Work it out

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:1-13

Paul instructs the believers at Philippi that if they loved him, that fellowship in the spirit and affection or compassion towards him would be to be unified together in mind, love, spirit, and purpose. He encouraged them not to be focused on self but on each other because that is what Christ did. He points out that humility is exactly what Christ did, lowering Himself to the status of man even to the point of death. God lifted Jesus up and one day everyone will exalt Him bowing and confessing that Jesus is Lord. Paul tells them to be obedient and to workout their salvation.

work out – Strong’s G2716 – katergazomai – to work out, i. e. to do that from which something results; of man: make every effort to obtain salvation,

salvation – Strong’s G4991 – sōtēria – deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation: the Messianic salvation

fear – Strong’s G5401 – phobos – fear, dread, terror;

trembling – Strong’s G5156 – tromos – used to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfil his duty,

Understanding that there should be a certain tension as we try to obey, knowing that we can try our best to meet the requirements, but there will be a tension between our flesh and spirit. It is hard to walk in unity with other believers but ultimately God is to be the center of believers’ mind, love, spirit and purpose. We are called to follow Christ’s example and lay our life down for others in humility.

I don’t fully understand what it means to work out my salvation because I’m saved by grace. The Greek words don’t provide any deeper understanding. Maybe the amplified version helps:

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 and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

It is God at work in us, that creates in us the ability to bring Him glory and fulfill His purpose.

Lord, help me as I take this step of obedience to walk in unity with You and with Your people. Help me to stay humble and serve others needs before my own, just as Jesus did for me. Help me to continue to allow Holy Spirit to examine my heart, mind, and soul so that I can grow in maturity. To be vulnerable with You and others. Create in me a deeper longing and ability to fulfill Your purpose in me.