May 28 2026

Thursday May 28

“Working Out What God Worked In”

Philippians 2:12-13

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today, as we come to Philippians 2:12-13, we move from the example of Christ to the everyday experience of the Christian life. Paul has just shown us the humility and obedience of Jesus Christ. Now he tells us how that same mind of Christ is to be lived out in us. Listen to these powerful words in verses 12 and 13: “Therefore, my beloved, as you 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; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

The word “therefore” connects this passage to everything Paul has just said about Jesus Christ. Because Christ humbled Himself, obeyed the Father, and gave Himself for us, we are now to live differently. Paul begins by calling the Philippians “my beloved.” Oh, what tenderness and affection are found in these words from Paul. He loved these believers. Even from prison, his heart was with them.

Then he says, “As you have always obeyed.” Obedience is one of the clearest evidences of genuine salvation. Remember, Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” My friend, true faith always brings obedience into our lives. As you continue through this verse, Paul wanted their obedience to continue whether he was present or absent. They were to live for the approval of God, not for the approval of men. They were to live for the pleasure of God. That is a challenge for all of us today. Sometimes we do right only when others are watching. But mature Christianity is doing right when no one is watching because we know God is watching.

Then Paul gives this command: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Now this verse has often been misunderstood. Paul is not saying that we work for our salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Paul is writing to believers who are already saved. The phrase “work out” means to bring to completion, to carry something to its intended result. It was used of working a field or mining out valuable ore. The idea is this: God has placed His life within you, and now He wants that life expressed through you.

How important is this? Salvation is not merely something we possess; it is something that transforms us daily. The Christian life is not about trying harder in our own strength. It is about cooperating with what God has already worked within us. Then Paul says we are to do this “with fear and trembling.” That is not fear of losing our salvation. It is reverence, awe, and seriousness before a holy God. It is recognizing the incredible privilege and responsibility of belonging to Jesus Christ.

So why should we take the Christian life seriously? Verse 13 gives the answer: “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Now this is an amazing truth. The Christian life is not merely imitation; it is incarnation. Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. God works in us before He works through us. The word “works” here is related to the word from which we get our English word “energy.” God energizes the believer from within. He gives us the desire to obey Him and the power to obey Him.

Left to ourselves, we do not naturally desire holiness. But when the Holy Spirit is working in our hearts, He changes our desires by His grace. He gives us a new appetite for righteousness. That is why prayer and the Word of God are so essential. God uses His Word to shape our minds and lives, and His Spirit strengthens our hearts.

As we look at this passage of Scripture, Philippians 2:13 reminds us that we are never alone in the Christian life. God is actively at work within us. Maybe today you feel weak, discouraged, or spiritually dry. Remember this: if you belong to Jesus Christ, God has not abandoned you. He is still working in you. Sometimes His work is slow and hidden, but He never stops shaping His children. Like a sculptor chiseling stone, God patiently removes what does not belong in us, and He forms Christ within us. Remember Romans 8:29 says that we are predestined “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God’s goal for our lives is to make us like Jesus Christ.

So today, cooperate with His work. Surrender your heart. Open His Word. Spend time in prayer. Obey what He shows you, and trust His Spirit to strengthen you. God works in, and we work out.

Let’s pray together. Father, thank You that You are working in us even when we cannot fully see it. Help us to obey You sincerely from the heart and not merely for the approval of others. Shape us into the image of Jesus Christ. Give us both the desire and the power to do Your will. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God bless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!