connection between wealth and the assumption of power? Why is it that once a person (or group of people) obtains wealth, they self-assign themselves as authoritative?

Does the end justify the means?

Jesus’ Example
Jesus is the wealthiest person to ever walk the face of the Earth. Not once did He try to seize political or social power. He preferred to focus on spreading the Gospel.

Symptomatic Man
What symptoms of corruption due to wealth/power have you seen in the following?
- Politicians
- Religious leaders, pastors, priests, etc.
- Business leaders 

- Family dynasties, kings, queens, etc.
- Hollywood actors
- You 


Human Power
It typically manifests in mankind inventing solutions to problems that God has already accounted for and either solved directly (Php 4:19), or given us the means to cope with indirectly (1Co 10:13).

“What Is This Freedom You Speak Of?”
Blog - 8/14/20