WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WORK OUT SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING?

Here's a breakdown of its meaning in the context of Philippians 2:12-13

1. Salvation as an Ongoing Process

Paul is not implying that we earn salvation by works. Instead, he emphasizes the process of living out the salvation that believers have already received through faith in the Lord Messiah Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9: For you are saved by grace, through faith; and this not of yourselves; it is God's gift: not on the principle of works, that no one might boast.

The Greek word for "work out" (κατεργάζεσθε, katergazesthe) conveys the idea of putting effort into something to bring it to completion or full maturity.

2. Fear and Trembling

"Fear and trembling" does not refer to a sense of terror but rather to a deep reverence and awe for God - Yehovah. It reflects a recognition of the gravity of living a life that reflects God's holiness and purposes.

It suggests humility, a total commitment to God - Yehovah, and an awareness of the seriousness of our responsibility to live as His representatives.

3. God's Role in Our Efforts

The very next verse, Philippians 2:13, provides balance: "For it is God - Yehovah who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

This shows that while believers are called to actively engage in their spiritual growth, it is ultimately God – Yehovah who empowers and enables their efforts by His spirit.

Our role is to submit to God’s – Yehovah’s transformative work within us.

Practical Implications

Obedience: Paul encourages the Philippians to obey God - Yehovah even when Paul is not physically present. Their faith and actions are to be consistent whether observed or not.

Holiness: Living out salvation involves daily growth in holiness, character, and Missiahlikeness.

Dependence on God - Yehovah: Believers are reminded that they cannot achieve spiritual growth on their own but must rely on God's – Yehovah’s and the lord Messiah Jesus' strength and guidance.

Conclusion

To "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" means actively pursuing a life that reflects the salvation received through the lord Messiah Jesus, with reverence and awe for God’s – Yehovah’s majesty and holiness. It is a cooperative process, where human effort is met with divine empowerment, leading to spiritual maturity and alignment with God’s – Yehovah’s will.Top of Form

An additional reflection

Philippians 2:12-16: Wherefore, 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. For it is God - Yehovah who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

That you may be blameless and sincere, the sons/daughters of God - Yehovah, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; HOLDING FORTH THE WORD OF LIFE THE GOOD NEWS MESSAGE ABOUT THE COMING KINGDOM OF GOD AND THE THINGS ABOUT THE LORD MESSIAH JESUS.

NOTICE: Acts 8:5:

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached the lord Messiah Jesus unto them..... and what did he preach in order for them to be baptized?

Acts 8:12:

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus the Messiah, they were baptized, both men and women.

To preach about the name of the lord Messiah Jesus is to preach about all the words that he spoke forth, words given to him by his God and Father Yehovah that believers are to obey. It is to preach about where he is now at the right hand of God - Yehovah as a glorified and immortal man.

That is what it means for us to hold forth the WORD OF LIFE! For if we seek first the kingdom of God - Matthew 6:33, and hold forth the saving word of life we shall never have to worry about losing our salvation!

Are you holding forth the WORD OF LIFE before all!. That is our duty and obligation as the sons and daughters of God - Yehovah.