After quoting what may be an early Christian hymn, Paul turns to application. His use of the word “therefore” indicates this. And what comes next is extremely valuable instruction.

Take a look at this week’s passage in Philippians 2:12-13:

Paul begins this passage with a linking word that connects what he is about to say directly back to the passage before it. In effect, this becomes the invitation to action that should be a direct result of what Paul has stated to this point.

What comes next though has been a source of disagreement for centuries. Paul make a statement that gives us a portion of the responsibility for our own salvation. He makes a statement that shows that we have a role to play.

If works could save us, then we would have no need for God’s grace in our lives. What we do would be enough to get us to heaven. But Paul, and several other New Testament writers, make a strong point that it is by God’s grace that we are saved.

But is that sufficient? Is there a need for human involvement in the process? Verse 12 seems to make this statement, giving the responsibility to the person. But verse 13 allows for God’s involvement at every level.

The human element comes from Paul’s phrase “continue to work out your salvation.” Is this an individual mandate, as so many believe? Or does this take more of a community role? Previously in Paul’s letter, he has repeatedly stated that the Philippians are to look out for the interests of others. His view to this point has been one of community. And, while the individual’s role isn’t lessened, it may be more accurate to read Paul’s statement in this way: Paul’s call to unity must involve the whole community of believers in Philippi, and together, they must display, or “work out” their salvation within the cultural context and times in which they live.

Again, this isn’t to downplay the individual’s role. The salvation of each individual is necessary for the whole to be healthy. But together, they must “work out” what God, through his grace, has “worked into” their lives. And they are to do so with complete seriousness and intensive dedication to the task. The message of the gospel is, after all, no trivial thing.

But, even though there is this human element listed, God’s role is still all-encompassing. God is at work in the church in Philippi, and in our own churches, and he will continue to be at work. Salvation is not merely a human effort. God calls, but he provides the resources to accomplish the calling he places upon us, as individuals and as communities of believers.

God’s greatest desire is to restore us to a right relationship with him. That is the “good purpose” he is acting to fulfill. God is action accomplishes what we cannot on our own. And he will continue to do so.

Question: What does it look like to “work out your salvation” in your own life and church community?Is that reflected on more of an individual level or a community level? You can leave a comment by clicking here.