Table Talk Week 3: Work Out Your Salvation

On Sunday we learned in this passage of Philippians chapter 2 that Paul was giving us The Steps to Unity. First was The Foundation, The Second The Attitude, And Third The Action. Working Out Our Salvation.

At Tonight’s table talk I want to focus on Philippians 2:12-18 and Talk about those 6 Areas we need to work out our Salvation.

When it comes to salvation we can make the mistake thinking it’s a one time choice.

Like we make the decision to follow Jesus and it is our Get Out Of Jail free card.

We don’t, have to do anything else. If only things were that easy right. It’s like buying a gym membership and than thinking that membership is going to keep you healthy. No you have to go there and put in the work.

it’s the same for our salvation. We need to work it out, not because we are trying to earn it, but because that is how we live life to the fullest.

Living out our salvation means we aren’t just giving lip service, but we are actively and continually responding to the grace God has given us through Jesus. Not just with belief, but with a life transformed.

So let’s read together one more Philippians 2:12-18

Philippians 2:12–18 NIV

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Philippians 2:12–18 NIV

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Philippians 2:12–18 NIV

16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

This past sunday I shared six areas we need to look at when it comes to working out our faith. I want to go a little bit deeper on that tonight, so that we have a clear understanding of how we can respond daily to God’s work in our lives.

The First Area is…

1. Work Out Your Salvation

He says it in verse 12 Continue to work out your salcation with fear and trembling.

What does he mean? The translation for the words workout in greek is Ka-ther-gath-zhe-thay. whic means to work on to the finish, to completion, to perfection.

Don’t settle for a partial commitment. Salvation isn’t a buffet where you pick a little here and a little there. It’s an all-in, all-the-way journey. It’s your salvation—no one else can do it for you. Your pastor can’t do it. Your friends can’t do it. You have to do it.

When God saves you, He’s calling you to get busy—to grab hold of this new life and keep working on it until it’s finished. Until He calls you home and perfects it in you. Paul praises the Philippians because they weren’t just obeying God when he was around—they were obeying Him even when Paul was gone. Now, facing death, Paul urges them to keep pressing on until their salvation is complete.

Now, about this “fear and trembling.” Life is hard. It’s full of pain, loss, temptation, and disappointment. No one gets out without a struggle. Life is a battlefield, not a picnic. And that’s why the call to work out your salvation carries urgency and reverence.

Fear and trembling mean:

• Fear the trials. They’re strong enough to knock us down. The world and temptation don’t take breaks, and our flesh is weak. If we aren’t careful, we’ll slip and fall unless we constantly put effort into growing in Christ.

• Fear disappointing God. He’s gone all the way for us—Jesus took our punishment, bore our sins, showed perfect love. When we sin or give up, it hurts Him deeply. Out of love for Him, we work hard to honor Him.

• Fear the future judgment. Whether we like it or not, we’ll stand before Christ one day and give an account. Scripture is clear—sin will have consequences. So we must take this seriously and keep working at our salvation with a sober heart.

Here’s the bottom line: Living out salvation isn’t casual or easy. It’s a serious, daily commitment—because your life, your growth, your eternity depend on it.

Jesus said:

“Don’t be afraid of those who can kill your body but not your soul. Fear God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

Paul reminds us:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, because God is working in you.” (Philippians 2:12-13)

This is a call to courage, humility, and perseverance. It’s the great work of your life. Own it. Finish it well.

Let’s get honest: Are you coasting on yesterday’s faith, or pressing in today?

• Have you settled for a “good enough” kind of Christianity?

• Are you watching others grow, but playing it safe on the sidelines?

• Maybe you’ve let fear, failure, or spiritual apathy numb your pursuit of God.

God isn’t looking for halfway disciples. He wants ALL of you—your heart, your habits, your hopes. Don’t settle. Don’t slack. Don’t sleepwalk through your calling.

Today, take inventory:

• What area of your faith have you put on cruise control?

• Where do you need to get intentional… hungry… persistent?

• Where do you need to lean in, not just “believe,” but LIVE like you’re truly saved?

Salvation is the starting line, not the finish line.

Let today be the day you stop settling and start growing, owning your faith with passion and reverence.

Don’t miss the fullness of what God has for you. Work it out, finish strong.

The Second Area is…

2. Obedience

Here’s the reality: Salvation isn’t just about belief—it’s about obedience. After we say “Yes” to Jesus, the next step is to work out that salvation by listening to, and acting on, the stirrings God puts in our hearts.

Paul says,

“It is God who works in you—energizing you both to will and to do His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

The word “works” here (energon) literally means energizes. God is stirring something inside you. He’s not distant or silent. He is actively moving your heart, waking you up, getting you ready to act on what He’s whispering to you.

