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 according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:12-13). The Apostle Paul’s argument that salvation is described as a continuing process, that must be brought to its completion. We are made partakers of Christ by faith. It is by faith in him that we have our riches in Christ so God can work into us all there is in Him for us. It is by faith in Christ that he makes us partakers of the riches of his grace. (Eph. 3:17-19).
As partakers, the word of God reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is expressed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Death can’t separate us from His love. Angels or demons can’t separate us from His love. No power in heaven or on the earth can separate us from His love. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39). We are his ambassadors. We live by the power of God in us. As believers we are partakers of his death, resurrection, and his life. We were predestined to be adopted as sons and daughters; we were not appointed for wrath, but to obtain salvation. We were called by God; called into the fellowship of His Son. We have been brought near to God, raised up into heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
We shall inherit the promise and the blessing of Abraham, become heirs, and receive the promise of the spirit. We shall ask whatever we wish and it will be given to us according with His plans for us. We have been released from the fear of death through him. We have the Spirit making intercession for us according to God’s will. Christ himself is appearing in the presence of God for us, to make intercession for us! The Philippians to whom Paul was writing had been diligent in their obedience while he was with them “As you have always obeyed,” he said, “not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence.” Paul said, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Paul wants you to see your work as a way of serving Christ and accomplishing his purposes. Whatever you do, work from your heart and for the Lord. His point is that no matter what you do, do it as slaves of Christ, do the will of God with joy from your heart.
Work from your heart and for the Lord. God has not called you to be seat in your comfort zone; but to get busy. Work out your salvation with fear. “The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 15:33). Continue running the race with transparency; do not stop. “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end” (Heb 3:14). Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). We have been given the grace of God, and access into that grace, access with confidence, access by the Spirit to the Father.
