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Working Out Your Salvation
Read: Philippians 2:12-18
Paul commands the believers at Philippi to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling”. This verse has been interpreted in two ways- either to mean a believer’s personal salvation or working out salvation corporately as a body of believers. The previous verses describe how Christ humbly gave His life, and through His sacrifice we are offered salvation. It’s a free gift. It’s not by our own works which we are saved but through His sacrifice (Eph 2:8-9). However, it doesn’t stop there. It is important that we continue to live out our salvation daily, growing closer to Christ and striving to live like Him.
In light of Paul’s call to unity in the preceding verses, it’s likely that his appeal in verse 12 was to the community, for the working out of salvation as a body of believers. There had been disagreements and strife among the believers in Philippi, and Paul was offering a solution. Salvation here most likely means deliverance from the hindrances that were tripping them up and holding them back from living out the Christian life and doing the will of God. Their perspective had turned inward rather than outward. Paul wanted them to work together, ridding themselves of division and discord, in order to encourage each other to grow daily in their faith. This was crucial to the health of their church.
Paul says they must work out their salvation with fear and trembling, meaning they should have a proper awe, reverence, and respect for God. He goes on to tell them that it’s not by their own strength, but God’s strength working in and through them that enables them to work out their salvation. They couldn’t do it with their own strength, but with God’s strength anything’s possible (Matt 19:26b).
Like the Philippians, we are called to live lives consistent with the calling we’ve received. Because we’ve been given the gift of salvation and the blessing of the Holy Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit and share Christ’s gift with others. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:25). May we work out our salvation daily, pursue unity, and encourage each other in the faith. May we live faithfully and obediently, pursuing righteousness and glorifying Christ in all that we do.
Reflect: Read Philippians 2:12-18 again and reflect on the following questions:
- What does it mean for you to “work out your salvation” individually? What role does it play in the context of God’s grace? What does it mean to work it out corporately?
- What influence do you have on the spiritual health of others at church or in your small group? How can you encourage them to grow and work through difficulties with them?
- How has your life been impacted by the power of the Holy Spirit? In what way has the Holy Spirit’s power has enabled you to act beyond your abilities?
Remember: Weekly memory verse
“Do everything without complaining or arguing.” (Phil 2:14, NIV)
Going Further…
Think about how you can continue to work out your salvation individually and corporately this week. Pray that God would give you strength to work together in unity with other believers and to live your life as a witness to others.
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