Think about that for a moment: Have you ever felt a nudge—maybe a quiet sense to encourage someone, forgive a hurt, give generously, or change a habit? That’s God. He’s alive in your heart, energizing you, giving you both the will and the power to do what pleases Him.

This is amazing news. You are never alone in this journey. God is already at work inside you, stirring you to grow, to obey, to move forward.

But here’s the tragedy: how often do we ignore those stirrings? How often do we push God’s promptings aside? We go on with life, comfortable, distracted, busy with the things of this world—and miss God’s movement inside us.

The result?

• Lost growth

• Bitter regret

• A heart that wounds God deeply

• Stalled faith

God’s Spirit is patient, but He’s working to wake us up—to keep our hearts tuned to Him.

Jesus said:

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing… The Spirit will teach you and remind you of everything I said.” (John 6:63; 14:26)

The Spirit stirs us, convicts us, moves us toward obedience. Our calling is this: grab hold of those stirrings and do what God energizes you to do.

Don’t let them pass. Don’t silence the whisper. That small nudge is the Holy Spirit inviting you to live fully in God’s will.

Story: The Whisper That Changed Everything

Let me tell you a story of a friend, i won’t say who it is, but we will just call her Jenna. She’d been following Jesus for years, but her faith felt flat. One morning during prayer, she suddenly felt a strong urge to call her estranged dad and ask for forgiveness.

It wasn’t her idea—she’d been carrying resentment for years, and facing him was the last thing she wanted to do. But the nudge persisted. That afternoon, trembling, Jenna picked up the phone. The conversation was hard, but it reopened the door to healing—healing she didn’t even know she needed.

That’s God working in us “to will and to act.” Jenna didn’t manufacture the desire for reconciliation. God energized her heart. And when she obeyed, she experienced breakthrough and deeper freedom.

So here’s the question for you today:

• What is God stirring in your heart right now?

• What has He been nudging you to do—but you’ve been ignoring?

• Will you wake up, pick up that stirring, and move?

Don’t ignore, postpone, or rationalize away the whisper. God never energizes you to do something pointless—His prompts are always for your good and His purpose.

Today, like Jenna, be courageous enough to act on God’s stirrings—even (especially!) when it’s uncomfortable. Because that’s where transformation happens.

Own it. Live it. Walk it out.

The Third Area:

3. Guard Your Heart and Your Church

Listen, one of the deadliest spiritual traps for believers is division. Paul tells us to work out our salvation by intentionally avoiding something that seems small but can destroy everything: grumbling and disputing. What does this mean? Let’s break it down.

Grumbling (goggusmon) is that quiet, behind-the-scenes grumbling. It’s the whispering, the little complaints, the fault-finding that happens in corners and cliques—when people talk about rather than with. It’s the soft murmur that chips away at trust and unity.

Disputings (dialogismon) are the arguments that have erupted into full-blown fights—the vocal questionings and open conflicts we try to sweep under the rug but that everyone feels. When these disputes break out, the church stops growing and starts breaking.

Here’s the thing: Grumblings and disputes are poison in the church. They are never from God. Paul is crystal clear—everything in the church is to happen without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14). Why? Because grumbling turns into division, division leads to destruction.

Think back to God’s people in the wilderness. Their grumbling and complaining didn’t just make God mad; it brought judgment and death on many of them (1 Corinthians 10:10). That’s a sobering reminder—it’s not just gossip or petty fights; it’s a serious spiritual issue.

Now, let’s get real. grumbling:

• Hurts you

• Tears down your community

• Destroys trust and friendships

• Opposes God’s will

• Blocks your spiritual growth

• Twists the truth for selfish gain

• Pushes people away from Jesus

I remember a church small group was growing but secretly struggling. Members would gather but often leave feeling unsettled. One day, the leader overheard some quiet complaining after a meeting. What seemed like harmless “venting” was actually a slow poison—people were grumblings in corners, gossiping instead of talking honestly.

The quiet dissatisfaction grew until it exploded into an argument that divided the group. The healing took months, and it started by catching grumbling early and calling the group to honesty and grace.

Grumbling is like a tiny crack in a dam. Left unchecked, it will cause a flood of division.

So here’s your challenge right now:

• Ask yourself, Am I murmuring about others instead of praying for them?

• Am I stirring disputes or avoiding peace?

• How am I contributing to unity or division in my church, family, or workplace?

God calls us to be peacemakers who tear down walls, not builders of division. The future of your relationships, your church, and your witness depends on it.

Own your part. Stop the whisper. Choose peace.

You are part of the solution or part of the problem.

The future of your church, your family, your community depends on it. Don’t let small grumblings become big divisions. Work out your salvation by pursuing unity and love—for the glory of God and the good of His people.

The Fourth Area…

4. Purity: Work at Being Pure and Blameless

Let me be direct: God calls you to be pure. Not just in some vague, spiritual sense, but real, visible, blameless purity that shapes your life every day. Paul says we’re to work out our salvation by working at purity—being blameless, harmless, and without rebuke.

