Philippians 2:12-13
- We work out our own salvation by being committed to a “long obedience in the same direction.”
“It is this ‘long obedience in the same direction’ which the mood the world does so much to discourage. When the path of obedience to Christ becomes steep and dangerous, pleasure seekers look for an easier way. Religious tourists hunting for sensational entertainment, instantaneous enlightenment, and emotional excitement will jump on the newest rides and take quick shortcuts, but they will not be found with pilgrims on the long, hard road following in the footsteps of Christ, who was obedient to death—even death on a cross. Paul’s call to unflagging, Christ-like obedience will not be popular in a world that so highly values going fast and having fun and so quickly rejects enduring pain and submitting to authority. But the essential characteristic of the wise who build their community on Christ is their consistent obedience to him.” –Walter Hansen (PNTC)
- We work out our own salvation because God is at work in us.
“With God at work within us to will and to work for his good pleasure, we can afford to have a ‘big vision’ as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling.”—William Taylor
Application Questions
- What does it mean to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling?”
- In what ways are you currently working out your own salvation?
- Is there any area of your life that you taking a “short cut” or neglecting to obey Christ in today?
- If God is at work in us to will and work for his good pleasure, then what does this mean to you about the way in which you work out your own salvation?
- Take a few minutes this week to create a plan for yourself and your family for how you are going to “obey” Christ intentionally this week.