Studies in Philippians(11) Work out your own Salvation Philippians 2:12

As you have always obeyed (12) Having called for unity and humility, even following the example of Jesus, Paul continues to express confidence that they WANT to obey As when he was present – consider example – Philippians 2:14-15 Now in my absence – a desire to HEAR they were doing the right thing. Character is revealed when one is not around – Matthew 24:45-47

Work out your own salvation (12) This does not dismiss God’s part – Our salvation is not meritorious works forgave sins God’s part is primary – His grace – Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:24, 2 Timothy 1:9 His grace calls for our obedience - cf. Noah – Genesis 6:8 Crossing the Red Sea – Exodus 14:13 Jericho – Joshua 6:2 Philippians 2:13

We have a part in our salvation Work out your own salvation (12) We have a part in our salvation In becoming a Christian, we have a part – something we are to do Ephesians 2:8-9 Even as Christians, 2 Peter 1:5ff, we ADD to our faith, note vs. 10-11

We have an individual part in our salvation Work out your own salvation (12) We have an individual part in our salvation There are matters only you can take care of Galatians 6:5 2 Corinthians 5:10

This does NOT mean we can create our own way to salvation Work out your own salvation (12) This does NOT mean we can create our own way to salvation We must respect God’s pattern! Proverbs 14:12 Luke 16:15 Note Paul’s previous example of obedience – Christ Jesus – Philippians 2:8 A mind we are to imitate – 2:5

How to work out our salvation We must work at it Diligence – 2 Timothy 2:15 2 Peter 1:5, etc.

How to work out our salvation This work is a present condition It is something we are doing now This also implies that we can quit doing it or fail to complete the task and face consequences 1 Corinthians 9:27 Hebrews 10:38-39

How to work out our salvation This work is about finishing what we have started “Work out” – to accomplish something, to cause a task to be completed. - 2 Corinthians 4:17 - working, - 2 Corinthians 7:11, 9:11, Romans 5:3, James 1:3 - produces (producing) - Ephesians 6:13 – having done all 1 Peter 1:9 – Receiving the end of your faith…

How to work out our salvation It involves proper attitudes “Therefore” – Paul appeals to previous thoughts – the attitude of humility 2:3-4, 5-11 The heart – Matthew 5:8, 22:37

How to work out our salvation It involves obedience “as you have always obeyed” Philippians 1:27 Matthew 7:21, Luke 6:46

How to work out our salvation With fear and trembling A proper respect for God. Godliness & reverence Hebrews 12:28-29 2 Corinthians 7:1 1 Peter 3:15 Trembling is the realization of eternal consequences if we fail – Hebrews 2:3-4

How to work out our salvation Further developed in vs. 14-18 Work reverently - 12 Work confidently - 13 Work willingly - 14 Work blamelessly - 15 Work steadfastly - 16 Work cheerfully - 17-18

Work out your own salvation Philippians 2:12 Are you working out your salvation? Work out your own salvation Philippians 2:12