How does God work in us?

The question was asked, “How does God work in us?”

I would say that it has at least SOMETHING to do with the gospel message – because we are told that faith comes from hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:13-17). The word of God works in us by piercing us (Hebrews 4:12). We see it at work in those who believe in 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

But it also seems there is something more to it than that. We know God opened Lydia’s heart to response to the things spoken by Paul (Acts 16:14). I think we see that same sort of God working in people to obey Him in Philippians 2:12-13. We see this in John 6:29, which tells us that the work God is that we believe. I think 1 Corinthians 1:27 tells us that God uses the weak to wrk on the strong. I think we see in Ephesians 2:10 that we are the workmanship of God, created in Christ to do good works. 

But there seems to be a caveat. Not everyone who thinks they believe are actually saved. Those who claim to do miracles in Christ’s name but are workers of iniquity will be rejected by Christ, where he will tell them he never knew them (Matthew 7:16-23).

Scripture mentioned above is found below:

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Romans 10:13-17

13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” 16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

Acts 16:14

A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.

Philippians 2:12-13

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

John 6:29

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

1 Corinthians 1:27

but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Matthew 7:16-23

16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, you will know them by their fruits. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’