Philippians 2:12-18 12 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, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life– in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
I. Context
a. Recap: prior text ends with Christ’s exaltation and that everyone will bow down before the Lord Jesus
b. Therefore… because of this reality that we will bow down before our Lord, we ought to have a healthy sense of fear and reverence
II. Work out your own salvation… what does this mean?
a. Salvation is not just that one time initial event of when we ask Christ into our lives, but it is a continual process of God working in us
i. Don’t rely upon some one time prayer of asking God into your life, or being a church member
ii. It’s not just about what you are saved from, but what you are saved for
b. Salvation: Conversion, Sanctification, Glorification; or You were saved, you are being saved, you will be saved
III. Whose Work Is It? (vv. 12b-13)
a. God is working in you (vs. 13)—The Holy Spirit (John 16:13; Titus 3:5-7; Romans 8:12-17)
b. You are participating with God in this work
i. You are responsible and will be held accountable
c. God delights in working with us
d. Being simultaneously God’s work in us and ours is one of the great mysteries of the faith
IV. Sanctification in Action (vv. 14-16)
a. v. 14—not just what we do, but our attitude in doing it
i. no grumbling or complaining—there is joy in doing God’s work
ii. v. 15- we’re held accountable for our attitude (are you blameless?)
b. Churches that do (good) ministry but allow constant gossiping and complaining and bickering will suffer
V. Paul’s Joyful Reflection (vv. 17-18)
a. Metaphorical language—Paul sacrificed himself for their benefit, and if they live out their faith, it was worth it
