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"Work out your salvation..."

Text: Philippians 2:12

THE SALVATION GOD OFFERS

There is only one solution to man’s sinful and wilful disobedience! God has to bring about man’s redemption. The Lord Jesus provided necessary atonement and offers deliverance from the power of sin.

HOW DOES ONE KNOW THAT SALVATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED?

The apostle Paul has a profound answer to the question of how we may know that we are truly saved.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed,
not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Philippians 2:12

1. “Work out”

a) Paul did not say “work for your own salvation”.

b) It is impossible to do enough good works to merit our salvation.

c) The phrase “work out” is important (Greek katergazomai).

i) It suggests “demonstration through obvious expressions”.

ii) Paul wrote about how he demonstrated that he was a true apostle through the signs and wonders he performed (2 Corinthians 12:12).

iii) He did not perform signs and wonders to become an apostle.

iv) He proved that he was an apostle through what he had accomplished.

v) Whether salvation or service there ought to be obvious indications.

2. “Work out your own salvation”

a) In the same way genuine salvation will express itself in life.

b) The new heart God gives in salvation will desire to walk in obedience.

c) Each individual will have to demonstrate that he is truly saved.

i) It is wise to check out our salvation in Christ.

ii) If our salvation is indeed genuine the expressions of salvation ought to be visible.

3. “With fear and trembling”

a) This phrase was added for good measure.

b) There is no brashness about working out our salvation in Christ.

c) Instead of taking our salvation casually, the following ought to be present:-

i) There is “fear” or “deep reverence”.

ii) There is “trembling” which is the outward expression of “fear”.