It Starts Small

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. ¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:12-18

as you have always obeyed

In verse 12, Paul passionately praises the Philippians, declaring that they “have always obeyed.” Their obedience shines brilliantly, undeterred by Paul’s physical presence. This is the hallmark of genuine obedience! Consider how many children may exhibit obedience when their parents or teachers are nearby. However, they reveal a starkly different attitude when left alone. A truly devoted follower of God heeds His call, regardless of who is watching or not! Are you aware of a shift in your behavior when others are around compared to when you’re on your own? If your answer is “yes,” it’s time to delve deep and assess why that is. Do you act one way in front of some and another way when you’re alone? This indicates that your motivations may be skewed. Are you seeking to please others or maintain a façade of goodness instead of simply desiring to please God? Uncover the truth of your heart!

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling

The command to “work out your salvation” resonates powerfully with verses 10-11. These verses reveal an undeniable truth. Every person will one day bow the knee to Jesus and confess Him as Lord. This profound moment will either be a voluntary act of worship now. If individuals stubbornly refuse to humble themselves, God will one day compel them to do so. For those not saved, the dreadful reality of judgment in hell will follow their forced acknowledgment of Christ. This is precisely why Paul implores us to “work out your salvation.” In essence, it’s a passionate plea: “ensure you are truly saved!” Every believer must engage in regular self-examination. Don’t cling to a childhood decision or a fleeting moment when you raised your hand during an altar call. While those moments may hold value, the stark truth remains—once someone is truly saved, they remain saved (John 10:27-30). Yet many walk through life deceived, thinking they are saved when, in reality, they are not (Matthew 7:21). Some indulge in sinful, selfish lifestyles, all while declaring, “I am safe. I prayed the salvation prayer.”

Jesus boldly proclaimed that “every good tree bears good fruit” (Matthew 7:17-18). If you have been saved, then your life must overflow with fruit that reflects your faith! Do you fervently love God with every ounce of your being? Is your daily walk marked by a vibrant lifestyle of obedience that showcases this love? Are you deeply passionate about reaching the lost, igniting hope in their hearts? Is your existence characterized by a fierce hatred of sin and an intense desire for holiness? Are you truly repentant when you stumble? These are vital questions to wrestle with as you passionately examine your spiritual condition!

The most vital question you can ever ask yourself is, “Am I saved?”

There is a test that we can give ourselves in 1 John 3:9, “No one born of God practices sinning.” So, the test is, “Am I practicing sin?”

We must utilize this test to scrutinize our lives and uncover where we truly fall short. Let us earnestly evaluate if our hearts genuinely belong to God. If we discover that we are engaging in sin, we must urgently drop to our knees before God. We need to repent with all our hearts. Then, we must wholly TURN AWAY from sin. We could title this verse, “give yourself a spiritual self-exam.” So, I implore you, have you passionately given yourself that self-exam? Have you truly delved deep into these Scriptures and rigorously assessed your actions against them?

Often, when individuals undergo checkups, the doctor delivers a harsh truth: they’re unhealthy. Overweight, neglecting their diet, and their exercise routine is non-existent. The patient nonchalantly responds, “yeah, yeah, yeah.” The moment they step out of the office, they head straight for a couple of Monster burgers. They also order a heaping order of French fries and a colossal soda. When they reach home, they collapse onto the couch, flicking on the TV, sinking back into the same destructive habits. But what follows this reckless lifestyle? A heart attack! I fervently hope that none of you mirror this apathetic patient. Engage in this vital self-examination, and then transform your lifestyle for the better! If we fail to apply the lessons learned from this chapter, we’re nothing but careless, wasting precious time.

For it is God who works in you

We are called to deeply examine ourselves. We need to ascertain our salvation. Paul doesn’t merely tell us to “work hard for salvation.” No, salvation is a precious gift from God, freely given through faith and enveloped in grace. It is God’s magnificent work on our behalf—a divine masterpiece accomplished through the sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus. If you attempt to earn God’s favor through your own efforts, rest assured, nothing you do will ever truly suffice. In these two profound verses, we once again notice the powerful harmony of human responsibility. God’s glorious sovereignty is presented side by side. God graciously gives salvation, yet we must wholeheartedly ensure we have genuinely embraced it through authentic faith.

 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

Sometimes verses burst with profound theological truths that can baffle the mind, demanding deep reflection and diligent study. Yet, there are moments when their message is strikingly straightforward. This verse belongs to that very category. It invites every individual to read and grasp its essence. (Hint: it’s a powerful reminder to refrain from grumbling or arguing.) However, translating that understanding into action is an entirely different challenge. As I reflect on my own life, I recall instances that ignited my frustrations. These instances led to complaints. Here are a few examples:

•  Not being able to find something I need where I thought I put it
•  People who are annoying, divisive, or demanding.
•  Inept and sinful governments.

What is something that happens that tempts you to complain?

God’s word resonates powerfully on this matter! God desires that we refrain from complaining—never! About anything! It commands us to carry out “all things” without the shadow of grumbling. Our sinful natures lean heavily toward complaint, making it far too easy to harbor grievances instead of gratitude. The words of complaint spill forth effortlessly from our lips, while the words of appreciation seem to struggle to escape. How can we seize control over our speech and ensure that complaints cease? What is one thing you often grumble about? How can you transform it into a reason for gratitude right now? Let’s commit to training our hearts and minds. Let gratitude flow from us like a nourishing stream. Let it far surpass the ease of complaint!

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

The Philippians found themselves amidst a crooked and perverse generation, just as we do today. Our divine mission is clear: we are called to “shine as lights” in this dark world! Jesus proclaimed that He is the “light of the world” (John 8:12). In a powerful reminder, He declared, “you are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). God has chosen us to be Christians, to be devoted followers of Christ! We must stand apart from the materialistic, fame-seeking, achievement-driven mentality that permeates society.

