Scripture:
“Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)
Reading:
No one can develop your life as a Christian for you. Although Paul is speaking to a body of believers in Philippians 2:12, he is expecting each person to prioritize their relationship with God.
Paul writes in the very next verse, “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) Growing more sensitive to Christ in us to the point of obedience is the purpose of discipleship. It is why God is at work in you.
Trusting Christ for the gift of salvation is a glorious miracle, yet being a disciple of Jesus is another miraculous feat altogether, because it depends upon our participation. Discipleship is a lifelong experience with the empowerment and company of God to love and obey like Jesus.
Christians do not work or earn salvation, but we intentionally choose to grow in our love, knowledge, and submission to God’s leadership “walking in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4) But Jesus encouraged his followers to count the cost of doing so (Luke 14:28).
“Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)
Paul’s exhorts the Philippians “who have always obeyed” to “work out your own salvation.” He stresses their submitting to the Holy Spirit’s presence and authority within them. In doing likewise we too are empowered to live obediently in the light of our new identity, attentive to Christ’s guidance.
Are you daily prioritizing and following Christ? Allow your Heavenly Father to grow you into whom He created you to be. He is at work in you to will and work for His good purpose.
Your Turn:
Working out your salvation is not the same thing as working for salvation. Having received the free gift of salvation, how is God calling you to prioritize your relationship with Him?
How does living with an awareness of Christ at work in you compel you to live obediently?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for what You have taught me about being Your child. I surrender to Your authority and ask You to reveal more of Yourself and Your ways to me. Empower me to love You, love people, and love life even more so. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.