Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling

[Cow Poke]

Let's hear your perspectives (Philippians 2)

[KingsGambit]

It needs to be read along with its following verse:

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Having said that, I think the verse is a good reminder that salvation is a lifelong process of discipleship where we take an active, not passive role in becoming better followers of Jesus, and not just a one-time thing where you say a prayer and you're good. Anybody who thinks the latter is all there is to Christianity doesn't understand what Christianity is.

[Cow Poke]

It needs to be read along with its following verse:

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Having said that, I think the verse is a good reminder that salvation is a lifelong process of discipleship where we take an active, not passive role in becoming better followers of Jesus, and not just a one-time thing where you say a prayer and you're good. Anybody who thinks the latter is all there is to Christianity doesn't understand what Christianity is.

I agree that we need to look at the "for" that follows the often troublesome quote, but emphasize that it is also preceded by a "Therefore".

[KingsGambit]

What about the "fear or trembling" part? That could refer either to fear of losing our salvation/not being saved (depending on if you believe in eternal security), but I suspect it more likely has to do with a holy reverence for God.

[Cow Poke]

What about the "fear or trembling" part? That could refer either to fear of losing our salvation/not being saved (depending on if you believe in eternal security), but I suspect it more likely has to do with a holy reverence for God.

I think verses 12 and 13 work together, based on (therefore) the previous beautiful Christological hymn of what Christ has done, and have more to do with "the fear of God", as you suggest, in "awe" or "holiness", to allow God's work (the "because" or "for" you referenced in verse 13) to work in us.

Therefore (Christ having done His work) -- you work out your salvation with fear and trembling (in Awe of Him) -- (because or for) God is working in you...

Luke 6:46 - Jesus asks His disciples why they call him Lord, but don't do what He says to do. I think that's what Paul is doing - pretty much "if you're going to call yourselves Christians, ACT LIKE IT".

Still thinking through how best to word this, which is why I'm interested in input. (The word "salvation" in chapter 1 is used for 'physical deliverance' - and the old testament word means deliverance)

I think we (American Revivalism) read every text in light of our major orientation "are you saved" or "how did you get saved".

Last point - I don't believe we are saved BY works, but I think we are saved FOR or TO good works.

[lee_merrill]

[lee_merrill]

Correction, "We Wrestle Not!" is a sermonnot living in a day of militant Christianity..."

Blessings,
Lee

[NorrinRadd]

OTOH, the yoke of His teachings is supposed to be light, easy to bear, restful to the soul. -- Matt. 11

[lee_merrill]

OTOH, the yoke of His teachings is supposed to be light, easy to bear, restful to the soul. -- Matt. 11

So I agree!

Blessings,
Lee

[NorrinRadd]

So I agree!

Blessings,
Lee

I don't understand why Lewis is so revered. I read that, and about all I get is the "wah-wah-WAH-wah-wah-wah-WAH-wah" of "adult-speak" in Charlie Brown cartoons. Seriously. It is of no help to my understanding. :-(

[lee_merrill]

Well, how about this?

Source: Letters of Samuel Rutherford

God forgive them that raise an ill report upon the sweet cross of Christ. It is but our weak and dim eyes, and our looking only to the dark side that makes us mistake. Those who can take that crabbed tree handsomely upon their back, and fasten it on cannily, shall find it such a burden as wings unto a bird, or sails to a ship.

The devil came in, and would prompt me to lay the blame on Him as a hard master. But now these mists are blown away, and I am not only silenced as to all quarreling, but fully satisfied. Christ beareth me good company. He has eased me, when I saw it not, lifting the cross off my shoulders, so that I think it to be but a feather, because underneath are everlasting arms.

© Copyright Original Source

Blessings,
Lee

[Esther]

I don't understand why Lewis is so revered. I read that, and about all I get is the "wah-wah-WAH-wah-wah-wah-WAH-wah" of "adult-speak" in Charlie Brown cartoons. Seriously. It is of no help to my understanding. :-(

Made me laugh. I also battle to get CS Lewis. I think it is like trying to do cryptic crossword puzzles. I can't.

[Esther]

I think the scripture is clear. Fear and trembling. More than just awe or reverence. Together with Hebrews 10:31:It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God and Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

[Obsidian]

It's a confusing verse because the context doesn't clearly explain what it is talking about. But I take it to mean that salvation equates to the kingdom of God. The more the Philippians evangelize, the more they build the kingdom and, hence, build their own salvation.

Philippians 2:12-16

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye 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 which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 that 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; 16 holding 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.

Matthew 6:10

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

[Rushing Jaws]

Let's hear your perspectives (Philippians 2)