Work Because God is at Work
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Sermon Summary
By the grace of God, we are who we are, and His grace is not in vain. This sermon explores the profound truth of working out our salvation with fear and trembling, as Paul instructs in Philippians 2:12-13. This passage is a reminder that while we are called to actively engage in our spiritual growth, it is ultimately God who works in us to will and to act according to His good pleasure. The fear of the Lord, as described in Proverbs, is not merely trembling before God but involves knowing, obeying, trusting, and delighting in Him. It is about understanding our relationship with God, who is both the moral ruler of the universe and our loving Father.
The relationship between works and salvation is crucial. Our works do not earn salvation; rather, they are the fruit of the salvation we have received by grace through faith. We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. This means that our efforts in the Christian life are empowered by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We are called to work out our salvation individually and corporately, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
The process of sanctification is both a journey and a partnership. God is always at work, transforming us into the image of Christ, but we must also do our part. This involves engaging in spiritual disciplines, which position us to receive God's grace and allow Him to work in and through us. As we work out our salvation, we trust not in our efforts but in God's power at work within us.
Key Takeaways:
The fear of the Lord is a multifaceted concept that involves knowing, obeying, trusting, and delighting in God. It is about understanding who God is and our relationship with Him, which leads us to work out our salvation with reverence and awe.
Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, not a reward for good works. Our works are the result of salvation, not the cause. This understanding brings peace and assurance, knowing that our relationship with God is secure.
We work for God because He is at work in us and through us. Our efforts in the Christian life are motivated by the conviction that God is actively transforming us and empowering our actions for His good pleasure.
Spiritual disciplines are essential for positioning ourselves to receive God's grace. They are not ends in themselves but means through which God works in our lives, transforming us and enabling us to grow in Christlikeness.
Sanctification is a process and a partnership. While God is always faithful to do His part, we must also engage in the work of spiritual growth, trusting that God is at work within us to will and to act according to His purpose.