Salvation Work

This is a sermon based on phrase in Philippians 2:12, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." It explores the true meaning of the phrase and the connection between salvation and works of faith after salvation is received. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was preached can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Tomorrow is a national holiday – Labor Day. I haven’t preached very many sermons related to the theme of work/labor, but I decided to do so this year. Before we get started on the message, I thought I would begin with a little “Labor Day Humor.”

Two women were comparing notes on the difficulties of running a small business.
“I started a new practice last year,” the first one said. “I insist that each of my employees take at least one week off every three months.”
“Why in the world would you do that?” the other asked.

The first one replied, “It’s the best way I know of to learn which ones I can do without!”

“Do you believe in life after death?” the boss asked one of his employees.

“Yes Sir.” the employee replied.

“Well, then, that makes everything just fine,” the boss went on. “After you left early yesterday to attend your grandmother’s funeral, she stopped in to see you!”

The Worker – The Castle Rock, Colorado, Wage and Hours Government Department claimed an old rancher by the name of Mickey was not paying proper wages to his ranch help and sent an agent out to interview him. 'I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them,' demanded the agent. 'Well,' replied old Mickey, 'There's my ranch hand who's been with me for 3 years. I pay him $600 a week plus free room and board. The cook has been here for 18 months, and I pay her $500 a week plus free room and board. Then there's the half-wit who works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here. He makes about $10 per week, pays his own room and board and I buy him a bottle of bourbon every Saturday night.' 'That's the guy I want to talk to, the half-wit,' says the agent. 'That would be me!' replied Mickey. (https://www.funny-jokes.com/labor-day-jokes#More_Classic _Labor_Day_Jokes)

Labor Day is a day that was initiated for the purpose of giving tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. It was June 28, 1894 when Congress passed legislation making the first Monday in September a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. I fear that the culture war in our nation has done great damage to the idea of the sacredness of honest labor. I can’t tell the number of times in the last several months I’ve heard reports of supplies, products and projects being delayed because of the shortage of labor.

As I began thinking about the Labor Day holiday and wondering if there was a Scripture that the Lord would direct me to that was somewhat related, I almost immediately thought of this verse in Philippians 2:12.

(NKJV) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

According to my records, I used this verse and spoke briefly about it during a series of messages I preached through the Epistle of James, because it seemed to fit with a thought that James presented in chapter 2 of his letter.

I have heard many people interpret this verse to mean that everyone’s understanding of salvation is slightly different, so each person needs to “work out” what they think salvation involves for them and not worry about what others think. This view sort of implies a self-made, designer type salvation that goes along nicely with whatever I think it should be.

That is not really the correct understanding of the text. One author states that the words, “work out,” indicate the idea of carrying something through to its conclusion. As such, it would mean that the Philippian believers were urged to let God’s salvation be worked out into their everyday lives and accomplish all that God intended for it to accomplish.

For a little while today I would like to examine this text with you and then consider some other relevant applications of the principle that Paul is teaching us here.

I.          Contextual Information

There are a few details that are important to review before we get along too far in this discussion.

A. Paul is writing from confinement.

Philippians is one of four “Prison Epistles” in the NT. He is uncertain what lies ahead for him. He clearly indicates that his case is a life and death situation. (See Philippians 1:19-24.) He seems to write as though he believes he may be released because he hopes to see them face-to-face. (2:24) Regardless of the outcome, he frequently expresses joy in Christ and in the reports he has heard from them and about them.

B. This letter is a corporate letter.

By that I mean it was written to a church, a group of believers, not an individual. That is significant because it cannot have the meaning in verse 12 that I described initially, (i.e., every person trying to “work out” whatever they think salvation involves for them personally and don’t worry about what anyone else says or does).

“you” / “your” – the pronouns “you/your” in v. 12 are in the plural form. So, Paul is not giving an individual order or instruction, but he is addressing the entire church.

“work out” – or “work at;” Verb, present, middle, imperative

(Expositor’s Bible Commentary) The preposition kata intensifies the verb “to work” and means to carry the work through to its conclusion. The grace the Philippians have received from God, establishing their salvation, is still to be actualized and to become fruitful (cf. Collange, 109).

(Ibid) The command to “work out your salvation” suggests that salvation is “not only something they receive; it is something they do” (Fee, 234). Salvation is experienced in community… Salvation involves one’s individual reconciliation with God but also one’s reconciliation with others. (Williams, 137), recognizes that “even though the Philippians are expected to respond individually, the imperative has to do with what takes place in their community life, as they return to their common cause with regard to the gospel.”

C. God has already been working in them.

v. 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

This is clearly not a reference to individuals making up their own mind about what salvation is and what it involves, because God has already been working in them all corporately. God has poured out His grace in their hearts and lives and continues to do so. And, the work they are commanded to do is not all in their own wisdom or strength or ability. No, God is working through them.

II.        Salvation Work Includes…

A. Works that ratify repentance and faith.

Acts 26:20 ^(NKJV)  but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

Luke 3:10-14 ^(NKJV) So the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?" ¹¹ He answered and said to them, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." ¹² Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" ¹³ And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you." ¹⁴ Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."

When John the Baptist was preaching “the baptism of repentance” to the people, they were convicted with His message and asked what they should do. His answer was not so they could earn their salvation, it was so they could demonstrate God’s work in them.

Ephesians 2:10 ^(NKJV)  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Paul doesn’t connect works with repentance here in Ephesians, but he connects works with salvation, which is essentially what he wrote to the Philippians – work your salvation.

B. Works that glorify God.

Matthew 5:16 ^(NKJV)  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

There is no way to spell out what all it may involve for us to do works that glorify God. The only thing I can say is that it means we do whatever it takes to help others recognize who God truly is. That is, works that fit with His character and nature.

Titus 2:7 ^(NKJV)  in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

C. Works that model what Jesus did.

John 9:4 ^(NKJV)  I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.

John 14:12 ^(NKJV)  "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

We obviously do not have the power to perform miraculous healings, etc. However, we can do things to alleviate the suffering of those around us.

I was talking to a pastor (Steve Stanley) who was working on graduate degrees in Wesleyan history and Christian history. He mentioned that he learned it was the Christians who ministered to the masses who were dying during the bubonic plague, etc.

III.       Our works will be judged.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ^(NKJV)  each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Many Christians are investing lots of time and talents into works that will not matter in eternity.

Conclusion:

Contrary to popular belief, “work” is not a curse. Labor in general was sanctified by God at creation. But works of righteousness are especially pleasing to the Lord. God has a work for all of us to do. Every believer has an important job – to carry out the mission of Christ until He returns or calls us home. So, let’s keep working!

Closing Song: We’ll Work ‘til Jesus Comes             P&W #188