“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional

Written by Chaplain Robert Walker

Today’s Bible Teaching:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling”

So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired (fear = humility) and (trembling = respect)  [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ] Philippians 2:12 (AMP)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you 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 who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure  Philippians 2:12-13 (NKJV)

Sometimes this text is misused to instill fear into people, warning them that it means that they can lose their salvation. So what does it mean to work out our salvation with fear and trembling? Is Paul, (the writer of this passage) encouraging believers to live in fear, conditions of nervousness and anxiety “Remember God did not give us a spirit of fear” 2 Timothy 1:7. That would go against the Word of God. The Word of God uplifts peace of mind, courage, and confidence whom is our salvation.

The Greek word translated “fear” in this scripture can also mean “reverence” or “respect.” Paul uses the same phrase in 2 Corinthians 7:15 in the reception of Titus “with fear and trembling,” another words with great humility and respect for his position as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul himself came to the Corinthian Church in “weakness and fear, and with much trembling” 1 Corinthians 2:3 having an great understanding of the nature of the work in which he was engaged.

The understanding that we are to work out our salvation in fear and trembling is twofold. The Greek verb rendered “work out” means “to continually work to bring something to completion. Paul describes himself as “straining” and “pressing on” toward the God of Christ likeness Philippians 3:13-13.  The “trembling” Paul talks about is the attitude Christians are to have in pursing this goal – a healthy fear of offending God through disobedience and an awe and respect for His Majesty and holiness. “Trembling” can also refer to a shaking due to weakness, but this is a weakness of higher purpose, one which bring us to a state of dependency of God. Obedience and submission to the God we respect is our “reasonable service Romans 12:1-2 and brings great joy.        Psalm 2:11 sums it up perfectly: “Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.” We work out our salvation by going to the source of our salvation – the Word of God – wherein we renew our hearts and minds Romans 12:1-2, coming into His presence with a spirit of reverence and awe.

SCRIPTURE READING: 

2 Timothy 1:6-13, Psalm 111,  Luke 1:46-56, Luke 23:26-43, Acts 9:20-31, Acts 10:34-38,  2 Corinthians 5:11-21, Ephesians 6:5-20, Philippians 2:12-18,  Hebrews 11:4-7, 1 Peter 1:13-21,  1 Peter 3:13-17, Revelation 14:6-13, Revelation 15:1-8, Revelation 19:1-10

Holy Spirit Driven <><

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Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+Philippians+2:12+Bible&rlz=1C1VFKB_enUS610US619&espv=2&biw=1169&bih=830&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj0gdT814zQAhWjrFQKHSs0AKcQsAQIGg#imgrc=BAuCBMY-mX7YTM%3A