Paul had already challenged his readers to endure persecution with patience (1:27-30), to be characterized with humility (2:1-4), to focus on the example of Jesus Christ (2:5-11), and now Paul urges his readers to be light in a dark world (2:12-18). Paul commends the church at Philippi for demonstrating obedience, even while he was away from them, and encourages them to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” What does Paul mean by working out their salvation? It is not possible for Paul to be advocating a salvation through works, but rather he is reminding them of their personal responsibility to continue in the process of sanctification, which is the progression of becoming more like Christ. Salvation is not complete until Jesus Christ returns for His children. Until then, believers should obey the word of God out of respect and reverence for who He is. Thank God we are not alone in following Him because He “works in you both to will and do for His good pleasure.” This is the perfect balance of human responsibility and divine power. God has given us the indwelling Holy Spirit and as we respond to God’s word, they both work together to produce good works (Ephesians 2:10). Paul then returns to the theme of persecution and reminds them not to question the plan of God during suffering (2:14) because through it He can make them to “become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.” Furthermore, enduring suffering and living an obedient life will enable them to “shine as lights in the world.” When a follower of Christ chooses to live differently from the world, those who are far from God can be brought near. While exemplifying a holy lifestyle, a Christian should also hold “fast the word of life” meaning that they should point others to salvation, which is only found in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins. Paul had invested so much time in the church at Philippi and he did not want them to quit because it would mean that all his work would be wasted (2:16-18). You and I have been given one life and we must choose to use it to point others to Jesus Christ. Sometimes it takes enduring persecution for our faith or encountering scorn for the way we live our life, but these obstacles should point the attention of others to our great God!
Dear God, life is hard sometimes, but I pray You would provide the strength for me to endure hardship so that I can point others to You and shine as a light in a dark world.
