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Sunday, November 18, 2018 pm                                            Philippians Index

 

STUDIES IN PHILIPPIANS (11)
Work Out Your Own Salvation
Philippians 2:12

     As we continue our study of this book, we find Paul challenging these brethren to follow the example of Jesus, especially in our humility, thinking about others, especially for the sake of unity.   Tonight, we continue by noting a familiar phrase we need to consider, “Work out your own salvation”.

 I.                     As you have always obeyed

a.       Obeying God in the presence of others – certainly, we are reminded of the importance of our example.  Paul will deal with that shortly (Philippians 2:14-15).

b.       Obeying God in the absence of others – recall Paul’s desire to see them if the Lord wills (1:24-26).  Paul wants obedience, whether he is there or not.  Furthermore, regardless of presences, he wants to HEAR that they are standing firm. 
Our true character is revealed by how we respond when no one is looking.   One thing we know, God is always watching.   Jesus described the faithful servant as the one who is doing his work when the master returns (Matthew 24:45-46)

 II.                   Work out your own salvation

a.       It doesn’t dismiss God’s part – Paul was not saying we can ever earn our salvation by meritorious works, but we are called upon to nurture and preserve it by DOING what we can. 
We have emphasized in our studies how God’s grace and our obedient faith complement each other.  Be reminded of examples such as: Noah building the ark (Genesis 6:8), Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13), the taking of Jericho (Joshua 6:2), etc.  In all of these we find God GIVING something, but the recipients were called upon to do their part.
We ARE saved by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:24, 2 Timothy 1:9, etc.).  But it is through our OBEDIENT faith (our part or response). 
Philippians 2:13 notes that in this, “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

b.       We have a part in our salvation – this verse clearly points to this fact. 
in becoming a Christian, we have a part.  Again, note Ephesians 2:8 – our faith. 
2 Peter 1:5ff – we are called upon to ADD to our faith, indicating we have work to do.  Note vs. 10-11 – if you do these things…

c.        We have an individual part in our salvation - there are matters none can accomplish for you.  Galatians 6:5 – we all have our own load to bear.  2 Corinthians 5:10 – we must all appear…

d.       However, this does NOT mean we can create our own plan toward salvation – we must follow God’s only pattern.
Proverbs 14:12 – there is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death.
Luke 16:15, Jesus said to corrupted leaders, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts…”
This is about obedience to God’s will. CONSIDER how Paul has in the previous section addressed the obedience of Christ Jesus to the point of death on the cross for us (vs. 8). 
Bear in mind, we need the same mindset that Jesus had (vs. 5). 

 III.                 How do we work out our salvation?

a.       We have to work at it – anything worth doing requires diligent effort.   2 Timothy 2:15.  2 Peter 1:5.

b.       This work is a present condition which implies that it is something that can be lost, or we can fail to complete it.  Consider 1 Corinthians 9:27, Hebrews 10:38-39, etc.

c.        This work is about finishing the race we have started - the word for work is a word that means to cause something to be accomplished or completed (see 2 Corinthians 9:11, 7:11, 4:17, Romans 5:3 – tribulation produces patience, Ephesians 6:13 – having done all, to stand.)
It involves effort.   And it is not just about becoming a Christian but staying faithful until you complete the work.  This letter was written TO Christians and about Christians.  
1 Peter 1:9, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

d.       It involves proper attitudes – “Therefore” - Note that Paul has addressed their need for humility (2:3-4) in the preceding section.  We are reminded of the heart – Matthew 5:8, 22:37, etc. 

e.       It involves our obedience – “as you have always obeyed”.   Earlier, Paul addressed how they were to let their conduct be worthy of the gospel (1:27).  Matthew 7:21, Luke 6:46, etc.

f.         We need godly fear and trembling – Be reminded, that true obedience is going to begin with godliness or reverence.  Godly fear is a healthy fear and proper respect for God – Hebrews 12:28-29, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
1 Peter 3:15 – we give a defense of our hope with meekness and fear

The idea of trembling is a realization of eternal consequences, the seriousness and urgency of the task at hand.  When it comes to our salvation, this is not something we ought to take lightly.  Hebrews 2:3-4

g.       This is further developed in the verses that follow – esp. vs. 14-16.  One source[1] addresses the section to follow with the following headings: Work reverently (2:12), work confidently (2:13), work willingly (2:14), work blamelessly (2:15), work steadfastly (2:16), and work cheerfully (2:17-18).  We will address these in greater detail in future lessons.

 

As Paul was speaking to the Philippians, so it applies to us.  We ought to take our salvation very seriously.  What are we doing to prepare to stand before God in judgment?  Are we working out our salvation?