What does this look like?

First, being blameless (amempto).

This means living without fault, above reproach—so people can’t point a finger at you and say, “There’s the one who falls short.” Not because you’re perfect—none of us are. But because your life is so consistent, so clean before God and man, that there’s no room for legitimate accusations. You are spotless, holy, righteous. You embody what it means to be a Christian both inside the church and outside of it in the world.

Second, being harmless (akeraioi).

Picture this: when flour is sifted through a sieve, the impurities are left behind—the flour that passes through is clean, pure, unmixed. That’s our call. Our thoughts and lives are not to be polluted by the endless garbage of the world—those dirty, distracting, tempting things that drag us down. No compromise. No pretending, no sneaking in little things “just for fun.” This takes intentionality—choosing what you watch, read, listen to—guarding your heart like your life depends on it, because it does.

The apostle Paul prays for us to be wise in what is good and innocent—simple concerning evil. To discern what is excellent. To live sincere, without offense until Christ’s return. That’s your calling.

Third, being without rebuke (amoma).

This word comes from Old Testament sacrifices—God only accepted offerings without blemish or defect. This is how you are called to live every day—under the watchful eye of God—living without spots or defects, a pure reflection of His holiness. Even though we live in a crooked and perverse world, a world full of distractions, temptations, and lies, you’re called to shine like a city on a hill, a light in the darkness.

Jesus says we are the light of the world. Not some optional part of our faith, but central. You are the light God puts in the darkness. And that light attracts people because it is pure, blameless, harmless.

Why does this matter today?

Because the world around us is messy. Crooked. Twisted. And the culture pulls hard to dull your light, to stain your purity, to make you “just like everybody else.” But you were called for more. You were called to shine bright in the middle of that mess.

Being pure isn’t about legalism or blaming yourself when you stumble—but it’s about living intentionally. It’s a daily work—a fight for holiness empowered by grace.

Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:15:

“That you may be blameless and harmless, children of God, without rebuke, shining as lights in the world.”

What does that mean for you, right now?

• Are you guarding what enters your eyes and ears? The movies, shows, music, books, and conversations you allow shape your heart more than you realize.

• Are you living a life people can trust—free from blame, a safe person to follow?

• Are you shining in your daily life, showing a world of darkness a brighter, cleaner way?

• Are you relying on God to keep you blameless and pure, walking in His power?

Think about where you work for a sec, we’ve all experienced jobs where there’s gossip, pressure. And when we are surrounded by that stuff we tend get sucked into it right. We make these little comprises, unkind words, cutting corners. But what if we made a decision to work at purity. To be someone people can trust, being blameless, harmless and living above reproach.

When we live this way we become a shining light in our world reflecting Jesus in the dark places. When we commit our lives to him, at work you may find unexpected respect, opened doors for conversations about faith, and changing the culture around you.

You can do the same wherever God has placed you—whether at work, school, home, or church.

Practical Application Steps

1. Guard Your Inputs Carefully
Be intentional about what you watch, read, or listen to. Ask yourself, Does this help me stay pure and blameless, or does it stir temptation or distract me?
Consider creating a “purity checklist” of media and activities to avoid, and commit to it.

2. Live Transparently and with Integrity
Make your life consistent so no one has a legitimate reason to accuse or fault you. This means small things count: keeping promises, avoiding gossip, being honest even when it’s hard.

3. Be Quick to Confess and Repent
When you stumble or notice impurity creeping in, don’t hide it. Confess it to God and to a trusted friend or mentor, and take steps immediately to realign your life with purity.

4. Surround Yourself with Accountability
Join groups or partnerships that encourage holiness and challenge you to keep growing. Accountability isn’t just for struggle—it’s also for encouragement and celebration.

5. Prayer and Scripture as Armor
Daily, ask God to help you walk blamelessly. Meditate on verses like Philippians 2:15 and Jude 24 to remind yourself of His power to keep you pure and strong.

6. Be a Light in the Darkness
Look for everyday ways to shine purity and kindness—choose words that build up, resist cynicism, act with grace. Small choices daily add up to a powerful witness.

Guard your heart and mind. Live blamelessly. Be harmless in thought and deed. Shine without a single spot or blemish.

The world is watching. God is watching. It’s time to rise up as the light you were made to be.

The Fifth Area is…

5. Witnessing: Being Bold With The Word of Life

The word witnessing can be a scary thing right. At times we tend to hold back thinking we might push others away. But this is an area that we must work out to live out our salvation.

Think about it The Word of Life is a message so powerful that it changes everything. This Word isn’t just good advice or an uplifting story — it offers real, eternal life. Life that is full, unending, and beyond anything the world can give. It’s like discovering the fountain of youth, but better—it gives not just eternal youth, but perfection. The Word of life is like finding a cure for the deadliest disease, but with one difference: it doesn’t just heal, it injects eternal energy into every part of your soul.

