The Power of Agency

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:12-18

General Notes:

“It’s hard to be hopeful when you feel helpless.”

“Control is the ability to impose our will on the world around us and the sense of empowerment that gives us.” Shannon Hodde Miller

The Cost of Control by Shannon Hodde Miller

How We Seek Control:

“If faith is believing what we cannot see, control is the opposite. It is choosing to trust what we can see- namely our own power, knowledge, and intentions.” Shannon Hodde Miller

is the power to influence ourselves, others, and circumstances.

Difference between control and agency:

• Relationships
  • Control- manipulation, coerce 
  • Agency- provide wise council, support and encourage
• Circumstances
  • Control- overwork, obsessively plan, cheat
  • Agency- plan, prepare, and execute conscientiously
• Reputation
  • Control- cultivate a false image, and manage what other people think about you.
  • Agency- cultivate integrity

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:14-16