Work it out

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”

Our Bible verse for today: “Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Work it out”

I once knew a man who, as a young man, had a near-death experience in an airplane. He was on a commercial jetliner that had a mid-air mechanical malfunction and which began falling out of the sky. It was crashing and the passengers all knew they were going to die. Fortunately, the pilot was able to get the plane under control. It did not crash and the young man went on to live a long and productive life. In fact, because of his near-death experience he resolved to treasure every day and to make the most of his life. He went on to be the founder and leader of a Christian mission agency and of a Christian publishing company. He made sure his life made a meaningful difference for the cause of Christ. He was “working out his salvation,” as Paul wrote about in Philippians 2:12.

Please note that Paul did not say we are to work “for” our salvation, but that we are to work “out” our salvation. You cannot work for your salvation. It comes to you by the grace of God and as a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Working out your salvation is something Paul has already been teaching us in the first few passages of this letter. In Philippians 1:27 he wrote “As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Working out your salvation involves daily activities that you intentionally engage in and disciplines you practice which help you live like you really are saved. Working out your salvation is the practical application of salvation. It is the result of salvation. Working out your salvation consists of the things you do because you are saved, and since Paul included this lesson as a major theme in his letter of joy, he must mean that this working out of your salvation will be a source of joy for you and for others.

When you work out your salvation you are putting feet to your faith and you are being like Jesus. Your life should be different and better because of the salvation you received as a gift of grace. You cannot work for your salvation, but you should be working out your salvation.

I encourage you to be intentional today about working out your salvation. Your salvation should make an observable difference in how you live.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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