Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 2:13

"for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure." — Philippians 2:13 (ASV)

The Philippian Christians can carry out the exhortation of v.12 because God himself produces in believers both the desire to live righteously and the effective energy to do so. God does not demand of us what we cannot do. Furthermore, the provision from God takes into account our every need. It is not always enough to “will” something, for good intentions are not always carried out. Our wills must be energized by God himself.