Philippians 2:12-18

Philippians 2:12 - 18

Point | The work of salvation is about surrender not perfection

12-14:

Our words reflect our hearts. The first step in combating a complaining attitude is to control what we allow our minds to focus on. This means taking every thought captive. The idea of working out your own salvation with fear and trembling appears (on the surface) that your salvation depends on you and your actions. After all, it says to work out which is an action.

Of course, there are other verses like Ephesians 2:8 which clearly note that salvation is a gift from God and based upon his grace and not on anything we have done.

It is very easy to be caught off guard by our first impressions of that verse; so much so that we miss the gravity of the next verse where it says, “For it is God who works in you.”

The 2nd part of the verse (for it is God working in you) makes the 1st part of the verse (work out your salvation) somewhat confusing.

Think of ‘working out your salvation’ more like God working his salvation into your life. As you follow (as you put spiritual disciplines into practice) and follow and obey God, he will begin to show you areas in your life that need to be worked out.

Paul shows us that grace and works are not mutually exclusive. You see, the word for “work out” is katergazomai, which means to carry out to its full perfection.

Now, please note Paul doesn’t say work for your salvation. The work of Jesus secured salvation; we cannot add, improve or maintain our salvation. He is describing sanctification (the ongoing process through which a believer is transformed and conformed into Christ’s image, where we become holy and Christ-like, for the holy purposes of God. )

…with fear and trembling…

Some have translated this to say, “with a holy care to do all acceptably; implying earnest surrender, deep humility, and complete submission with a sense of awe towards God.” The trembling comes from the idea of being separated from the Lord by disobedience, rebellion, laziness, or apathy.

We are not alone in this work God has called us to; He doesn’t just leave us to do it alone. He equips us, guides us, and enables us according to His good purpose.

Paul is urging believers to present their lives, as an offering completely for God.

You may feel carrying your sanctification out to its full perfection is not only difficult but impossible. Verse 13 offers good news: Paul instructs us to work, only to tell us that God provides the Spirit who instills the desire to accomplish this and the power to carry it out.

Our part in this process is simply to seek Him, abide in Him, have intimacy in relationship with Him, and strive to know Him a little more each day through spiritual disciplines.

As you “work out your salvation” by spending time with Him, as you grow to know Him deeply through devotion to the disciplines, He will work in you to change you and renew your mind and heart, and He will work in you to accomplish His will and good purposes for you, in you, and the world!

Our joy should not come from what we are facing but rather come from Jesus - when our joy comes from Jesus it doesn’t matter what we face.

This is how we flesh out the unity that we are called to have:

Be Humble: value the needs of others first just as Jesus demonstrated throughout his life. (Do everything without grumbling / arguing).

Be Devoted: Continue to discipline yourself in Christ (Daily devotions, church, outreach). In your devotion, hold the light of the gospel for others through your testimony.

Be Committed: As you grow in your relationship with Christ, grow also in your relationships with others.