“Therefore, my beloved, us you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, not out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12, CEV ).
A preacher studied the subject of salvation by grace for years, and he became convinced that there was something more that had to be done for such an undeserved gift, that some works needed to be done in order to merit it. Because of his wrong conclusion, he gave up his credentials and went to a popular church to pay penitence. Today’s text could be interpreted in that sense. If it is taken out of context, we could come to the conclusion that we must help God save us. The word “therefore” is a cohesive link—a bridge, not a landing strip—between verses 3 to 11 and verses 12 to 16. The expression “work out,” katergázomai in the original Greek, means to show or exhibit work that bai already been done or completed. It has nothing to do with beginning the worst. The work was done by Jesus; you only represent that work by confessing with humility that Jesus Christ is Lord.
On the other hand, Paul encouraged the Philippians to attend to their own spiritual needs with reverence, with care, and with prudent self-dis- trust. He encouraged them to be afraid to become independent of Jesus, to be vigilant at all times, and to constantly surrender themselves to God. Even showing others the results of our salvation is a work of God, because He is the one “who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). God’s desire becomes your desire, and enables you to do His will. Working out your salvation is the constant task of God. You do nothing of your own strength; God does everything for you and through you. Just show God’s work in your life with fear and trembling—in other words, with reverence and respect.
What a glorious discovery! Your participation in your salvation is to fear God. “God does not take man with his own natural feelings and deficiencies and place him right in the light of the countenance of God. No, man must do his part, and while man works out his own salvation, with fear and trembling, it is God that worketh in him to will and to do of His own good pleasure. With these two combined powers, man will be victorious, and receive a crown of life at last.”—This Day with God, p. 34, December 1.
You are a completed work of salvation!
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Esteban Cortes
