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.”
Philippians 2:12-13

God has given us the Bible to reveal Himself to us.  In any communication, misinterpretation can cause disastrous consequences. All of us have experienced terrible harm from misunderstanding. Therefore, it is especially important that we correctly understand God’s Word.

Taking a wrong interpretation of “work out your own salvation” can be in opposition to the message of scripture. All passages must be interpreted in its context and must agree with the whole Word of God.

Paul’s warm letter to the church in Philippi was intended to encourage them concerning God’s plan for his own imprisonment in Rome and praise for their spiritual growth. Paul wanted them to know that he was able to be at peace with his dire situation because his focus was not on himself but on God’s love and goodness demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

Paul centers on the humility of God seen in Jesus, who “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:8) This is the same humility that Paul encouraged them to continue to demonstrate toward others. The only way this is possible is to take thoughts and desires off of self and place it on God.

Paul identifies what he means concerning the work of salvation by focusing on Jesus who took “the form of a servant”. This is a perfect example of selfless love that God has for us. It is therefore not our work, but the work of God in the Christian. Our work only leads to pride and condemnation to others. It also spirals into the grumbling and disputing mentioned in verse 14, when life becomes unpleasant. This can happen when the mind is on self.

All the world’s religions are about the achievements of human effort. Self becomes the center of that religion. God offers a relationship with Him through repentance from sin, submission of the heart, and belief in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. When the born again child of God places his mind on God’s greatness, His love, and all the work that He has done and is doing, then the peace and joy of the Spirit will be experienced in spite of the difficulties. “Fear and trembling” is having a proper respect for the awesomeness of God. God our heavenly Father should be the center of everything in life.

This week, if you are God’s child, let’s spend more time praising and thanking our Heavenly Father for the work being done for us and  less time thinking about what we are doing for Him. Let others see Christ in us.