Dig Deeper
In
Philippians 2:12-30 the Apostle Paul unpacks the theology of the first half of
the chapter (the example of Christ’s
humility and exaltation of Christ for God’s glory) by practically explaining
what it looks like to “Make your attitude that of Christ Jesus”. (Philippians
2:12-18) He follows up this lesson with two godly examples: Timothy and
Epaphroditus. (Philippians 2:19-30)
Philippians
2:12 instructs “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” “Working out”
salvation cannot be understood as “working for” salvation as evidenced by the
clear teaching found elsewhere throughout the Scriptures. (See for example-- Ephesians
2:8-9, Titus 3:5, and Romans 4:2-4.) The ESV
Study Bible explains the meaning of working out one’s salvation here “in terms
of progressively coming to experience all of the aspects and blessings of
salvation.” What additional insights do the following Scriptures provide for
better understanding working out of one’s salvation?
Philippians
1:6; 3:12-14--
James
2:18--
Romans
6:1-19--
Galatians
5:6--
Ephesians
2:10--
Read
Philippians 2:13. In what ways is the understanding of “God working in you…”
the key to living the Christian life?
Compare
the command of Philippians 2:14 with Jesus warning in Matthew 15:11 and James’
caution in James 3, “controlling the tongue.” In what ways is our tongue
(speech) an indicator of our spiritual condition?
Application
In what tangible ways is the Holy Spirit leading
you to fight for joy by shining like a light in a dark world?
Memorize
This
Philippians
2:4-5— Everyone should look out not only for his own
interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your attitude that of
Christ Jesus. © HCSB
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