2. “Work Out Your Own Salvation” Philippians 2:12

3. Previous Connection Have the mind of Christ (v. 5) Main points: – His willingness (vv. 6-8a; cf. Jn. 8:29) – His obedience (v. 8b) – His exaltation (v. 9)

4. Obedient Always Commended for obedience (v. 12a) – “As you have always obeyed” – “Not as in my presence, but much more in my absence” Not as men-pleasers (Matt. 23:5; Col. 3:22-24) Philippians’ habit was to be obedient

5. Work Out Your Own Salvation What does this mean? – Each person decides for himself what is necessary for salvation? (Jer. 10:23) – We can earn our salvation? (Eph. 2:8-10) – No! – It describes a partnership—God dictates; we do

6. Work Out Your Own Salvation “Work out” – “Let us go on to perfection” (Heb. 6:1) – “Grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Eph. 4:15) – Salvation is a growth process and we are commanded to take an active role

7. Work Out Your Own Salvation “Your own salvation” – Personal responsibility must be acknowledged “Save yourselves” (Acts 2:40) “Make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10)

8. Work Out Your Own Salvation “Your own salvation” – Salvation as a goal – “Those who believe to the saving of the soul” (Heb. 10:39) “Receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:9)

9. Work Out Your Own Salvation “With fear and trembling” – Appreciation of the magnitude of one’s duty – Seriousness and humility enjoined – Anxious not to fail because failing is possible – cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12

10. What To Do To Be Saved Hear the gospel Hear the gospel (Rom. 10:17) Believe Jesus is Christ (Acts 8:37) Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3) Confess your faith in Christ (Mt. 10:32) Be baptized (Acts 22:16) Walk by faith in newness of life (Rom. 6:4)