But, God has provided a place of refuge. But they still had to do it. And they should do this in unity with one another. 29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. Philippians 2:12-13 (NKJV) 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have ALWAYS OBEYED, not as in MY PRESENCE only, but NOW 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 DO for His good pleasure. Psalm 2:11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. In so doing, they will stand out as lights in this dark, selfish world (2:15). Not only in its inception, but throughout the whole process, God must be the energizing power of the Christian life (our English word energy comes from the Greek word translated work in 2:13). Its not the application of the doctrine of sovereignty that the Reformed have made. He is speaking to those who have been saved, forgiven, rescued, and in whom God has placed His Holy Spirit, uniting us to God. Yet God calls on us to be saved and He commands us to call others to salvation. You are not called, as a believer, just to wait and see what God does with you. Do it with fear and trembling. It might lead someone to conclude that we do nothing but wait, that we have no responsibility, or that we take no action. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. All rights reserved. As Christians, we need to have a Godly fear that protects us from temptations, pridefulness, awareness of our hearts deceitfulness, and ones inner corruption. What does it mean to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, and how is this even accomplished? What does it mean to "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling"? Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular. Philippians 2:12 - Shining as Stars - Bible Hub But then theyve told me that the reason they think God will accept them into heaven is because theyve tried hard to be good and to love others. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13) Light Bearers. But Jesus told him to do it and when the man obeyed, his hand was restored. 15:10), he labored more than all of the other apostles; then he adds, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. So we cant excuse our laziness or lack of obedience by saying, God didnt move me to do it! We must work with God. Wouldnt work out our salvation mean that our salvation is somehow based on works? The works that we do prove that our faith is genuine and is evidence of God saving us through His unconditional electing grace. But, what is meant by fear and trembling? 28I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Walter Hansen is likely correct when he points out in The Letter to the Philippians that Israel was called to fear and love God at the same time., And also that this paradox is still present in Pauls writing. If the living God (God is emphatic in the Greek of 2:13) truly is at work in our midst, we must work out relational differences in a spirit of Christ-like humility and love. Ive sometimes been amazed at how deeply this is ingrained in us. More, rather. 23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. This love for God and knowing how awesome God is, means that you will not give up intimacy with Him for other things in your life. Philippians 2:12 in all English translations, NASB, Thinline Bible, Red Letter Edition, 1995 Text, Comfort Print, NASB, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition, 2020 Text, Comfort Print, NASB, The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible, Paperback: Holy Bible, New American Standard Bible, NASB, MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition, Comfort Print: Unleashing God's Truth One Verse at a Time, NASB, Thinline Bible, Red Letter Edition, 2020 Text, Comfort Print, NASB, Super Giant Print Reference Bible, Red Letter Edition, 1995 Text, Comfort Print. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Whitefield replied, No. Do you mean that you do not believe that John Wesley is converted and thus wont be in heaven? the man asked, hoping to procure his bit of gossip. What is Paul talking about in Philippians 2:12? And to be reminded that it truly does matter the way that we live. God not only wills our salvation; He works it. But that is most certainly not what Paul means here. Start for FREE. What Is the Root of Bitterness in the Bible? If we talk about salvation but cant get along with one another, either in the church or in our homes, the world laughs off our message. For Paul, salvation is not only something they receive; it is something they do., Pauls statement here in 2:12 is similar to his statement in 1:27 when he tells the Philippians to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. I cant emphasize this point too strongly, because by far the most prevalent error people make about salvation is to think that God will accept them because of their good works. Context Summary. What does it mean to work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. Work Out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling: The Bible Way to So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Discuss: One of our main problems in evangelism is trying to get people saved who dont even know that theyre lost. Jesus said plainly, No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him (John 6:44). If God has saved you, youve got to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who laid aside His rights and went to the cross on our behalf. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. What happens when the gospel makes an advancement into the heart of a community or an individual? The Reformed stress on the sovereignty of God, the action of God, and the initiation by God in salvation might lead someone to conclude that we are utterly passive in the Christian life. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: So Paul is especially concerned about these dear people (my beloved) working out the relational implications of their salvation, with a view to their corporate testimony to the lost. