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Philippians 2:12-18 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, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 1:12-13
My oldest daughter is in kindergarten, so this is the first time I’ve had a child attend school. One of the great fears of sending your child away is what she’ll do when no one’s watching. Will she be obedient? Will she raise her hand? Will she behave how we’ve taught her? Or will she throw out the rules and instruction from her parents, since we’re not around to enforce them? It is also, then, one of the greatest joys to find out that your daughter has continued to obey you, even in your absence.
Paul expresses a similar sentiment to the Philippian church. It was certainly a blessing that they would obey him while he was with them; but how much more would Paul’s joy be, knowing that the Philippian church continued to obey him and to seek God even in his absence! It would give him cause to boast on the day of Christ; it would assure him that he did not put in so much time and effort in vain.
So, Paul encouraged the Philippians to work out their salvation. The church had a strong and loving relationship with Paul; they may even have grown to rely on him too much. After all, Paul had some responsibility in terms of their relationship with God. He had evangelized them and helped to form this fledgling congregation. But Paul would not be around forever. Currently imprisoned, he also faced possible execution. Just like a child won’t always have her parents right beside her to remind her to obey and to encourage her to share or be kind or be respectful, the Philippians wouldn’t always have Paul. This is what Paul means by saying work out your salvation. Paul doesn’t contrast their work with God’s work in salvation. Instead, he is contrasting their work with his own work in their church. It is time for the Philippians to put their salvation into practice without Paul’s continual presence and encouragement. It is time to live it out, even if the parent isn’t watching. Of course, this only happens because God has already worked within them to even desire obedience. God’s work equips them to obedience.
Each of us must also come to a point where we work out our own salvation as well. We cannot remain children who rely on an adult to handhold every step of the way. We must put our salvation into practice—we must work it out, live it out. We must do it. God is the one who works in us to even desire such a thing, let alone accomplish it. But that doesn’t mean we play no part. You are not an automaton. God does the saving, but you must put into practice. He will equip you, he will change your heart and desires. But you must live out your faith and salvation.
Paul’s immediate instruction shows how we might put our faith into practice—how we might live more like Christ. Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Grumbling and complaining and arguing is a sure sign of pride. It is in direct conflict with the humility of Christ we saw on display in yesterday’s devotion. I grumble, because I know better. I have the right answers. I have standards that are not being met. I should be prioritized. I should be in charge.
Let us excise this sort of talk and attitude from our hearts and lives. Let us put our salvation into practice by becoming more like Christ. Let us take responsibility and strive for obedience. Let us thank God that he has initiated this work in us and “that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).