9. WORKING OUT THE SALVATION (PHIL 2:12-18)

9. WORKING OUT THE SALVATION (PHIL 2:12-18):

Paul writes to the Philippians that, therefore, his beloved, as they have always obeyed, so then, not only as in His presence but much more in His absence, work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in them, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Paul affirms the obedience of the believers, and he wants them to continue in their obedience to God, irrespective of whether he is present in their midst or not. It is not easier to obey God when someone to whom we are accountable is present amidst us, and Paul wants them to be aware of it and consciously act as the person who has received salvation with the fear of God and carefulness. God works in a believer who allows Him to work in them through the guidance of the Spirit of God, so that a person will be able to submit their will and their actions for every good work that pleases God.

Paul instructs the believers to do all things without grumbling or disputing, that they may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom they shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ he may be proud that he did not run in vain or labor in van. When a person obeys God and does good work willingly, there will be no point in complaining or having bitterness, though the things around them are not the way they should be. In that way, a person will be without any mistakes or flaws to be pointed out, amongst the group of people who are ready to accuse and degrade others. A person who follows and obeys the word of God will be leading others in the right path, like the light that gives direction, and Paul affirms that if the believers hold to the word of God, he will rejoice during the judgment at the return of Christ that his labor is fruitful.

Paul concludes that even if he is to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of their faith, he is glad and he rejoices with them all. Likewise, they also should be glad and rejoice with him. Paul wishes that he could suffer for the sake of the believers to hold on to God in the midst of afflictions and difficulties. Paul rejoices about their steadfast faith in the Lord and their perseverance. Even though the afflictions are something to be worried about, Paul instructs the believers that his sufferings for the sake of good work and the gospel are something that they shall rejoice in the Lord with him.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      What does Paul instruct the Philippians to do continuously? How?

2.      Why ought the believers work out their salvation?

3.      How should the believers do all things?

4.      Why should the believers not grumble or dispute?

5.      What the believers should hold fast to? Why?

6.      Why does Paul rejoice even being offered as a drink offering?

7.      What does ‘sacrificial offering of your faith’ mean?

8.      Why does Paul instruct us to rejoice with him?

9.      How shall we grow in our salvation?

How shall we endure the sufferings for the sake of the Gospel? 

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