Partakers of Jesus

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, beautifully connects the believer’s responsibility in working out their salvation with God’s active role in their sanctification. He exhorts, “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 2:12-13).

Paul emphasizes that salvation is a continuous process that must be brought to completion. As believers, we are partakers of Christ through faith. It is by faith that we receive the riches of His grace, allowing God to work within us to accomplish all He has for us (Ephesians 3:17-19). This partnership between our diligent effort and God’s powerful work in us forms the foundation of our sanctification.

The Word of God also reassures us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39). Not death, nor life, nor angels or demons, nor any power can separate us from God’s love. As His ambassadors, we live by His power, participating in His death, resurrection, and life. We were predestined to be adopted as children of God, not destined for wrath, but to receive salvation and fellowship with His Son. We have been raised to heavenly places in Christ Jesus, empowered to inherit the blessings promised to Abraham and heirs of the Spirit.

Paul’s instruction to the Philippians highlights their diligent obedience, encouraging them to continue “working out their salvation” even in his absence. This work, however, is not about earning salvation, but responding to it—serving Christ and fulfilling His purposes. As Paul says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). Our labor for Christ should flow from a heart full of joy and dedication, not from obligation.

Paul also reminds us that we are called to step out of our comfort zones. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” means living with reverent awe before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and humbling ourselves before Him. Proverbs 15:33 says, “The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” In this journey, we are to persevere with confidence, knowing that we are partakers of Christ if we hold firmly to our faith until the end (Hebrews 3:14).

Finally, Paul likens this pursuit to a race and a fight. He writes, “I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). Through God’s grace, we are empowered to stay disciplined, to press on in faith, and to access His presence with confidence, for the Spirit makes intercession for us according to God’s will.

In all we do, let us continue to work with diligence, knowing that it is God who is at work within us, equipping us to fulfill His perfect purpose.