In Philippians 2:12-16, the Apostle Paul commands the brethren in Philippi to “work out your own salvation… in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” Yet, we should remember that we are “saved by grace through faith, not of works” (Eph. 2:8-9), but as those saved through faith without meritorious works on our part, we have been “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph. 2:10; Tit. 3:1-8). Therefore, how should those who are saved “not of works” go about “working out their own salvation?”
First, develop a Christ-like character. We do this by growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, as Peter encouraged as a preventative to falling away (2 Pet. 3:17-18). In 1 Peter 2:5-11, he defines what is involved: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Then, he states, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”However, to lack these qualities jeopardizes our entrance into the “everlasting kingdom of our Lord.” Therefore, the need for “diligence” on our part.
Second, develop a Christ-like service. We do this by fulfilling our function in the body of Christ, just as Paul encouraged the Christians in Rome (Rom. 12:1-8). In the context, we learn that we have a “reasonable service” to perform, which is to “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” To do this effectively, we need to maintain a proper spirit of humility and remember that the body of Christ has many members, even though they don’t all have the same function. Therefore, we need to exercise whatever “gifts” we have as good stewards of God’s manifold grace (1 Pet. 4:10-11), because we will one day answer for our works (Matt. 25:14-30). So, let’s exercise our service in such a way as to glorify God through Jesus Christ.
By developing a Christ-like character and service, we will not only save ourselves, but we will truly serve Christ because we are reflecting in our lives the glory of the Lord that shines in our own hearts (2 Cor. 4:5-6), and it will go a long way in “working out our own salvation.” Even though we are not saved by works of merit, are we being “careful to maintain good works?” (Tit 3:8).