Devotion: Philippians 2:12

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…

Today’s devotion is one that has been argued over by different denominations, so we’ll try to approach it without causing confusion. Pray about today’s passage and follow the interpretation of your church and understand that this devotion is based upon the teachings I have received from my own denomination. The main focus of today’s verse is the portion on obedience, not on working out your salvation, though we will still touch on it before the end.

This verse encourages a life of humility, unity, and service, following the example Christ has set for us. The Philippians were being obedient to the Word, following it with joy and reverence for God. They are a great example of how we should be living, always obeying, always following God. I love that Paul says they have always obeyed, whether in his presence or not.

So many people today are Sunday Christians, only living a Godly life on that day of the week rather than all the time. But being a Christian is not a Sunday-only thing, but an everyday, all the time, always lifestyle. Our obedience to His Word should be the focus of how we live every day, regardless of whose presence we might be in.

As for the portion that is often argued, I was raised to believe that working out our salvation does not refer to actually receiving salvation because we are saved already and no one and nothing can snatch us from His hand (John 10:28). Instead it means cultivating, demonstrating, and bringing to full effect the salvation that God has already worked in. We actively choose to walk in His presence, to obey His Word, and to live a life that is different and set apart from that of the world.

Today let’s focus on living a Godly lifestyle, one that is humble and obedient, living out our faith for the world to see and sharing the love of Christ with a lost and hurting world.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be humble and obedient in my life and submit to You fully. Let me work out my salvation today and every day, focusing on You alone. Amen 

You might also like this:

Devotion: Psalm 141:2 Devotion: Psalm 16:9 Devotion: John 6:48