Philippians 2:12-13 "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, 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."
Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. So, if we are saved by faith then what is he trying to imply in Philippians when he tells us to work out our own salvation? Why do we need to work out our salvation when works clearly can't save us?
What Paul is trying to imply here is that we are saved by grace through faith and the works that we do are an indication that our faith is real. Faith produces works and the works are the outcome of our faith in Jesus Christ. The words 'work out" mean to continue on or to bring to completion. So as Believers, we actively persevere and continue allowing the Lord to use us to be His hands and feet until the day He returns. We serve resolutely and with joy out of obedience to God and submission to Him.
There are those that live in fear of losing their salvation and point to this scripture to back up their claims but this isn't at all what Paul is alluding to. He is trying to convey to the Philippians that as they continue to serve, they are to do so reverently and with respect. The fear he was talking about was a healthy fear of not wanting to disappoint God through their disobedience. Being able to serve in the name of Jesus is a high privilege and just the thought of God working through them was very humbling. Paul was encouraging them to persistently keep living out their faith serving in His name.
We bring great joy to God when we serve in obedience and submission to Him also. The Bible tells us that He knows that we love Him by our obedience and the fruit of the Spirit that comes forth from us while serving is a barometer to others reflecting that we are who we say we are, children of the living God. True Christians should exude the sweet aroma of the essence of all that Jesus Christ is. If someone claims to be a Follower of Jesus Christ and there is no fruit evident then the question arises, are they really a Believer?
Warren Wiersbe says that admiration for a great person can inspire us but it cannot enable us unless the person can enter into our own lives and share his skills. Friends, Jesus Christ is more than a great person. He is the Son of the living God. If you are a Believer, He has entered in you, dwells within you and will most definitely enable you to be able to do anything that He desires! He will exemplify the fruit of the Spirit through You and continue to refine You until He takes You home. It is our responsibility, as Believers, to continue to work out our salvation because we love and appreciate all that He has done to give us a new life in Him.
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
I'm amazed at the difference you've made in my life and I freely sing Your praises at every opportunity. When I look back and think about what might have been, I'm moved to tears. Thank you, I pray that You will continue working in me and through me to be all that You want me to be. When I tire and my strength wanes, please spur me on to do all that You need me to. Use all of me however you desire to be all for You at every turn. May the very essence of You pour forth from my life at all times, coming and going, and may I always take time to acknowledge those You send my way. Give me eyes to discern their needs and a willingness to help when I can. Help me to love like You and respond with Your gentleness.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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