Working Out Our Own Salvation

[elijah23]

Paul said this:

[12] 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;
[13] for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil 2:12-13 RSV

What do you suppose he meant?

 

[Oats]

Paul said this:

[12] 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;
[13] for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil 2:12-13 RSV

What do you suppose he meant?

Carrying your cross daily

Glorifying God, in fear of God

trusting in God's forgiveness...

Being humble

these are things we have to do

 

[Alabaster]

I like how Peterson puts it in his paraphrase, The Message:

What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.

 

[elijah23]

What if, over a period of time, the Lord communicated to each of us, individually, exactly what he expected of us, and in return promised contentment and security forever? Like this:

But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 31:33 RSV

 

[glorydaz]

What if, over a period of time, the Lord communicated to each of us, individually, exactly what he expected of us, and in return promised contentment and security forever? Like this:

But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Jer 31:33 RSV

When we are born again, we are filled with a peace that passes all understanding. We have security concerning our salvation. Of course that does not mean we will not have fellowship in His suffering...we will. It does not mean we won't suffer trials and tribulations...we will. What we will have is peace, knowing we are filled with the Holy Spirit and all things will work together for our good.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.