Fear and Trembling

Introduction

Read Philippians 2:12-13

Philippians 2:12–13 ESV

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.

Explanation

“Therefore,”

What is the therefore there for?

On account of Christ’s humility and our unity around the cross…

“my beloved,”

The literal Greek word is “agapetoi” or “loved are you.” The writers of the epistles, especially Paul and John, use the term often.

Paul used it when he would say something urgent or difficult.

I had a pastor who would often call our church, “Beloved.”

It is a defining statement for God’s people, and it is important for us to note considering the more difficult request we are going to get.

“as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but much more in my absence”

How often do we behave more under supervision than not? And what does that say about our spiritual lives?

I remember early in ministry, I had several mentors. I greatly wanted to impress with how I followed Jesus. I moved to Mississippi State not long afterwards, and my spiritual life struggled.

I was more concerned with what others thought of me than about following Jesus. I found more mentors, friends, and Godly individuals to be around. And God used them in my life.

“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”

Once we are saved, aren’t we always saved? Yes, I do believe that we are. Probably the most accurate statement is, “Those who are truly saved will persevere until the end.”

What does it mean to work out your salvation?

A great example is physical therapy:

How many of you have ever had to go to physical therapy? I am in it right now! I injured my shoulder on the men’s ski trip a few weeks ago.

Let’s say you fall and break your hip. I am not talking about straining something, but a life altering injury that needs surgery or great medical intervention.

If you fall and break your hip, do you go to Physical Therapy before or after you have had surgery? You go after. To attempt to tell someone to go to Physical Therapy before their surgery would be cruel, because it would be unbearably painful and even harmful.

You have surgery on your hip then you go to physical therapy.

Your doctor remedies what is broken in you, then he allows you to work on it that it would grow in strength. You have been given the ability to work in a way that you would not have had otherwise.

Jesus does the same for us.

In believing the gospel, the surgeon of our soul saves and restores us to himself. But he gives us the ability to work and grow and stretch those spiritual muscles.

You are able to work because you have been healed, not vice versa.

Biblical scholar, George Guthrie, gives the example of incarceration. You are able to act as though you are free once you have been freed of your incarceration, but you cannot act as though you are free beforehand!

You have been set free in Jesus.

The father has made new life for you, and you are now about to walk in it.

“With fear and trembling” is an important page.

There was a season of my life when I struggled with my salvation. I was around 18-21 years old. I wrestled and struggled. I saw the life I was living - the sin in my heart - and I saw the life God wanted me to live. Over time, the Lord confirmed my salvation. Assurance comes from 1 John - The Word of God. Knowing you are a sinner. Walking in your sin no more.

Through fear and trembling, the Lord confirmed that He had saved me.

I am always careful as a pastor to preach peace over someone who does not have peace.

“for it is God who works in you,”

“both to will and to work for his good pleasure”

Invitation