Philippians 2:12-18: The Christian’s Workout Regimen
We have spent this week looking at a deeply important passage, which sets out crucial truths to know about the Lord Jesus. Now, in verse 12 onwards, Paul shows us what knowing this humble and exalted Jesus should change our lives.
Paul says here that we have a spiritual workout to go through, verse 12: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”. He immediately adds: “it is God who works in you”.
If we are Christians, it is because God the Holy Spirit has changed our lives. He has given us faith to believe in Jesus and a heart inclined to obey God.
But the Christian faith is like exercising a muscle: our faith only grows and stays strong if we work at it. Thankfully, we work with the power God’s Spirit provides.
What does it mean to “work out” our salvation with “fear and trembling”? Paul gives some examples in verses 13-18. He says we are to “do all things without grumbling or questioning”. Simply not being grumblers will mark us out from the world, because the world is full of grumbling! To be content, joyful, thankful is a mark of the Holy Spirit’s work in us.
Paul also says we are to “shine as lights” in a dark world. Christians have hope for those suffering with illness, addiction, loneliness or grief. In a world of darkness and confusion we can be guiding stars, leading people to the glorious light of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, Paul urges the Philippians to continue “holding fast” – clinging on – to “the word of life” – the Scriptures, the gospel. No workout can be completed without the right equipment, and no Christian will grow detached from God’s Word. Paul says in verse 17 that even if he loses his life for his own Christian witness, it will be worth it if he knows that the Philippians are “holding fast” in theirs.
There are no shortcuts to holiness: it takes work and effort. But God has given us the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we can complete a spiritual workout each day. How’s yours going right now?
Questions
- In what ways is the Christian life like spiritual exercise?
- Why do you think Paul describes the Philippian Christians as “lights” or “stars” in verse 15?
Prayer Points
- Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to be disciplined in daily working out your faith.
- Pray that by God’s grace, you, your family and church will “hold fast” to the word of life, the Scriptures.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.