Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed,
not in my presence only, but now much more
in my absence, work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling. For it is God which
worketh in you both to will and to do
of His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13
Question: When was the last time you spoke to anyone about the Gospel? When was the last time you intentional went to speak to someone about the Gospel? The Greek word translated "work out" is an interesting word for many they misunderstand this word and practice to be saved, to do something to be saved and this is not Scriptural and this is not what is being said here in this verse. The wrod is plural so it is speaking to more than one, in fact to all who call themselves Christian to bring to effect, to produce, to bring out as a result, to practice, to realize in practice, to mold into, not just doing something to be doing something considered godly.
Question: What is your job? If you are saved, that is, you have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, repented of your sins, turned around 190 degrees and now are denying yourself and following Jesus, you will "work out" your salvation with fear and trembling. You cannot do this on your own for you are still a human being that has a fallen nature so God has implanted into all believers the Holy Spirit to aid you and help you.You are to "work out" that which He has "worked in."
Oh! You say! I do not know enough, I do not have a good understanding and I am so weak in knowledge of the truth to be able to speak the Gospel effectively. Ok! Do you have the Holy Spirit residing in you? Will you rely on Him? God will be faithful to accomplish His purposes with you, or, if you choose not to be used by God, to do it without you. Why, why did God not bring you to heaven when you accepted Jesus Christ as Savior? Why is He waiting? God is using man to accomplish His will and purposes and He will use you to be that mouthpiece for Him, all the way up to the end of your life.
When this becomes your set purpose, you have begun a great work, a great journey. In this culture, the fact that many churches have become cultural, it will be hard to stay on course. This is where a great pastor and Church come into play. Not a pastor that gives allegorical sermons, one who speaks about good things, but never addresses the need for workers, even doesn't speak much about the Gospel. You need a Church that the people in that Church who will aid you for it will take all the power to hold this course and you cannot do this without other Christians helping. You will be held to a higher standard, and the opinion of this world will object and turn against you. In fact, this world will attempt to discourage you even attempting to make you afraid. Here is an important aspect of life: COMMITTMENT! Think on this: many have gone before you and have left for you a great witness that it can be done.
How can I do this? Well, it will not be easy. Here is something you can do: develop a healthy indifference to the opinions and towards those who would attempt to discourage you, to make you fear to do the will of God. Here is a fact: Your past sins will come to the forefront and in this to attempt you to "shut up!" Well, remember you past flaws and sins, and now with this knowledge (how did they work out for you?) and combat this with a hungering and thirsting after righteousness (Matthew 5:6). This is a challenge but you can do it by the power and mercy of God.
Question: Do you believe you have the truth? If so, go tell someone about this truth. Do not get caught up with those who condemn those who go about door to door, or riding bicycles bringing their version of the truth because they believe the truth and they are willing to go out of their way to bring that "truth" to others. ARE YOU? Do you spend more time planning a vacation than planning on how you can bring the Gospel to a lost and dying world? What are your priorities? Only you can answer those questions!
Speak up for those who cannot
speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are distitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend
the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Humble yourselves: God will lift you up!
Richard L. Crumb
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