Philippians 2:12-18

The passage prior to this one discusses the perfect example that Christ has set and how we should desire to strive to follow it. So, when we read “therefore” in verse 12, we can think “because of the example Christ left for us, we can follow it by…”. Go ahead and plug it into that passage. We can follow by being obedient consistently out of our love for Him, and all the while “work out our salvation with fear and trembling”. This is one of the main phrases that stuck out to me in the passage. It is a popular one, of course. Preachers talk about it on Sundays, your leaders mention it at Bible studies, and here I am talking about it too. I wish I could have a picture of what it looks like to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, but I don’t and might not ever truly have one. As for now, this is what I think is an important part of working out our salvation: Verse 14 says to do everything without complaining. Being discontent with the portion God has given could come close to unbelief. Unbelief that He might be incapable of…well, you name it. When there is unbelief it is more difficult to please God (Heb 11:6) and it is more difficult to act in a way that pleases Him. Second, arguing debatable points can sometimes lead to more harm than “showing someone the truth”. Verse 15 says we are becoming blameless as we strive to avoid complaining and arguing. Beyond reproach is my favorite way of putting it. That means to be without shame, at all. Because of God we are able to be that way. I love it. This leads to shining in a dark place and in this we should rejoice along with Paul. So, our part is to work out. God’s part, which He will do and does always, is to work in.

--Kristi Smith, Assitant Summer Camp Director