“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, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his purpose.”
Philippians 2 12-13
Fear and trembling, I believe refers to a reverent respect and fear for God. Living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
I’ve been a Christian since I was around 13. I was somewhat agnostic prior to meeting Christ. Since the day I accepted Him, I’ve been actively attending and serving in a church.
But, there were seasons in my life that were not always indicative of a Christian. I’m ashamed and embarrassed about those times.
Being a Christian, a follower of Christ, is the best thing ever and has eternal rewards as well as earthly rewards, but there are hardships and one of them is how you feel after you’ve let people down.
When you go public with your faith, you are very responsible for how you represent Christ. And people watch you, and sometimes they wait for you to stumble. But mostly, since we are representing… We have to be careful how others view Christ through us.
We’re not perfect of course, but His grace and forgiveness are not a license to sin.
We should work out what God’s already purchased. The only way we can work it all out, is to give an effort while trusting him. We should never take our salvation for granted, but working towards the things of God on a daily basis. Not just when needed or as fire insurance, so to speak, but continually.
Fearing God is not the fear or dread of judgment leading to destruction and despair, but rather a reverent fear.
This fear protects against acts that lead to sin and death and gives us a desire to act righteously. Not only for our own walk with God, but also for the example we should be to others.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;
His praise endures forever.
Psalm 111:10
I absolutely love how the NLT translates the opening scripture I used.
“Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.”
Philippians 2:12
AMP version;
Continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].
Philippians 2:12
It’s not that we’re working our way to get into heaven, but to work towards being made more and more into the image of Christ.
Many Blessings,
Connie