Philippians (Lesson 7)

Philippians 2:12 ESV

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,

“Therefore”

“As you have alway obeyed

An Exegetical Summary of Philippians 2:12

‘to be obedient’ [NJB, REB], ‘to show ready obedience’ [Pl], ‘to show an obedient attitude’ [WEC], ‘to manifest a spirit of obedience

*Discussion* What does it mean to be obedient?

So now, not only as in in my presence but much more in my absence”

Obedience with no one is looking!

Work out

An Exegetical Summary of Philippians 2:12

‘to work to achieve’ [NAB], ‘to work at achieving’ [WBC], ‘to work to complete’ [TEV, TNT], ‘to carry out’ [Ea, ICC], ‘to effect’ [LN], ‘to accomplish’ [LN], ‘to bring about’ [WEC]. The κατα- compound is intensive, implying carrying out to fulfillment [Ea, EBC, EGT, El, MNTC, My, Pl, TH, WBC]. The present tense indicates continued effort [NTC, WBC]. Their attitude, humility and obedience, are primary here rather than moral effort [EGT].

Work: to accomplish v. — to put something into effect entirely or thoroughly.

to accomplish v. — to put something into effect entirely or thoroughly.

your own salvation

*Discussion* - What does Salvation mean to you?

Salvation: 1. “to deliver from a direct threat,” 2. “to bring safe and sound out of a difficult situation.” Apart

1. “to deliver from a direct threat,” 2. “to bring safe and sound out of a difficult situation.” Apart

Foerster, W. (1964–). σῴζω, σωτηρία, σωτήρ, σωτήριος. G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley, & G. Friedrich (Eds.), Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 7, p. 965). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

The Message of Philippians 1. Christian Activity and the Indwelling God

The care of the individual soul belongs to that individual; responsibility for personal spiritual growth is committed to the person—not at this point a work of God nor a work of the fellowship, but a work of individual responsibility, laying hold of grace, rejoicing in the benefits of fellowship. My responsibility for me.

with fear and trembling

Fear

An Exegetical Summary of Philippians 2:12

godly fear’ [Pl], ‘reverence’ [BAGD], ‘respect’ [BAGD], ‘conscientious caution’

Trembling : Sincere loyalty

The Message of Philippians 1. Christian Activity and the Indwelling God

Is this a sensitive awareness of the preciousness of the salvation given to us, resulting in a trembling concern lest we fail to live up to our privileges and to enjoy the richness of the divine benefits? Is it a sensitivity towards other members of the Christian fellowship towards whom, and for whose welfare, we are to work out those virtues of unself-regarding service which marked the life and ministry of Jesus?

The Message of Philippians 1. Christian Activity and the Indwelling God

This is not the fear of a lost sinner before the Holy One, but the fear of a true child before the most loving of all fathers; not a fear of what he might do to us, but of the hurt we might do to him.

The Message of Philippians 1. Christian Activity and the Indwelling God

ours responds to what he is doing. His is the inner work of transformation and renewal; our obedience to him is how we enter into the benefit of his indwelling.

Philippians 2:13 ESV

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

God

For it is God who work in you!

Work:

An Exegetical Summary of Philippians 2:13

‘to work’ [Ea, Lns, NTC, Pl; KJV, NIV, REB], ‘to be at work’ [NASB, NRSV, TEV, TNT], ‘to work effectively’ [WBC], ‘to produce’ [BAGD, WEC], ‘to beget’ [NAB], ‘to effect’ [Mou], ‘to act effectively’ [HNTC], ‘to energize’ [ICC], ‘to give’ [NJB]. The phrase ὁ ἐνεργῶν ἐν ὑμῖν ‘the one working in you’ is translated ‘is causing you’

The Message of Philippians 1. Christian Activity and the Indwelling God

God’s working is effectual working: he cannot be deflected from his course nor fail to achieve his purpose. With our daily catalogue of failure and our not infrequent despair of ourselves, what unspeakable comfort lies in this truth!

Both to will and to work for his good pleasure

The Message of Philippians 1. Christian Activity and the Indwelling God

God is effectually and ceaselessly at work in you, both to will and to work—to recreate our wills and to impart to us his own capacity for effectual working. For the same word is used: the effectual Worker would make us like himself.

The key is to be obedient to the process!

*Discussion* How does God recreate our wills?

*Discussion* What are examples of working for “His Good Pleasure.”

The process produces results and actions:

The key is to be obedient to the process!

Philippians 2:14 ESV

Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

Philippians 2:15 ESV

that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Philippians 2:16 ESV

holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

*Discussion* How does this verse make you feel?

Philippians 2:17 ESV

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Philippians 2:18 ESV

Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.