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! If God wants to do it, He will do it without our effort. Not so: Maybe this sounds like double-talk, but it is clearly what Gods Word declares. 8. Work Out Your Salvation: The Process of Sanctification Paul tells us to work out our salvation "with fear and trembling" ( Philippians 2:12 ). God has saved you from wrong ways. Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural. Save on BibleGateway+ with code FAITH. Just as you obeyed when I was with you, it is even more important for you to obey now that I am not there. (1) EXHORTATION TO WORK OUT THEIR SALVATION through the in working of God, and so to be lights in the world, and the glory of the Apostle, even in the hour of martyrdom ( Philippians 2:12-18 ). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! As our text says, because God is at work, I must work out my salvation. We are not saved by our good works, and not even by our faith. It comes from the mighty power of God imparting spiritual life to those who were dead in their sins (Eph. Philippians 2:12-18 explains how Christians ought to live, considering all that Christ was willing to do for them. Romans 8:29-30 says, For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. How can we do all things without grumbling or disputing (Philippians 2:14)? The Christian life, by the grace of God and the action of God, is an active life. From kata and hos; just as, that. Philippians 2:12-13 - BibleGateway.com Philippians 2:13 confirms this as Paul reminds them that it is God who is at work within them to bring this to completion according to His good pleasure. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Sep 19, 2022 In Philippians 2:12, the Apostle Paul tells the Philippians to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." This seems like such a strange command for those who believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. But you dont stop until youre safe inside the gates of that city. And now that I am away, it is even more important. 24But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation by Bruce Demarest. (3) PRESENT MISSION OF EPAPHRODITUS, now recovered from his late sickness, and strong commendation of his zeal (Philippians 2:25-30).] When we love God and are in awe of Him, we are motivated to be obedient and bring about righteous living, fitting for the children of God. Access 50+ premium resources. Fear and trembling bring about an attitude of being on guard. Philippians 2:12 - BibleGateway.com Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Philippians 2:12 - BibleGateway.com Berean Literal Bible For God is the One working in you both to will and to work according to His good pleasure. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Character of God, Soteriology (Salvation), Spiritual Life, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. Unless we see our desperate condition, we will not call out to God to save us from our sins. From tremo; a 'trembling', i.e. Were not saved because we choose God; were saved because God willed to save us. Continuance or growth in salvation also requires our effort. The phrase "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" occurs at the end of Philippians 2:12. Keep on working to complete your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 because God is working in you to help you want to do and be able to do what pleases him. Fear - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints But this is not Pauls chief concern in Philippians. And wouldnt that contradict much of what Paul says elsewhere? We are saved by Jesus Christ. To fully understand this passage, we need to first consider what is meant by salvation.. To live worthy does not mean to live in such a way as to make yourself deserving of the gospel. If you sit back and say, Well, Im not sure whether Im one of the elect, and there isnt much I can do about it anyway, youll be lost! Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/kieferpix. Thats Pauls main message here, that we need to work out the practical implications of our salvation, because God Himself is working in our midst. It's a radical word because it points to a situation where someone is in dire straits. Gospel advancement is at stake, and so we proceed with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 Catholic Bible: So then, dear friends, as you always How are your relationships at home? To put off your old self and put on the new. The New Living Translation of Philippians 2:12 reads "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear." The Message version reads "Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God." Just as Christ Himself was obedient, humbling Himself even to the point of death (Philippians 2:8). A teacher and an intern are given a class roster at the beginning of the school year. The real Christian trusts Christ for everything, but also lives for Christ. Complacency about your soul is deadly! You can see throughout the New Testament that this is not a correct application of the doctrine of sovereignty. At issue is obedience, pure and simple, which in this case is defined as their working or carrying out in their corporate life the salvation that God has graciously given them.. We think about heaven and hell. 14Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. To ask Ligonier a biblical or theological question, email ask@ligonier.org or message us on Facebook or Twitter. ", Philippians 2:12-13 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, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.. This process of sanctification is a daily process of growing into His likeness. Clearly, she doesnt mean that they need to earn a seating chart. New King James Version (NKJV) Work out your salvation by dying to self and loving others for Jesus sake. 20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. If you are uncertain about your standing before God, do not give rest to your soul until you know that God has saved you. . Humanly, that was an impossible command. