The Work of Christ in the Believer
Notes
Transcript
Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Verse 12
1. Because of the work of Christ, we are to live like Christians.
1. Because of the work of Christ, we are to live like Christians.
Paul tells the church in Philippi,
“just as you have always obeyed...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” .
just as you have always obeyed...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.1
1 Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), .
As believers, we are to constantly pursue the Lord in every aspect of our lives. While we are pursuing Christlike living, we are active in working out our salvation.
Personal salvation brings with it responsibilities which Paul related to Christians’ obedience. The responsibility was to live in accord with their salvation, letting the implications of their relationship with Christ transform their social relationships. Paul really meant, in the first place, that they were to act like Christians.1
1 Richard R. Melick, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, vol. 32, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), 110.
To live like Christians, the Philippians were to have an attitude of obedience.1
1 Richard R. Melick, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, vol. 32, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), 110.
φόβος: Fear, reverence and respect
τρόμος: Trembling
In addition to obedience, the Philippians were to be sober. The precise words are “fear and trembling.” These words reminded them of their relationship to God and that they were to conduct their lives with a seriousness and reverence due him. After all, he worked in them.
Richard R. Melick, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, vol. 32, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), 110.
2. Because of the work of Christ, we are to live in God’s will.
2. Because of the work of Christ, we are to live in God’s will.
2. Because of the work of Christ, we are to live in God's will.
For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.
3. Because of the work of Christ, we are able to live in purity.
3. Because of the work of Christ, we are able to live in purity.
Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world,
4. Because of the work of Christ, we are the light of the world.
4. Because of the work of Christ, we are the light of the world.
so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world,
Phil
5. Because of the work of Christ, we are able to live victoriously.
5. Because of the work of Christ, we are able to live victoriously.
by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.
6. Because of the work of Christ, we are able to rejoice in all circumstances.
6. Because of the work of Christ, we are able to rejoice in all circumstances.
But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.