God at Work in You
Paul pairs a command and a promise so tightly that neither makes sense without the other.
Philippians 2:12-13NIV
Philippians 2:12-13. Paul urges the Philippians to continue to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in them to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Read the two verses together or you will misread both. Work out your salvation sounds like a burden. It is God who works in you sounds like an excuse to relax. Held side by side they describe something else: an effort you make because God is already making it in you. You will and you act, and underneath your willing and acting is his.
The phrase is work out, not work for. Salvation is not being earned here. It is being unfolded, the way a gift is unpacked or a field already planted is tended. On a Monday, when the week's work lies ahead and your energy is uncertain, this is the right verse. Get to it. The willing you will need has been supplied.
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