Week 13: Philippians 2:12-13

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.

1. We start with a therefore.  Rule of thumb, when you read "therefore," ask yourself "what's it there for?"  Typically, it's a culminating thought of the previous passage, leading up to something concluding and transitory.  In this case, Paul is urging the Philippians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.  Sadly, I think many people fail to do this today.  We each must work out our own salvation.  This means that if we're relying on the faith of our parents, or the company of church-goers, or even our own half-convinced minds, then we're missing the point.  Salvation is much more than just an act, though many would cry otherwise.  Salvation is a way of life, allowing the redemptive blood of Jesus to permeate and work through us each and every moment.
   
   I think this also implies that we're all responsible for coming to terms with our own salvation.  For me, that came while I was in college.  I understood what it meant to be independent, and I independently sought out Jesus.  How does one work out their salvation, though?  With fear and trembling.  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7), and time and time again throughout scripture we're shown instances of people fearing God.  This is respectful fear, yes, but it's much more.  It's an understanding fear, knowing that God is sovereign, omnipotent, and all-knowing, and that He can do what He wishes.  If men fell before angels terrified and trembling, how much more so will we before the Creator?  And yet, it's a loving fear, for God loves us so much, and those that are in His hands should take comfort in that. 
2. it is God who works in you.  How awesome it is that we have the Holy Spirit within us, working in according to God's plan!  This is foundational and freeing, for we have God Himself dwelling in us and working for His good pleasure.  While all our acts are not necessarily pleasing to God, in the Great Plan, they all give God glory, which gives Him pleasure.

As I mentioned last week, this section of Philippians has been excellent for memorization.  It seems like a lot of verses, but it's not difficult in the least.  I strongly urge you all to commit these verses, 5-13,  to memory and dwell on the mystery of God's love.