Daily Bible Reading “Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling” (Philippians 2:12-30)

Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 2:12-30. Paul tells the Philippians to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. What does Paul mean by this saying? He says that the Philippians had always obeyed God. He wanted them to continue to be obedient to God whether he was present with them or not.

Paul reminds them that it is God who works in them to do His good pleasure. He tells them to do everything without complaining and arguing. Paul wanted them to set an example so they might shine as lights in the world. He wanted them to be blameless and harmless, sons of God. God had done the work of salvation on the inside of them. Paul wanted their actions to match up with the work God had done in them.

Paul’s desire for them was that they stand on the Word of life so that he might not have labored in vain, and would be able to rejoice with them in the day of Christ. Paul says if he is offered for sacrifice and service of their faith, he will rejoice. Paul wanted the Philippians to rejoice with him.

Paul says he trusts the Lord to send Timothy to be with them so he can know how they are doing. Paul knew he would be comforted if Timothy was there with them. Paul knew Timothy would care for the Philippians. Paul and Timothy were like-minded.

Timothy had served alongside Paul in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul says he is hoping to send Timothy as soon as he knows what is happening with his situation. Paul tells them that he hopes he will be able to go see them as well.

Paul states he is going to send Epaphroditus his brother in Christ, as well. Ephaphroditus was a fellow laborer and fellow soldier in the army of God. Look at all the ways Paul describes Epaphroditus. He says Ephaphroditus was their messenger and he also ministered to Paul. As Christians, we can be all these things to each other that Paul described about Epaphroditus.

Paul tells them Epaphroditus had been very ill and almost died. God had mercy on him and spared his life. Paul asks them to receive him with gladness. Ephaphroditus missed the Philippians very much while he was visiting with Paul. He was anxious to return to check on the Philippians and to minister to them.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 2:12-30

12 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.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

 

Things to think about:

• Why did Paul want to send Timothy to the Philippians?

• Why was Paul sending Epaphroditus?

• In what ways have you worked out your salvation?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul tells the Philippians how they should conduct themselves. Help us to conduct ourselves in a manner that would bring glory and honor to You. We see that You provided other Christians to work along with Paul to further Your kingdom. Lead us to the people You would have us to work along with in our service to You. Thank You for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

– Philippians 2:12

 

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Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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