Hey Friends!
Philippians 2 seems to focus on joy in working out our salvation. That is a sentence filled with really “churchy” words. What does it mean?
We know that salvation is not something that we earn, not found in accomplishments or deeds. And yet, we are expected to show the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives, to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to be obedient, to serve, to minister to others. These are all actions. How do we balance the gift of salvation with the actions of a believer?
The first note that we must make is that this verse calls us to “work out” our salvation, not to “work for” our salvation. The phrase “work out” comes from the Greek, κατεργαζεστε – katergazesthe, which literally means, to work on to the finish. Martyn Lloyd Jones writes that working out what God has worked in is the exhortation in this verse, “The seed has been planted; I have been given it in embryo. My business is to allow and to encourage this gift to grow and develop, until it comes to its final perfection and full maturity. I have got the gift: I need not be worried lest God is not present and not with me. God is working in me and I must develop it all I can.”
With this perspective, we grasp that Salvation is a one-time gift, not intended only to ensure our eternal destiny, but also to guide us every day in our time on Earth. Working out our Salvation has the power to direct each decision, crisis, celebration and responsibility that we face each day. Making the working out of our salvation, the katergazesthe, the center of our lives will completely redefine everything that we do, not only in action but in motive as well.
This is an interesting time to really dive into the concept of katergazesthe. While we normally have an audience, people who cross our paths at work, school, the neighborhood, church…we now are getting a glimpse of who we are when no one is looking. What does that change in your life? For me, I have not put makeup on in almost a month! Each day I live happily in my running clothes and shoes, ready to take a walk with my boys at any moment. This change actually makes me very happy! I have always felt that I can handle life better in a pair of running shoes and a ponytail! This is an insignificant example of a life change, but it starts us down the path of thinking about other changes that we have made with no-one looking. I also realized that I was not spending time studying the Word of God like I normally do. There was suddenly no deadline of a Bible Study meeting weekly to force me to get my homework done, no church on Sunday to see, face to face, those who hold me accountable in my walk with the Lord. Over the first couple of weeks during “shelter in place” I prioritized other things to my relationship with the Lord. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit prodded my heart and urged me to return to the giver of life, the giver of my Salvation. And here we are!! You are right smack dab the middle of my “working out my salvation.” My distance from the Lord the last couple of weeks did not change the fact that I was saved. However, now, back in the Word, I feel beyond blessed as He continues to grow and mature my heart for Him; “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose”(Phil. 2:13).
In verses 14-18, Paul seems to paint a picture of the work that is apparent when one is in a relationship with the Lord. It is important for us to remember that we cannot do any of this in our own strength. We may start strong, but by 10am we will be running on fumes!
Matthew Henry puts it this way:
“All our working depends upon his working in us…he gives the whole ability. It is the grace of God which inclines the will to that which is good: and then enables us to perform it…God’s good will uses the cause of his good work in us.”
This should take the pressure off! Just as we cannot earn our salvation, we cannot work out our salvation on our own either. We cannot “live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ Jesus” on our own. Let’s commit, this week to ask Jesus to give us the will and the grace to act in a manner that pleases Him. When we find ourselves falling short on patience, self-control, kindness, joy, faithfulness…let us stop and ask Him to fill us up again. When we fail, let us take a deep breath, ask Him to forgive us and empower us to start over.
I am so thankful that He never gets weary or frustrated with us…let’s lean into that this week!
This week’s reading plan:
04/27 – Philippians 2:12-18
04/29 – Philippians 2:19-30
There will be some questions for your reflection on Wednesday.
Please be in touch by commenting or emailing (women@jfbc.org) anytime!
Love you all!
Kinsee
