Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: WORK OUT (05/20/21)
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TITLE: Work Out Our OWN Salvation? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
05/24/21 -
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Yet, in his letter to the Philippians, he was telling them to, "...work out your salvation...(Phil. 2: 12 NASB)."
In the absence of leadership possessing, promoting, and applying accurate knowledge (Hosea 4: 6), fallen Man tends to do his own thing (Judges 21: 25), usually based on how one feels.
Because so many things can influence how one feels, this world provides the devil with a host of means and opportunities to deceive an unattended, disinterested, distracted, individual or flock.
In his absence, Paul was apparently concerned that this could take place in the local assemblies in ancient Philipi.
His letter was addressed (Phil. 1: 1) to the "saints" (born again believers in the congregation), and to the Church leaders (overseers/deacons) in Philipi. This is an important fact to keep in mind if we are to interpret and benefit from studying this Scripture.
Paul was writing to a group of people who were already saved.
One can never be any more or any less (Romans 8: 1) saved than what one became the moment one was born again (John 3: 5, 7). One did not work to receive salvation, and one does not work to retain it. One does not have to worry about regaining what cannot be lost.
Eternal life (John 3: 16), a sealed (baptized/identified) soul (Eph. 4: 30), and a regenerated spirit (Titus 3: 5), are among the unmerited (Ephesians 2: 9), irrevocable (Romans 11: 29), gifts, benefits, and services that God provides at the moment one is born again.
Ok, but if not for salvation, then what was Paul talking about when He told the (already) born again (saved) believers in Philipi to, "...work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2: 12 NASB)."?
Contrary to Eph. 2: 9/Romans 8:1, the religious crowd would say that this "work" refers to human effort to earn, obtain, retain, or regain salvation, with the "fear and trembling" of going to Hell if they should fail to perform adequately.
Advancing disciples (John 8: 31) have the spiritual maturity and accompanying discernment that enables them to comprehend and experience the John 8: 32 confidence and freedom that delivers one from such fear and insecurity.
The fear and trembling that Paul was speaking of is the God-sent (Phil. 2: 13) disturbance in the soul that a born again believer experiences when (1John 1:10) he/she sins.
The more intimate one's walk with the Lord is, the greater this disturbance will be. This disturbance is for the purpose of motivating a 1John 1: 9 confession to receive forgiveness and to restore fellowship (2Cor. 13: 14) with God (Habakkuk 1: 13).
Like a godly human parent, God does not want His children to be afraid of Him, but does command (Matt. 22: 37) their love and respect.
God demonstrated His love for us on the cross (John 3: 16). Respect for God, the things of God, and the desire to be in fellowship (2Cor. 13: 14) with Him, demonstrates (John 14: 15) our love for Him.
There is nothing more for a born again believer to do to work out (secure) his/her salvation, but there will always be more to be worked out in the identification, development, or execution of one's post salvation spiritual life.
This was what Paul was referring to in Philippians 2: 12. This interpretation is made clearer in the New Living Translation (NLT) and the Amplified Bible (AMP) translations of Phil. 2: 12.
This "working out" involves one doing such things as continuing to grow in God's grace and knowledge (2Per. 3: 18); consistent and on-going application of the knowledge obtained (James 1: 22); identifying and developing one's individual spiritual gift and accompanying ministry (1Cor. 12: 7 - 11); and participating in the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 19, 20).
Working out in a gym is a way to exercise good stewardship of the body we were given (1Cor. 6: 19, 20), but physical exercise only provides "little profit (1Timothy 4: 8)," and only for the relatively short time that we are here on Earth.
On the other hand, by working out (exercising) one's faith, one glorifies God. Those who do so will not only benefit by it here on Earth (e.g. Phil. 4: 7), but will receive great reward (Matt. 5: 12) and privileges (Rev. 2/Rev. 3) in Heaven.
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Blessings to you always.
Blessings~
My 3 heavy decribers.
Well done.