Philippians 2:12

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling ~ Philippians 2:12

Paul commends the church for following the principles taught through him which stem from the teachings of Christ. In following Paul’s teachings, they are obedient to God. Not only did they follow when Paul was with them, but even more remarkable is they have continued strong in the teachings during his absence. They have not fallen by the wayside, or brought in other teachings of heresy which would make Paul ashamed of them. There is no reprimand here for this church, such as what Paul has had to do with others he had planted. They are not told to begin to work out their salvation, but to continue in it, which is Paul’s second commendation. They are striving forward in becoming more like Christ. What this means for us is not to work for our salvation, that can never be accomplished. We are unworthy in our greatest work to win our own salvation. But it does mean that we break free of the chains of sin which bound us, and we are to believe in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice as our payment. We are to believe He took our sin and carried it to the cross, thereby breaking us free from the fetters of our past life. We do all this in fear and trembling, for we must do this with the earnestness that our very life depends upon it. There is no half-way with Jesus. We are in all the way, or we are out. We serve a mighty and powerful God, though He be merciful and full of grace. He is just and righteous as well as loving. Give thanks today for your salvation, then strive forward, to learn and grow more in Him.

Devotion by Pastor Julia