Our pursuit is not for fleeting treasures but for Christ Himself. He is our ultimate authority, our unwavering standard, our pearl of great price. The world is plunging headfirst into the abyss of relativism. Destructive ideologies like evolution fuel this descent. Moral clarity has vanished, akin to the chaotic days of the judges. Each person bends the truth to fit their desires. Traditional notions of right and wrong are crumbling before our very eyes. Sin is not merely tolerated; it is boldly celebrated! Those who dare to stand against this tide are branded as bigots and face persecution.

Against this vibrant backdrop, those who fervently follow Christ stand in striking contrast to the world around us. When we wholeheartedly embrace His standard, we become radiant beacons of His light in a lost and searching world. No, we don’t wander about adorned with actual halos. However, our every action illuminates a path towards something far greater. It leads to the Creator’s divine way. The Word of God serves as a steadfast lamp to our feet. It is a guiding light along our journey. It beckons others towards righteousness. Indeed, your actions possess the incredible power to lead souls to God. If an impartial observer could see your life in real-time, would they notice a difference between you and an unbeliever? Could they observe your unwavering commitment to Christ through your deeds during day and night?

as you hold firmly to the word of life.

As we reflect on our reality, we find ourselves surrounded by a crooked and perverse generation. Everywhere we look, individuals are touting their version of relative truth. They claim that what is right for one can be completely wrong for another. Standards shift like sand in the wind. In just the last decade, our understanding of fundamental concepts such as gender and marriage has undergone a shocking transformation. So, what will steady your soul? How can you discern right from wrong in these tumultuous times? Many are simply swept away by the media’s latest trend, but the answer lies in the wisdom of Paul. We must fiercely cling to the word of life that guides us through this chaos.

God’s Word is our anchor.

He is our unwavering moral compass! Not only does He illuminate our path, but He also empowers us to fiercely “run” the race for Him. Doubt may rear its head at times. It did in the Garden when Satan slyly questioned Adam and Eve. He whispered, “Did God really say?” If only they had clung fiercely to the word of life, they could have thwarted that temptation. Yet, Eve allowed doubt to take root in her heart. We must boldly approach the Lord through His Word and refresh our minds regularly. Do not permit the insidious seed of doubt to flourish within you. Grasp tightly to the anchor of truth! You will then stand unshakeable. Cultural shifts may try to engulf the naïve. They do this in the ever-changing quicksand of moral relativity!

I did not run or labor in vain.

After his transformative conversion, Paul devoted his entire life to fervently preaching the gospel. He passionately made disciples. He boldly planted churches. He poured his time and divine gifts into building God’s kingdom, fixated on pursuits of eternal significance. It was only natural for Paul to desire that his tireless efforts not be squandered. Yearning for lasting fruit, he ardently urged the Philippians to hold fast to their faith. He could not control the actions of others. The thought of those he ministered to drifting away would have deeply troubled him. It made him feel as though his labor was in vain. For his labor to shine as truly worthwhile, the Philippians had to persist in their faith. It should be the burning ambition of each of us to cultivate fruit that withstands the relentless passage of time. Whatever divine calling you have received, you must establish it. Be sure it can survive long after you have departed. If you are called to run an orphanage ministry, what will become of that sacred mission if something befalls you? Will it endure? If you lead a Bible study, will it thrive if you are unable to teach anymore? Will your children continue to walk with God once they grow up? You can no longer compel them to attend church.

even if I am being poured out like a drink offering 

This statement resonates as a powerful euphemism for martyrdom. Paul wrote this epistle from his prison cell. He was fully aware that his unwavering faith could cost him his life at any moment. He stood resolute in his willingness to sacrifice everything for Christ. Yet, he yearned for his life to hold profound meaning! In many ways, the Philippian church embodied his most cherished legacy.

be glad and rejoice with me

¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:15

Paul said to “rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.”

Typically, when someone talks about rejoicing, they joyfully share heartwarming news. The miraculous birth of a new child is a vibrant reason to rejoice. The sacred union of believers in marriage is another reason. A heartfelt answer to prayer adds yet another reason. Yet here, Paul boldly mentions his potential martyrdom. Astonishingly, he could still rejoice, even when facing possible death. He knew he had faithfully embraced God’s calling for his life. Furthermore, the impact of his work would endure. In a powerful call to action, he urged the Philippians to rejoice alongside him! Paul’s unwavering spirit here is very strong. It powerfully echoes that unforgettable moment. At that time, he sang songs of praise to God in the depths of prison with Silas.

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Acts 16:25

Rejoicing amidst trials is more than mere action. It’s a powerful declaration of our unwavering bond with and unshakeable trust in God! Can you find joy even when the storms rage around you? What trial in your life right now can you transform into a source of celebration and praise?

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• John 14:15
• James 1:22
• 2 Corinthians 13:5
• Lamentations 3:40
• James 5:9
• Matthew 5:14-16

Discussion Questions

•  What does it show about the Philippians that they obeyed whether Paul was there or not?
•  What does it mean to work out your salvation?
•  Why with fear and trembling?
•  What is the relationship of this instruction to the previous passage?
•  How does verse 13 relate to verse 12?
•  How can it help believers knowing that God is also at work in us?
•  Why does God do this work?
•  Share an example of a situation that tempts you to grumble or complain.
•  Explain the phrase “prove yourselves” from verse 15. Prove to whom?
•  How can you shine as a light in the world? Share an example of a way to shine the light.
•  What is the word of life? How can you “hold fast” to it?
•  What does Paul’s running/toiling refer to? Why were these not in vain? What kind of life is in vain?
•  What is the world toiling after? What about you?

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