Jesus said it this way:

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Paul tells us plainly: work out your salvation by holding forth this Word of life—by boldly sharing what Jesus has done. The gospel is the only solution for a world drowning in brokenness. It’s the answer to sin, evil, and death.

Jesus’ final instructions echo through history:

“Go and make disciples of all nations… and surely I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

We witness because we believe—because we’ve experienced life in Christ, we must speak. As Paul said:

“I believed, and therefore I spoke.” (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Why Holding Forth the Word of Life Matters

• It’s life-giving. Without it, people stay in the valley of death, but with it, they step into light and hope.

• It’s urgent. Sin and death are relentless. The Word of life confronts the darkness with truth.

• It’s everyone’s mission. You don’t need to be a preacher or perfect to share. Your story, your faith, your hope—they matter.

What Does This Look Like for You?

• Be ready. Know your story and why Jesus matters to you.

• Be bold but gentle. Share your hope with humility, respecting others’ journeys.

• Trust the Spirit’s power. You don’t do this alone; the Holy Spirit gives strength and opportunities.

• Speak often and simply. Sometimes your “witness” is a kind word, a listening ear, or telling someone why you live differently.

Challenge

Ask yourself today:

• Am I holding forth the Word of life, or am I holding back?

• Who is God asking me to help step from death to life?

• What’s one way I can share the hope of Jesus this week?

Your faith is not just for your benefit. It’s a light, a life, a message the world desperately needs. Don’t keep it to yourself.

The Word of life is too good, too rich, too necessary to hide. Work at witnessing. Speak it, live it, hold it forth—because in Jesus, life wins.

The Sixth Area…

6. Sacrifice — A Life Poured Out

Let’s say it plainly: the Christian life is not one of comfort but of calling.

Paul didn’t just preach the gospel—he lived it with his body. He said, “If I’m being poured out like a drink offering for your faith… I rejoice” (Philippians 2:17). In other words, If it costs me everything, it’s still worth it if it brings you closer to Jesus.

That’s not soft faith. That’s sacrificial labor—the kind of life that bleeds purpose.

He viewed his life like an offering on the altar—his body, his strength, his time, his energy, his reputation—laid down so others could know Christ. It was worship, not convenience. Service, not self-preservation. Painful obedience over passive existence.

This is what Paul meant when he said:

“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

Let me be honest:

We love the idea of Jesus sacrificing for us, but when He calls us to sacrifice for Him? That’s hard. That’s when the cross gets heavy. But this… this is where the power is.

Jesus said:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

That’s not a metaphor. That’s a mandate. If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re a full-time minister. Not everyone is called to preach, but everyone is called to pour out.

💡 Real-World Example

Years ago, I met a single mom in our church who worked two jobs to care for her kids. She barely had time to breathe, but she served in the kids’ ministry every Sunday—faithfully. When I asked her why, she said:

“Because someone sacrificed for me to hear the gospel when I was little. That changed my life. Now I want to make sure another child hears it too.”

That’s sacrificial labor. That’s offering your body—not because it’s easy, but because Jesus is worthy.

🛠️ Application: How Do You Work Out Your Salvation Through Sacrifice?

1. Offer Your Body
What are you physically doing for the kingdom? Not just thoughts. Not just prayers. Where are you serving? Sweating? Maybe it’s with kids, leading a group, setting up chairs, helping the hurting. Your body was bought by Christ—now glorify Him with it (1 Corinthians 6:20).

2. Reclaim Your Time
We’re experts at filling our schedule with busy—and leaving no room for eternal. Where is time in your calendar to serve others? To reach out? To love deeply when it’s inconvenient?

3. Deny Yourself Daily
That’s more than just saying no to sin. It’s saying yes to mission. It’s choosing obedience when it hurts. Choosing inconvenience when it’s Kingdom-focused.

4. See People as Worth Your Effort
Paul poured his life out to serve others—not because they earned it, but because Jesus was worth it. Who is God calling you to sacrifice for? A co-worker? A neighbor? A friend far from God?

5. Make Your Life an Offering
Every believer is a walking altar. We don’t get to pick and choose. We just say, “Here I am, Lord. Even if it costs me, I’m yours.”

Final Challenge

What’s your life producing right now?

• Are you consuming or contributing?

• Are you avoiding pain or stepping into purpose?

• Are you offering your comfort or your sacrifice?

You were never saved to sit. You were saved to serve.

So go. Pour yourself out. Pick up your cross. Hold nothing back. And when you reach the finish line, may your life echo Paul’s words:

“I fought the good fight. I finished the race. I kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Not because it was easy—but because He’s worthy.