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“Work out your salvation”
Categories: MTPhilippians 2:12-13
To understand this text, we must take note of the context and of several facts brought out by the Greek text. In the flow of thought, these verses introduce the conclusion of an appeal for unity that began in 1:27 and runs through 2:18. “Therefore/So then” (2:12) in Greek indicates a conclusion from what precedes. Also, all of the words used here are plurals in Greek. Paul is not telling individual Christians to individually work out their personal salvation, as is often taught. Rather, he is appealing to the church, based on the example of humility seen in Jesus Christ 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves., to work out the practical implications of their salvation in their relationships with one another. Because God Himself is at work in their midst as a church, they need to lay aside personal rights and humbly serve one another, putting others ahead of self. In so doing, they will stand out as lights in this dark, selfish world (2:15).
For God’s glory, he needs us to be lights in the world---so he tells us to take what is in us and work it OUT---don’t just keep it in, don’t just hide it. So what does the world see in the church: a happy group of saved people, busy, helping, encouraging, praising, unified, glory bound…or apathetic, sparse attendance, few people doing all the work, mumbling, grumbling…see my point??
Not only in its inception, but throughout the whole process, God must be the energizing power of the Christian life (our English word “energy” comes from the Greek word translated “work” in 2:13). Jesus said, “... apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). We cannot live the Christian life in our own strength or effort, but must walk each day in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Vs 16---why is it important to HOLD FAST TO THE WORD OF LIFE (my words are spirit, they are life)
