Work Out Your Own Salvation

          

Work Out Your Own Salvation
(Philippians 2:12–13)

Introduction
Paul told the Christians at Philippi to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Many today separate salvation from obedience, yet Scripture connects them through faith that acts. God’s grace began His work in us, and our continuing obedience shows that His work is alive in our hearts.

 

God’s Work in the Past
When Paul begins with the word “therefore,” he points to what God has already accomplished. In Philippians 1:3–6, he gives thanks that God “has begun a good work in you.” That work began when they obeyed the gospel and became a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through baptism they entered into union with Christ—buried with Him in death, raised with Him in newness of life (Romans 6:2–6). They were released from condemnation (Romans 8:1–2), guided by the Spirit (Romans 8:9), crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), clothed with Him (Galatians 3:27), seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:5–6), raised to a new life (Colossians 2:11–12; 3:1–4), and had laid aside the old man of sin (Colossians 3:9).

 

This union marks the beginning of God’s transforming work. It demonstrates divine grace working through faith and obedience. When a sinner obeys the gospel, God performs the cleansing and forgives sins through the blood of Christ. That forgiveness becomes the foundation for every step of Christian growth and service.

 

The Believer’s Work in the Future
Paul’s charge to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” speaks directly to those already in Christ. Salvation can be forfeited through neglect, so diligence is vital. Peter urges believers to make their “calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10–11) and warns them to “beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness” (2 Peter 3:17–18).

 

Paul often describes this active faith with words of effort and endurance: pursue peace (Romans 14:19), press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:12), fight the good fight (1 Corinthians 9:26), and run the race set before us (1 Corinthians 9:24–25). Each description shows that faith involves action.

 

Those who have been united with Christ continue to resist sin each day. In Romans 6:7 Paul says the Christian has been freed from sin, and in verse 12 he urges believers not to let sin rule in their bodies. In Colossians 3:3 he reminds them they have died with Christ, and in verse 5 he commands them to put to death the sinful deeds that still tempt them. The Christian life requires daily effort, continual repentance, and ongoing spiritual growth.

 

God’s Strength Working in the Present
The believer’s work is made possible through God’s power. “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). Peter teaches that those who serve must do so “with the ability which God supplies” (1 Peter 4:11). Paul declared, “By the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace toward me was not in vain. I labored more abundantly than they all; yet the grace of God was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). God provides the strength and ability needed to persevere.

 

 

 

Work Out Your Own Salvation Sermon Outline:

• I. Introduction

  • Text: Philippians 2:12–13

  • Theme: The believer cooperates with God’s grace through faithful obedience and continued spiritual effort.

   

• II. God’s Work in the Past

  • A. God began a good work (Philippians 1:3–6).

  • B. A new creation formed in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

  • C. Union with Christ through baptism:

    • Buried with Christ (Romans 6:2–6)

    • Freed from condemnation (Romans 8:1–2)

    • Guided by the Spirit (Romans 8:9)

    • Crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)

    • Clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27)

    • Seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:5–6)

    • Raised with Christ (Colossians 2:11–12; 3:1–4)

    • Old self removed (Colossians 3:9)

     

• III. The Believer’s Work in the Future

  • A. Continue with reverent fear (Philippians 2:12).

  • B. Diligence safeguards salvation (2 Peter 1:10–11; 3:17–18).

  • C. Faith requires pursuit, endurance, and discipline (Romans 14:19; Philippians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 9:24–26).

  • D. Resist sin and maintain holiness (Romans 6:12; Colossians 3:5).

   

• IV. God’s Strength in the Present

  • A. God continues His work in believers (Philippians 2:13).

  • B. Serve with divine ability (1 Peter 4:11).

  • C. Grace empowers labor and perseverance (1 Corinthians 15:10).

   

• V. Conclusion

  • A. God began His saving work when He forgave sins at baptism.

  • B. Christians must persevere in faith and obedience.

  • C. God’s grace strengthens every act of faithfulness until the end.

   

Call to Action
God provides salvation through Christ and gives strength to those who obey Him. Each believer must continue in faith, guard against sin, and pursue holiness with dedication. Let every disciple walk daily in obedience, trusting God’s power to bring His work to completion in our lives.

 

Key Takeaways

• God’s grace and man’s obedience operate together in salvation (Philippians 2:12–13).

• Baptism begins the believer’s union with Christ (Romans 6:3–6).

• Ongoing diligence keeps faith strong (2 Peter 1:10–11).

• God supplies strength for every good work (1 Peter 4:11).

• The Christian journey requires continuous effort and faithfulness (Philippians 3:12).

 

Scripture Reference List

• Philippians 2:12–13 — Work out salvation with reverent fear.

• Philippians 1:3–6 — God began His good work.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 — The new creation in Christ.

• Romans 6:2–6 — United with Christ in baptism.

• Romans 8:1–9 — Freed from condemnation; living in the Spirit.

• Galatians 2:20; 3:27 — Crucified with and clothed in Christ.

• Ephesians 2:5–6 — Seated with Christ in heavenly places.

• Colossians 2:11–12; 3:1–9 — Raised with Christ; old life removed.

• 2 Peter 1:10–11; 3:17–18 — Diligence and steadfastness.

• Romans 14:19; Philippians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 9:24–26 — Pursue, press on, fight, and run.

• 1 Peter 4:11 — Serve by God’s strength.

• 1 Corinthians 15:10 — Grace empowering effort.

 

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

 

Complete Series of Lessons on Philippians

Library of Sermons on Obedience