February 23, 2025 -- Philippians 2:12-13 -- Working out one's salvation with fear and trembling

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Therefore, my brothers, 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.
Philippians 2:12-13 ESV
 
If you remember, Paul had already encouraged the Philippians to stay faithful to God no matter if he would come and see them or would be absent (Phil. 1:27). Why the repetition? It is important. This little congregation is a church plant. It is very young in the faith and needed encouragement and reminders. More than this, Paul has been openly talking about his death. It is not unreasonable to prepare them for this eventuality. He is in prison. If the case goes against him, he will be put to death. So, this little congregation he is writing to must be prepared to implement the teachings he has given while he was present with them and the instruction he gives both through this letter and via the men he has sent to Philippi.
 
The Philippians have the gospel. They are filled with the Spirit. They can work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Fear in the Lord, so that their fear of Him is greater than their fear of those who might oppress them. Fear in the Lord will cause them to rely on the Spirit of Jesus. They are commanded to work out their salvation with trembling, aware how easy it is to backslide away from the truth of God’s word. Trembling because they know of those who begin to serve God from false motivations, like the preachers who preached from envy and rivalry (Phil. 1:15).
 
What help will they have as they work out their own salvation with fear and trembling? The Mighty One of heaven and earth is giving to His people His Spirit so that they will have the will, that is the backbone and desire, to obey the commands of God. More than this, He has granted His people the Spirit-empowered ability to do as He commands. What God commands is too hard for us to do on our own. So, we pray for the humbling of our will in order that we will desire God’s will. We read the Word and know God Who commands will also equip His people to fulfill what He has commanded. We realize our deep and profound need for community. Christians walking together will have those who are strong encouraging the weak. Following this logic, we realize as well, Christians have no basis for pride or boasting for it really is God Who works in them both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
 
What’s the point then? Paul had already spelled it out. To live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21). We are most satisfied in life when we are most pleased in God. We were made to be God-directed in our thoughts, words and deeds. God alone is the highest prize. Think of it. How many people, having achieved the pinnacle of their profession, or having ridiculous sums of money, are still empty? The only purpose and goal of life worth striving for is living for Christ. The more you know Him, the more deeply you love Him, the greater your acts of service in His Name, the more you’ll find satisfaction and pleasure in Him. Since our King is infinite, there will be endless opportunities to serve, multitudinous reasons to delight in Him. As the Psalmist said, “in Your presence there is fullness of joy” Psalm 16:11b. Today is Sunday. Get to church. Worship God. Find out that it is true, God really is the delight of His people.
 
Father in heaven, I read the words of this passage, but confess they are hard to comprehend. There is such a battle in my soul. My self-directed willfulness is constantly fighting against You. Help me to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling. By Your Spirit’s work in me, direct me to both will and to work for Your good pleasure. Give me the insight to know that in Your presence, and there alone, is fullness of joy. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/R8mLTdQQXg4?si=Eha6CNyao5VPWgo_ In Your Presence is Fullness of Joy

 

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