Philippians 2:12-18

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

This section of scripture, particularly verses 12-13, has always seemed confusing to me. What does Paul mean when he petitions the reader to work out their salvation with fear and trembling? At first glance, this can come across as a bit off-putting (at least it was to me). However, allow me to submit to you that this verse is not implying we are working FOR salvation. The context of this letter is key: Paul is not with the Philippians. He is actually in prison. He writes that they have always been diligent in their obedience in his presence but must continue to do so in his absence. He is no longer there to motivate them personally and therefore urges them to remain in obedience to what we are called to as Christians. He can’t do it for them—they must begin to take ownership of their salvation and spur themselves onward. The Greek word for “work” here means “to do.” Paul encourages them to continue to be active in their salvation—keep going! Keep pressing in. Keep moving forward. Remain in obedience—just because he is gone does not mean they should become stagnant. His absence is all the more reason to turn things up a notch! When Paul writes “work out your salvation with fear and trembling," the idea is that the Philippians are to continue to “do” their own salvation with the fear of the Lord.

In the next verse (which really is a continuation of the same sentence) Paul declares that it is God who is working inside of us. This Greek word for work here is actually different than the first and therefore has a slightly different meaning. It can be defined as to be active, effective, or fervent. We are to continue to do salvation, to live as little Christs, with the knowledge that God is active within us. Active unto what? It is Him who works in us both to will and work for his good pleasure. The Greek word for “will” here means desire, and the Greek word for “work” here is the same as before (to be active, effective, and fervent). It is Him who creates in us the desire to “do” salvation and empowers us to be active, effective, and fervent in our doing.

He is working inside of you. His Spirit is spurring you on.

I mentioned earlier that we are called to be active in our salvation. You may be wondering what exactly that entails. May I submit to you that the answer is twofold. Firstly, we must feed ourselves. By this I mean that we cannot afford to wait for church on Sunday to get our “food”—we must be feeding ourselves. We must be in prayer, reading the Word, and spending time with our Father. Just as our physical body is in need of daily sustenance, our spirits require food as well.

Secondly, though we do not work to attain salvation, we are children of Father God and we get the privilege of partnering with Him in what He has called us to. We do this out of our love for Him. The Bible mandates several things for us as Christians—feed the poor, clothe those in need, be kind to orphans and widows, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and make disciples (to name a few).

Sometimes I’m lacking motivation. Sometimes I don’t feel like pressing forward or doing these things. In these moments, I must call on Holy Spirit. Remember, it is He who creates desire in me. I must press into His grace; He has everything that I need and He loves to partner with me. I can ask Him to create desire within me and posture my heart to align with His. God honours our desire to be more like Jesus. Those who seek WILL find. He always has good gifts for you. Always.