The Proper Response to Jesus's Finished Work

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but 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 work for his good pleasure.

MPS: The Gospel not only assures believers of their salvation but motivates their obedience because the Triune God is working in them.

1.Obedience flows from the revelation of the Gospel

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2.True Obedience does not come from fear of punishment but confident assurance in salvation.

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

Is the Philippian church not saved? Is the church called to finish their own salvation in a fearful state?

NO!!

English Standard Version Chapter 1

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ

English Standard Version Chapter 8

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

3. Fear and Love go hand in hand in the life of a Believer.

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

English Standard Version (Chapter 10)

12 “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

4. God is working in His people daily

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

The verb works in means “to put one’s capabilities into operation, work, be at work, be active, operate, and be effective.” All the capabilities of God are in operation, active, and effective in the work of the believers.”- G. Walter Hansen

Paul, however, teaches the absolute necessity of the empowering presence of God not only to do any work but also to have a desire to do the work.- G. Walter Hansen

English Standard Version Chapter 15

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing

It follows, then dearly beloved, beyond all doubt, that as your good life is nothing else than God’s grace, so also the eternal life which is the recompense of a good life is the grace of God; moreover it is given gratuitously (free of charge)- Augustine

English Standard Version Chapter 2

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them

“Paul here speaks of a God-driven Purpose. Even our purpose, our willing and desiring to live and work for God, comes from God. God is the great originator of human willing as well as human working.That is why Paul says that we work with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in us to will and to work.”

“The true understanding that the same God who exalted the Lord Jesus is the God who now works in us even to will to work fills us with fear and trembling. We humbly bow before God to let his creative, gracious will regenerate and energize our will to serve him.”- G. Walter Hansen

Christian obedience is unlike every other kind of obedience. It is not the obedience of slaves or soldiers, but essentially the obedience of lovers who know, love and trust the person who issues the commands.

John Stott

5. The Salvation of sinners is the delight of the Lord

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

English Standard Version Chapter 3

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

English Standard Version (Psalm 33)

4  For the word of the LORD is upright,and all his work is done in faithfulness.5  He loves righteousness and justice;the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

MPS: The Gospel not only assures believers of their salvation but motivates their obedience because the Triune God is working in them.