Mark Vestal Supporter Proud of nothing of myself. Freed by Christ who did it all!

This chapter is about a believers service with their salvation. A believer must "work" the salvation from within themselves "out" towards unbelievers with "fear and trembling" for the eternal fate of the unbeliever. It is a believers responsibility, as Paul states in verse 15, to "shine as lights in the world" to those who remain in darkness. This is why believers must "put on the whole armour of God" with their ambassadorship as Christ's "ministers of reconciliation" (2 Cor 5:18). The battle to "present the gospel of peace" (the Truth) is a direct confrontation to the enemy (2 Cor 4:4) that controls the trap of the dark lie in "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4).

Eph 6:10-14
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

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Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

A proper relationship with God begins with an appreciation of the reverential awe and respect that are due to a Being of His omnipotent power and omniscient nature. (As Proverbs 9:10 expresses it, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.")

It is that same perspective that should make us both aware of how short we fall of God's holiness because of our sin, and also thankful and eager to embrace the means that God has graciously and mercifully provided for escaping the eternal adverse consequences of unforgiven sin through faith in Christ's vicarious atonement for that sin.

(Although, as a Protestant, I do not wholly embrace the Roman Catholic perspective expressed in James Joyce's somewhat autobiographical novel A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (which I read in high school), I still remember the graphic nature of the sermons on hell contained in it, and the desire they inspired in me to take full advantage of the salvation that God has made possible, in order to avoid eternal separation from Him.)

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Donna Williams Supporter

To work out our salvation with "fear and trembling" means to live out our lives in faith, humility, and a reverence for the authority and power in obedience to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

We are to live a life that pleases Him and not ourselves. 

Paul is telling the Philippian believers that it is God through the power of the Holy Spirit who is giving them the desire and the willingness to do what pleases Him. 

All glory goes to God!

The word "work" is not based on self effort. We can never do anything to earn the salvation that comes by faith of the Son of God. But it is a way of life!

We are to walk in the fear (reverential awe) and the admonition of the Lord!

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