”Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
Philippians 2:12New International Version (NIV)
Philippians 2:12 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Work out your salvation
In Philippians 2:12, Paul exhorted the Philippians to continue to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. But what does it mean to “work out” your salvation, and how does obedience play a role?
What “Work out your salvation” is not
Well, Paul is not suggesting that we can earn our salvation through works. He is focused on how we can live out our salvation.
Salvation is a gift from God, freely given by God through His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). The reason why Paul is urging believers to live out their salvation (faith) in a way that reflects God’s transforming power in their lives. He is urging them to continuously put effort into living out their lives according to God’s will.
What “Work out your salvation” is
The Greek word translated as “work out” means to cultivate, develop, and bring to full expression what is already there, that is, the salvation that God has already placed within us. This involves growing in holiness, resisting sin, and walking in obedience to God’s Word. Just as an athlete trains to maximize their potential, a believer must actively nurture their spiritual life to reflect Christ’s character.
It is also just like a gardener tends to a seed that’s already been planted. The seed in the believer’s life is God’s gift of salvation, and the gardener is the believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, who has a responsibility to nurture its growth.
Moreover, Paul is urging you and me to conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ no matter what happens just as he did with the Philippians (Philippians 1:27). Because he wanted to be sure that they would stand firm in one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel, without fear of their opposers (Philippians 1:27-28).
Fear and Trembling
No wonder Paul used the phrase “with fear and trembling” in his exhortation. He urged believers to deeply respect and be aware of God’s power and majesty that works His work in them (Philippians 1:6). He did not imply a terror of God, but a deep reverence and awe for His holiness, power, and majesty.
The Role of Obedience in Our Salvation
Without omission, obedience is a key theme in this verse and, therefore, a significant requirement for our salvation. No wonder Paul commended the Philippians for their obedience in his presence and encouraged them to continue even more in his absence in regards to his exhortation in Philippians 2:12.
Earlier in his letter, Paul exhorted the Philippians to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus in their relationships with one another (Philippians 2:5). He revealed that even though Jesus was equal with God, He made Himself nothing when He took on the nature of a servant, in human likeness, and obeyed death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8). That is, He humbled Himself.
Jesus, therefore, modeled perfect obedience (Philippians 2:8), and as His followers, we are called to submit to God’s will in every place and circumstance.
Continuous growth and obedience
Paul’s call is therefore a call to approach our Christian life with seriousness, humility, and dependence on God. Because the Christian journey is one of continuous growth and obedience. This attitude guards us against complacency and reminds us of our utter reliance on God’s grace.
Obedience is not just about following rules but about a deep love and reverence for God. When we obey Him, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience the fullness of His blessings. This attitude guards us against complacency and reminds us of our utter reliance on God’s grace.
Furthermore, Paul in Philippians 2:13, followed with an important truth: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act to fulfill his good purpose.” That is, while we are called to work out our salvation, it is ultimately God who empowers us to do so. His grace enables our efforts, and His Spirit guides us in our journey of faith.
Conclusion
Philippians 2:12 reminds us that salvation is not a passive experience but an active journey. We are called to obey God wholeheartedly and live out our faith with reverence. As we do so, we can take comfort in knowing that God is at work within us, shaping us into the image of Christ. May we walk in obedience, striving to reflect His love and grace in all we do.
Reflection
As a pastor, I’ve often seen two extremes. Some people focus so much on grace that they neglect the importance of obedience and personal responsibility. They treat salvation as a passive acceptance, forgetting that it involves a lifelong process of transformation.
Others, on the other hand, become consumed with works, trying to earn God’s favor through their efforts. They lose sight of the fact that salvation is a gift, and their striving becomes a source of anxiety and burnout.
Thank that Philippians 2:12 offers a balanced perspective. It acknowledges the primacy of grace while emphasizing the importance of actively participating in our sanctification. It’s a call to partnership with God, recognizing that He works in us (Philippians 2:13) to will and to act according to His good purpose. Our “working out” is only possible because God is already “working in.”
Reflection questions
Nevertheless, below are some questions to guide your reflection.
- In what areas of your life is God calling you to greater obedience? (Are you allowing God’s grace to transform you from the inside out?)
- How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God?
- What steps will you take today to actively work out your salvation?
Prayer/Blessing
Lord, I thank you for the gift of salvation. Help me to understand what it means to “work out” my salvation, not through my strength but through the power of your Holy Spirit. Give me reverent awe of your holiness and a deep desire to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Acts 23-25 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
Call to action
Reflect on areas in your life where you need to grow in obedience and Christlikeness. Identify one specific step you can take this week to “work out” your salvation in that area.
