Philippians 2:12

“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”

“So then”: As Christ was obedient, we must be obedient (Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 5:8). “My beloved”: “Paul, however, does not merely issue new commands unfeelingly” (Hawthorne p. 98). “An expression used of Christians ‘bound together by mutual love'” (Jackson p. 49). “You whom Christ loves and. also love, with. love that is deep-seated, thorough-going, intelligent, and purposeful” (Hendriksen p. 119).

The advocates of the "New Hermeneutic" claim that the Epistles were simply "love-letters" to the churches and were never intended to be viewed as containing instruction which was "binding" upon Christians. The above verse reveals that these letters contained. tremendous amount of "love", and yet this "love" commanded Christians to obey the very instructions that made up these letters (Philippians 2:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 14:37). Bruce reminds us, “It must be remembered that Paul was not only the Philippians friend; he was to them the apostle of Jesus Christ” (p. 81).

“Even as ye have always obeyed”: That is, obeyed the commands of God expressed in the gospel message (Romans 6:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14). “He is not using hollow rhetoric as. tool to win their favor” (Hawthorne p. 98). “Paul loves to praise where there is reason for praise” (Lenski p. 796). This congregation (unlike some) had not challenged or questioned His apostolic authority, and from the very beginning the members here had submitted to the commands of God (Acts 16:14). Paul fought against "legalism" (Colossians 2:20; Galatians 5:1), yet Paul never considered "obedience" to the will of God to be "legalistic". “Not as in my presence only”: “There is always. tendency to relax obedience when the spiritual leader is absent” (Lenski pp. 796-797). Remember Paul had not seen the brethren here for at least four or so years, and yet they were still obedient to his teaching (Acts 20:6).

The Philippian church had thus far escaped. temptation that can exist among Christians. These brethren loved Paul, but they did not have all their Christianity wrapped up in him. They realized that their faith was rooted in God, and not in men, even the best of men (1 Peter 1:21 “ so that your faith and hope are in God”). Our "faith" is not what it should be if our level of commitment depends upon another human being. These Christians were not sitting around on their hands waiting for the day that “Paul would once again be their preacher”. “But now much more”: Not that much "more" obedience is needed, rather that greater care to obey will need to be exercised in view of Paul's absence. “In this absence they have to apply themselves with even greater diligence and vigilance to the task of taking heed unto themselves and their spiritual well-being” (Muller p. 91). “In my absence”: Which may or may not be final (Philippians 2:17). “For in my absence even greater zeal and care are necessary” (Vincent p. 437).

Christians can remain faithful, even though they lack the immediate presence of the apostles, and an entire congregation can remain loyal to God in the absence of the apostles. Paul knew that Christians could understand what He wrote (Ephesians 3:3), even apart from his personal assistance. God expected this church to have unity (1 Peter 2:1), remain faithful (Philippians 2:12), and continue to be doctrinally sound (Philippians 1:27) in the absence of the apostles. This reveals that division in the church is not due to. "lack of clarity" concerning the Word of God, or the absence of living apostles.

“Work out”: To do work fully, accomplish, and finish. “Work on to the finish” (Robertson p. 446). “Carry out to the goal. Complete” (Vincent p. 437). “Continue to work out, continuous, sustained, and strenuous effort” (Hendriksen p. 120). “Which always has the idea of bringing to completion. It is as if Paul says: ‘Don't stop halfway'. No Christian should be satisfied with anything less than the total benefits of the gospel” (Barclay p. 41). “Paul in effect commands the Philippians to keep working and never let up until their ‘salvation' is achieved” (Hawthorne p. 98). “Your own salvation”: “To make sure of your own salvation” (Wey). “Keep on working clear down to the finishing-point of your salvation” (Wms).

This verse infers human free will. Paul does not say "work for" but "work out". One cannot earn or merit eternal life (Luke 17:10), yet man has duties and responsibilities in reference to the salvation given him by God (Romans 6:1 ff; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14). The expression your own salvation reminds us that ultimately we have the final say-so over whether we will end up saved or lost. Our cooperation is needed. Barclay reminds us, “Without man's co-operation, even God is helpless.. man may be ill and the doctor able to prescribe the drugs that will cure him; but the man will not be cured until he takes them and he may stubbornly refuse all persuasion... It is never God who withholds salvation (2 Peter 3:9); it is always man who deprives himself of it (Acts 13:46)” (p. 42). Salvation is. gift, but the Christian must cherish that gift and make the most of it (2 Peter 1:5). “In view of this admonition, how could one possibly assert that man is ‘wholly passive' with reference to his salvation?” (Jackson p. 49).

“With fear and trembling”: “Reverence and awe” (Wms). Compare with Ephesians 6:5. “Used to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty” (Jackson p. 49). “An attitude of due reverence and awe in the presence of God,. sensitivity to His will” (Bruce p. 82). “The words do not denote slavish or cowardly terror, but submission and reverence toward God, and. humble distrust of self. There is something too jaunty and self-confident and flippant in the attitude of many Christians toward their ‘own salvation'. One must be conscious of his own weakness and continual moral peril” (Erdman pp. 88-89). “Wholesome, serious caution. ‘This fear is self-distrust; it is tenderness of conscience; it is vigilance against temptation. It is taking heed lest we fall; it is. constant apprehension of the deceitfulness of the heart. It is the caution and circumspection which timidly shrinks from whatever would offend and dishonor God and the Saviour'” (Vincent p. 437).

Barclay gives the following observations: “It is not the fear and trembling which drives us to hide from God, but rather the fear and trembling which drives us to seek God. in the certainty that without His help we cannot effectively face life. It comes, second, from. horror of grieving God. When we really love. person. we are not afraid of what he may do to us; we are afraid of what we may do to him. The Christian's great fear is of crucifying Christ again” (p. 43) (Hebrews 6:6; Hebrews 10:29).. like that last comment. Instead of being so concerned about "how we feel", Christians are more concerned about "how God feels".