The Scripture makes it very clear that as we focus on purity we experience power from above. Paul stressed this in his final letter to his understudy Timothy. “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter [i.e., “iniquity”], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2Ti 2:21). How? The process is simple: God the Father works through the Son. The Son works through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through the Word. The Word works through the believer. The believer works through living faith.
Gene Cunningham - May 22, 2003
The Out-working of our Salvation
In Gen 22:1-19 Abraham tested in the sacrifice of his son, Isaac. "The Lord will provide" was Abrahams attitude/ confidence during the test (Heb 11:17, Rom 4:17-18). Greek "provideo" -- provision or working on our behalf (as a partnership) ahead of time (Gen 15:20). Outline of Philippians: Chapter 1 -- Christ our Life (Phi 1:2, Phi 1:6-8); Chapter 2 -- Christ our Light (Phi 2:12-13); Chapter 3 -- Christ as our choice and hope (Phi 3:7); Chapter 3 -- Christ our Strength (Phi 4:13). "Work out your salvation" -- "salvation" is "deliverance"; we must do our part. To "work out" means to obey -- to hear then act on it (Phi 2:12-13) -- what is being "worked out" is the providence of God. "Fear and trembling" - because we can loose eternal reward. What we "work out" God is "working in" (Rom 8:28). He will prompt, warn, convict - we have to have the ears to hear -- this is an active partnership in the providence of God (Rom 8:28). (1) We have to believe in the providence of God -- nothing else makes sense. Paul is confidence of this in the life of the Philippians (Phi 1:6-7, Eph 1:9, Eph 1:11). Paul thought it true in his own life -- the gospel was proliferating while he was in prison (Phi 1:12). (2) I have to let my citizenship in heaven impact my conduct (Phi 1:27) -- to live in light of where you belong (Phi 3:20). (3) Lay hold of the mind of Christ (Phi 2:5). He did not cling to His advantage as God -- He believed in the providence of the Father. "Let this mind be in you" requires our permission to obey (e.g. Col 3:15-16). (4) Choice to make -- count worldly things loss that we may gain Christ (Phi 3:7-8). To be resurrected from deadness of self-will, self-determination to the fulness of life in Christ (Phi 3:10). (5) We have to be willing to go to school (Phi 4:11-13). Paul says, "I've learned", then "I know how", then "I can do". Paul is strengthened within having worked out his own deliverance. Philippians were suffering, yet Paul was as well (Phi 1:30). Promise true for every believer - we have to cooperate (Phi 4:19).
Scripture References: Philippians 2:12-13, Philippians 1:12, Romans 4:17-18, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 4:13, Ephesians 1:11, Hebrews 11:17, Philippians 3:7-8, Philippians 3:7, Ephesians 1:9, Genesis 22:1-19, Colossians 3:15-16, Philippians 2:12-13, Philippians 1:6-7, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 1:6-8, Philippians 4:19, Romans 8:28, Philippians 3:20, Philippians 1:2, Philippians 1:30, Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:27, Genesis 15:20, Philippians 4:11-13
From Series: "Philippians - The Out-Working of our Salvation - 2008"
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