Philippians 2:12-13

12. So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13. for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

Translation and Paraphrase

12. So then, my beloved ones (seeing how God has exalted Christ, I exhort you now that) even as you have always obeyed, not (just) as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, (that you) work out to completion your own salvation, with fear and trembling.
13. For God is the one working in (the midst of) you (all), both (motivating you) to desire (that which is good) and (enabling you) to work for his good pleasure.

Notes

1.

This section (Philippians 2:12-18) gives some commands for the worthy Christian life. These commands include commands to steadfast work (Philippians 2:12-13), contentment (Philippians 2:14), purity (Philippians 2:15 a), evangelistic zeal (Philippians 2:15 b - Philippians 2:16), and rejoicing (Philippians 2:17-18).

2.

The so then at the beginning of Philippians 2:12 indicates that the good acts called for in Philippians 2:12-16 are motivated by the obedience and exaltation of Christ described in the preceding paragraph.

3.

Some Christians are faithful Christians only when the preacher is nearby. Paul expected the Philippians to be just as obedient in his absence as in his presence, and he indicates that they had done this previously.

4.

Work out (Gr. katergadzomai) means to work to completion. When we work out a contract, we work it till it is done. Likewise we must work out our salvation until the end.

5.

Philippians 2:12 does not suggest that by work we earn our salvation, but that our salvation must be followed by steadfast work to the end. Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5. While our salvation is not gained by our works of righteousness, we must be zealous of good works and careful to maintain them. Titus 3:5; Titus 2:14. Failure to follow through with good works after we receive Christ is both evidence and cause of our not having salvation.

6.

Christians need to feel fear and trembling because of the danger of forsaking Christ and displeasing God is so near to all of us and so deadly. We are become partakers of Christ if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end. Hebrews 3:14.

7.

Philippians 2:13 teaches us that God motivates us (causes us to will) to do his good pleasure; and then also He enables us to do it (to work). This thought should bring great delight to the servant of God. Our dedicated desires and labors represent the very desires and labors of God expressed through us.

If you find yourself desiring to do something for the Lordto write a song, a poem, a book, a letter, a tract; to make a call; to do a helpful deed; to pray for a particular person or project; to give money for some specific needthen, brother, you should do it, and do it quickly. That desire within you may be God's working within you, causing you to will. As God furnishes the willingness, so also will He furnish the ability to work.