Phil. 2:12-13 - Obey

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.

Without Me Looking Over Your Shoulder...

Vs. 12 - “So then... work out your salvation” - The heart of this sentence is right here. Read carefully - it does not say ‘work for your salvation’, i.e., earning your salvation. “Work out” is a busy word in the NT, and it always seems to be about action! Here is just a few thoughts:

• Tribulation produces perseverance (Rom. 5:3; Jam. 1:3)
• Sin is manifested in what I am doing (sometimes even though I don’t want to be doing it) (Rom. 7:13, 15, 17, 18, 20)
• Jesus worked through me (Rom. 15:18)
• Affliction produces glory (2 Cor. 4:17)
• The world produces death (2 Cor. 7:10);
• Having done everything, stand firm (Eph. 6:13)
• The salvation provided in you from Jesus Christ will be demonstrated by your actions. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)
• Believers are not to be passive. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (Matt. 28:19)

Does this mean you are to whip out your copy of the “Four Spiritual Laws” (an booklet for sharing Christ) to everyone you meet? No. (But have it memorized so you can be ready to share!)
Christ working in you should be obvious to everyone - it will be out there.

“With fear and trembling” - Always being aware that it is Christ whom you serve - the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, creator and sustainer of the universe. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” (Col. 3:23) Christ working in me, will show in my actions - which is where the ‘fear and trembling’ comes to bear. Is my life pleasing to God? Am I living out my salvation in such a way that others will want the same?
These are not rhetorical questions!

“Just as you have always obeyed” - The things they learned from him they have followed, whether he was there or not. Paul commends the church family and exhorts them. (See: 2 Tim. 2:2, Phil. 4:7)

Vs. 13 -“it is God who is at work in you” - One of the beautiful things about living the Christian life is that you are not on your own! The command to work out your salvation is not sending out on a solo mission.

We can do nothing without Christ. (John 15:5)
He has provided a “helper”. (John 14:6, 26; 15:26; 16:7)
God works in us that we may be successful! He has given us gifts - over and above salvation! (Rom. 12:3)
God works in each of the believers. (1 Cor. 12:6, 3:6)
When we work out our salvation it is by God’s grace. (1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 3:5)God equips us (sets everything up, provisions us, prepares us, strengthens us, etc.) for what is pleasing to Him (not our will, but His will). (Heb. 13:21)

It is our surrender to Jesus’ and the Father’s will that empowers us. We can do nothing of worth on our own power. It is ALL GOD, and none of me.

A quote from Dr. Tim Keller: “Helplessness, not holiness is the first step to accessing God.” Accessing God is to be in His will, filled with His power.

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