Post #53(a) - Scripture Focus: Philippians 2:12

This post is the continuation of the scripture that I posted last Tuesday and the one that I chickened out on posting the other day. 

This is one of my favorite scriptures: Philippians 2:12 - "...work out your own soul salvation with fear and trembling..."

The first thing to do when studying scripture is to put it into context. We have to study what was being said directly before and, in some cases, directly after the chosen scripture. 

The scripture in its entirety reads: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

But we can't stop there. 

We have to examine the previous verses to determine what led Paul into the discussion with the Philippians and why he was telling them to work out their soul salvations.

In Philippians chapter 1, Paul told the believers in Philippi how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. He encouraged them to live pure and blameless lives. Lives "worthy of the Good News about Christ. "

Paul went on in chapter 2 to encourage love and unity amongst the believers, telling them to think of others before and above themselves. 

He instructed the Philippians (and thus us) to have the same attitude as Christ:

6 Though he was God,

    he did not think of equality with God

    as something to cling to.

7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

    he took the humble position of a slave

    and was born as a human being.

   When he appeared in human form,

8 he humbled himself in obedience to God

    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the

    place of highest honor and gave him

    the name above all other names,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee

    should bow, in heaven and on earth

    and under the earth,

11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ 

    is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

It is here, after reminding us of Jesus' sacrifice and humility, that Paul urges us all to do the same. 

He urges us to honor God for saving our souls with the deepest fear and highest reverence. 

We can do this by being obedient to what Paul tells us and the Philippians - to love and serve one another, practice humility, and put God first in all things. 

We must take responsibility for ourselves and do what's right. Honor God for all He has done - loving us and sacrificing His Son to save us. And worship Him with the upmost excellence.

RadicallyChristian.com gives a great synopsis of this scripture, as well. Read their synopsis here. 

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I plan to make this Scripture Focus a weekly post, highlighting my favorite scriptures and studying them for understanding and growth. Please feel free to recommend scriptures that you would like to study and gain a better understanding of.