Keep on Growing

Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-18)

Wherefore, my beloved” Paul is speaking with love and affection. He’s not scolding them but them as dear brothers and sisters in Christ. True Friendship is Tested in Hard Times

The Two Travelers and the Bear

Two close friends were traveling together on foot through a dense forest. They had been walking for hours, sharing stories and laughing along the way. But suddenly, out of nowhere, a large bear appeared on the path ahead of them.

The bear growled and stood on its hind legs, towering over them. Both friends were terrified. They knew that bears attack when they feel threatened, and there was no time to run far enough to escape.

In a panic, the first friend ran and climbed up a nearby tree, leaving the other behind. He didn’t stop to think about his friend’s safety—he only wanted to save himself.

The second friend, realizing he had no time to escape, quickly dropped to the ground and played dead. He remembered hearing that bears often ignore things they think are lifeless. He lay completely still, holding his breath, as the bear came close. The huge animal sniffed his head, snorted, and then—just as suddenly as it appeared—it walked away.

When the danger was gone, the first friend climbed down from the tree and laughed nervously. “That was close! What did the bear whisper in your ear?” he joked.

Still shaken, the second friend stood up, brushed himself off, and replied, “He told me never to trust a friend who runs away in times of trouble.”

True Friendship is Tested in Hard Times

This story teaches us that true friendship isn’t just about being together in good times—it’s proven in difficult moments.

A real friend doesn’t abandon you when life gets hard.

A real friend doesn’t think only of themselves but stands by you when trouble comes.

A real friend is there to lift you up, not leave you behind.

This reminds us of Proverbs 17:17 (KJV):

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

This is also why Jesus is the greatest friend we could ever have. He didn’t leave us when we were in trouble—He laid down His life for us (John 15:13). Unlike the selfish friend in the story, Jesus runs toward us in our time of need, not away.

Application Questions:

Have you ever had a friend who disappeared when you needed them most?

Are you the kind of friend who stands by others in hard times?

How can we reflect the love of Christ in our friendships?

"As ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence"

Paul had a deep relationship with the Philippians. He acknowledges that they have been faithful in obeying God’s commands while he was with them. But now, since he is absent (likely in prison at this time), he urges them to continue growing spiritually—without depending on him being physically present.

Obedience is evidence of faith in God.

Obedience means adopting the attitude of Christ in their relationships with one another.

The Tightrope Walker and the Wheelbarrow

There was once a famous tightrope walker who performed incredible feats. One day, he stretched a rope across a deep canyon. A large crowd gathered to watch.

First, he walked across the tightrope effortlessly. The crowd cheered. Then, he did it blindfolded. The cheers grew even louder.

Next, he took a wheelbarrow and asked, “Who believes I can push this wheelbarrow across?” Everyone shouted, “We believe!”

Then he asked, “Who will get inside the wheelbarrow?”

Suddenly, there was silence.

The Connection to Obedience

Many of us say we “believe” in God, but true obedience is getting inside the wheelbarrow—trusting Him completely with our lives. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:12 to “work out” our salvation—not just with words, but with action.

Work Out: Emphasizes that obedience is intentional and purposeful. Paul’s point is that salvation, once received, must be put into practice through obedience.

Fear and Trembling: Refers to reverence and awe before God ”Fear and trembling” is often misunderstood. It’s not about being terrified of God, but rather having deep reverence, awe, and seriousness about our faith. Here’s an illustration to help explain it:

The Electric Fence and the Little Boy

A father and his young son were walking through a farm when they came across a powerful electric fence used to keep cattle inside.

The father warned his son, “Son, don’t touch the fence—it’s dangerous.” The boy, wide-eyed, nodded. He feared the fence, but he also trusted his father’s wisdom.

Out of curiosity, the boy asked, “Will the fence kill me?”

His father smiled and said, “No, but it will shock you so badly that you’ll wish you had listened to me.”

Because the boy respected his father’s warning, he didn’t touch the fence. He didn’t live in terror, but he had a healthy fear that kept him from making a foolish mistake.

The Connection to “Fear and Trembling” (Philippians 2:12)

Paul tells us to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” This doesn’t mean we should be scared that God will strike us down. Instead, it means:

Take your faith seriously – Just like the boy respected the power of the fence, we must respect the holiness of God.

Stay obedient – The boy avoided pain because he listened to his father. We avoid unnecessary struggles when we obey God.

Live with reverence – We don’t obey out of terror, but out of love and respect for God’s greatness and authority.

This is the same kind of “fear” the Bible talks about when it says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). It’s not about being scared—it’s about being humble, obedient, and serious about following Jesus.

Application Questions:

Do you take God’s commands seriously, or do you treat them casually?

Are there areas in your life where you need more reverence for God?

How does understanding “fear and trembling” change the way you live your faith?

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure

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