So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 WEB
Does this scripture mean that we are to be anxious and worried? I don’t think so. Paul has been encouraging followers of Christ in this letter to have peace of mind, courage and faith in God. This scripture means that we are to work out our salvation with reverence toward God. We are to approach salvation with humility and respect.
Paul is asking two things for believers here. First, he asks them to “work out” their salvation. Paul is communicating the desire to bring forth the fruit of being like Christ. Second, “fear and trembling” refers to having a healthy respect for the power of God. As we read in Matthew 10:28, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. KJV”
Reverence and Respect
The Apostle Paul is expressing the same sentiment. He describes approaching God with reverence and awe, “fear and trembling,” in the serious matter of growing in Christ. This is not a call to worry or great anxiety. It is healthy to fear the Lord as David wrote in Psalm 2:11, “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. KJV” We are to come to God in humility, with great reverence and respect.
Prayer: “Father God, you are righteous in everything you do. Thank you for making a way for me to be in your holy presence through the blood of Jesus Christ. I humble myself before you and ask that you lead me according to your will. Help me to grow in Christ and the understanding of your word. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Christ the Lord
