“Nov 8, 2024 - Work Out Your Salvation”

Thursday, November 07, 2024

Work Out Your Salvation

Reading:  Philippians 2:12-18
    
    Though Paul hopes to be released from his imprisonment, he wants the Philippians to continue to do what is right whether he comes to them or not.  “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure”(Phil 2:12-13).  “Work out your own salvation” does not mean that salvation is a difficult math problem we must puzzle over.  Paul urges the Philippians to do the work that stems from the new relationship they enjoy with God.  In context, this includes standing firm, striving for the faith, refusing to be cowed by persecution, and humbling themselves like Jesus (Phil 1:27, 28, 2:5-11).  As we do this work, we are assured that “it is God who works in you,” supplying both the knowledge and power to continue to obey him.  When we have done what he asks, we still cannot glory in ourselves because he is ultimately responsible.

    There is more practical work here too:  “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world”(Phil 2:14-15).   Part of working out our salvation is eliminating our habits of complaint and argument.  We will always encounter unpleasant situations; mature believers do not bemoan every inconvenience.  We will always disagree on some level with those around us; mature believers do not constantly dispute.  These differences make us shine like lights in a dark world full of bitter, divisive, malcontents.  Christians have their eyes on different goals than whether we are always happy or always proven right.

    Salvation is not an end, but the beginning of a life of service.  As we obey “with fear and trembling” because of the awesome responsibility we have and the unique closeness of God to us, we give him glory for his work in us.  We approach the tasks of the believer with passion and vigor, eager to represent him in a dark world.

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One Thing to Think About: How will I work because of my salvation today?

One Thing to Pray For:  The appropriate mixture of gratitude and fear
 

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