~ Good Morning!

Today, our Bible verse, and devotion, is from Philippians 2:12.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” (ESV‬)

✝️ Philippians 2:12: “as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence,”

• Paul is saying here; You always obeyed while I was with you, now it’s even more important that you obey the Lord, and His Word, while I’m away.

• Obedience is the evidence of faith in God.

• Paul encourages each of us to continue to obey the Lord, which means to adopt the attitude of Christ in our relationships with one another.

✝️ Philippians 2:12b: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”

• To “work out” emphasizes that obedience is intentional and purposeful.

• To “work out your own salvation” doesn’t mean to reason it out, but literally means to work it out. Once we receive salvation, we must “work it out” by putting It into practice. We do this by obeying Jesus, by living for Jesus, by serving Jesus and by sharing Jesus with others.

• To “work out your own salvation” means to do all that we can do, in serving the Lord, and to persevere faithfully, with Him, until the very end of our lives.

✝️ Philippians 2:12c: “with fear and trembling.”

• To “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” refers to having complete reverence and awe before God.

• Matthew Henry said, “fear and trembling, (means) with great care and circumspection: Trembling for fear lest you miscarry and come short. Be careful to do, every thing in religion, in the best manner, and fear, lest under all your advantages you should so much as seem to come short. Fear is a great guard and preservative from evil.”

Obey, serve and share the Lord Jesus. Work hard at it, persevering until you leave this world for Heaven.

I pray many blessings on you all!

— Pastor Gene
FamilyChurchAG.com