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! I do not believe I will, because John Wesley will be so close to the throne of God and I will be so far away, that I will not get a glimpse of him.. Philippians 2:12 in all English translations, KJV, Deluxe Reference Bible, Super Giant Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print, KJV, Reference Bible, Center-Column Giant Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print, KJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition: Reflect, Journal, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses, KJV, Word Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: 1,700 Key Words that Unlock the Meaning of the Bible, KJV, Reference Bible, Personal Size Giant Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print, KJV, Thinline Bible, Large Print, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, King James Version. 22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. So we read in Philippians 2:12-13 that we are to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.". He begins the good work in us (1:6). Philippians 2:12 - BibleGateway.com If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. My dear people, you have always obeyed me. Wesley put such an emphasis on human responsibility that he was unsure of his own salvation on his deathbed, after a life of preaching the gospel. Once you are justified before God through Christ, it is followed by sanctification your new self in Christ, which is demonstrated by its fruit. How do you "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil Be afraid that you may not please God. When the Lord withdraws Himself (Hosea 5:6). Left to ourselves, we all choose to go our own way. Once they saw the holiness of God, it sobered them and dropped them to their knees. Find answers to your Bible questions with Bible Gateway Plus. Advent; physically, aspect. Philippians 2:12 - BibleGateway.com In both cases, the Lord called those men to do something they could not do in their own strength. John 1:12-13 says, As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. James 1:18 says, In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures. Jesus said, You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit (John 15:16). Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. Why Should We Work Out Our Salvation with Fear and Trembling? (2) ST. PAUL'S INTENTION TO SEND TIMOTHY, AND HOPE TO COME HIMSELF SHORTLY ( Philippians 2:19-24 ). New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition, New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Ending soon! To put off your old self and put on the new. What Was the Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible? Paul wants them to know that even though it appears that he is shackled to Rome, in reality, God has wisely shackled Rome to Paul. For this reason, using the same body must be . Hebrews 12:2-3 says, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.. Quaking with fear. There is a difference. Try hard to work out how to do it. ($2,500+ value!). Amen! Wheres the biblical balance? There is a popular teaching, known as the Keswick teaching (it was popularized at some Bible conferences held in Keswick, England), that we are not to exert any effort in the Christian life, that any striving proves that we are operating in the flesh, not in the Spirit. Paul was a mighty man of faith, yet he came to Corinth in fear and in much trembling. If you claim to be saved, but you persist in selfishness, in refusing to yield your rights, in demanding your own way, whether at home or in the church, your life isnt backing up your claim. Return to: Questions about Salvation New American Standard Bible (NASB). The man did it! In other words, he didn't want to go. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 6:10-18); I must run the race so as to win (1 Cor. Pauls primary concern here is likely their unity with one another. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely. We know that we are fighting a formidable foe in the Devil. 9:24); I must be active in cleansing myself from defilement of flesh and spirit and perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor. When most Protestant evangelicals hear the word salvation, we immediately think of a person going from death to life in regards to their eternal souls. When people saw the holiness of God in the Bible, whether it was Isaiah in the temple, or John on the island of Patmos, or Peter on the Sea of Galilee, they had no trouble having the fear of God. Once we possess salvation, we must learn to hold in tension two seemingly contradictory truths that the Bible clearly affirms: that salvation, from start to finish, is Gods work; but, also, that at the same time, salvation requires diligent effort on our part. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; My Christian friends, you have obeyed me when I was with you. Pauls letter to the Philippians is all about gospel advancement. In today's Bible teaching environment this may sound surprising, as many of our evangelists promise an easy way to eternal life. New American Standard Bible (NASB) But, yes again, we must work. We should be aware of our weaknesses and the power of temptation. Many believers will quote this verse to support the idea that we still have much personal development to do in. Ending soon! Copyright 1995, Steven J. Cole, All Rights Reserved. Salvation, from start to finish, is Gods work. 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, What did Paul mean when he said, "work out your own salvation?" paul soteriology philippians Share Improve this question edited Feb 26, 2014 at 20:24 Dan 8,808 6 55 111 12So then, my beloved, (A)just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own (B)salvation with (C)fear and trembling; New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Working out our salvation means making visible what Christ has accomplished internally. Benefits Of His Presence - Ps Warren Graham - Facebook His letter to them, sent while he is in prison, is meant to be an encouragement to them to continue as they have begun. Philippians 2:12 in all English translations.
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