“Work Out Your Own Salvation”

Philippians 2:12

Previous Connection

Have the mind of Christ (v. 5)Main points:

– His willingness (vv. 6-8a; cf. Jn. 8:29)– His obedience (v. 8b)– His exaltation (v. 9)

Obedient Always

Commended for obedience (v. 12a)– “As you have always obeyed”– “Not as in my presence, but much

more in my absence”Not as men-pleasers (Matt. 23:5;

Col. 3:22-24)Philippians’ habit was to be

obedient

Work Out Your Own Salvation

What does this mean?– Each person decides for himself what

is necessary for salvation? (Jer. 10:23)

– We can earn our salvation? (Eph. 2:8-10)

– No!– It describes a partnership—God

dictates; we do

Work Out Your Own Salvation

“Work out”– “Let us go on to perfection” (Heb.

6:1)– “Grow up in all things into Him who

is the head—Christ” (Eph. 4:15)– Salvation is a growth process and we

are commanded to take an active role

Work Out Your Own Salvation

“Your own salvation”– Personal responsibility must be

acknowledged“Save yourselves” (Acts 2:40)“Make your calling and election sure, for

if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10)

Work Out Your Own Salvation

“Your own salvation”– Salvation as a goal– “Those who believe to the saving of the

soul” (Heb. 10:39)“Receiving the end of your faith—the

salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:9)

Work Out Your Own Salvation

“With fear and trembling”– Appreciation of the magnitude of

one’s duty– Seriousness and humility enjoined– Anxious not to fail because failing is

possible– cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12

What To Do To Be Saved

Hear the gospel Hear the gospel (Rom. 10:17)Believe Jesus is Christ (Acts 8:37)Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3)Confess your faith in Christ (Mt. 10:32)Be baptized (Acts 22:16)Walk by faith in newness of life (Rom.

6:4)