When I was growing up, I can remember my dad telling me when I had a problem to work it out. What he meant by that was to look at the facts of what I was doing, gather any information I could, and solve the problem. We were taught to think and to do everything to the best of our ability. When we used the proper tools and knowledge to solve the problem, the outcome was good. If we took shortcuts and thought our way was better than the knowledge of those who had gone before us, it rarely worked out for the best.
This method of solving a problem works the same way in our faith. In Philippians 2:12, Paul tells the Philippian church to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Now, before you think Paul or I are talking about working to gain salvation in Jesus Christ, let me assure you that is not the case. Paul wrote Ephesians 2:8-9 to ensure there was no mistake about how we achieve salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
In Philippians 2:12, Paul praises the Philippians for their obedience to the Lord. He knew they were sincere because it wasn’t something they did just because he was with them; reports showed they were steadfast in their obedience when he was gone. Their obedience while he was gone showed that their desire was to please the Lord, not Paul. He tells them to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.” Some have misunderstood this instruction and added works to the attainment of salvation. God alone does the saving based on our faith in Christ, but we must determine in our hearts and minds to follow Him.
Philippians 2:12-13 “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
This command from God exhorts us to be diligent in our pursuit of God. Each of us has the free will to obey or disobey, to surrender or serve ourselves. We are to be diligent in using all God has provided to change us to be more like Jesus. All that we achieve is totally dependent on His working in us.
We are commanded in Job 11:13-15 to prepare our hearts to receive all that He has for us. We must look within ourselves and be honest with ourselves about anything in our lives that does not please Him. If we have sin in our lives, we are to repent, or put it away from us. In the heart is where change and reformation must begin. While God forgives and wipes away our sins when we repent, it is up to us to seek Him and strive to please Him. No one can do that for us. God does not make us robots once we are saved. He allows our free will to make choices.
Job 11:13-15 “If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him; If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear.”
The term’ fear and trembling’ is not rooted in a fear of being zapped if we don’t obey, but in a reverence and respect that come from a heart that wants to please the one who saved us. With that being said, we should have a fear of the consequences of wrong decisions. How many families would be whole if husbands and wives thought and feared the consequences before they gave in to their feelings of lust? How many drug addicts or alcoholics would there be if they truly counted the cost and loved God enough that they did not want to disappoint their Master? It is my love for God, my gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice that keeps me desiring to live a holy life.
When our boys were young, they obeyed because they did not want to suffer the consequences of disobedience. However, as they grew, their obedience shifted to a desire not to disappoint us. Their love evolved from fear to respect and a genuine desire to please.
Our salvation is not works-based, but it is a love-based salvation. Therefore, I do not work for my salvation, but I work from my salvation. James teaches us that if we are saved, we will have works. Faith without works is dead. We must each examine our hearts in the light of the Word. When we do this, there will be times of unrest in our souls as the flesh wars against the spirit, but following through on perfecting our walk with God will always yield godly results. Therefore, yes, we must work to draw closer to God. We are to seek out what He would have us do, and how He wants us to please Him. We are all called to witness to others, give to the poor, pray for others, and simply be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth. This process is called sanctification. It starts the moment we are saved and continues until we die. The more you “work it out,” the more you will be like Him, and you must do it for yourself. No one can do it for you.
James 2:17-18 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
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