2019 July – The challenge to work out our salvation
The challenge to work out our salvation
“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” (Phil 2:12)
1. Work out our salvation
a. Not about working for our salvation
b. Salvation has been assumed here
c. Genuine salvation is meant to be worked out…to be expressed in our life and ministry
d. Salvation is worked out in obedience
2. With fear and trembling
a. Trembling…an expression of our fear
b. Utmost regard given to the Lord…a fear for the Lord
The emphasis is on God working in us and not us
“for it is God who works in you” (Phil 2:13)
1. The focus is on God who works in us
a. God is involved in working out our salvation
b. He is involved even in our obedience
2. Consciousness of the One working in us
a. We really cannot do things on our own but we are not left to fend for ourselves alone
b. He is the one who does these works of salvation
The empowering work of God
“both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13)
1. Internal work
a. God is working in us to will
b. God is making our will to choose His will
2. External work
a. He is working in us…to energise us…to do actual work
b. The will of God is the work that we must do