Working Out Salvation: Grace, Fear, and Transformation
Summary
By the grace of God, we are who we are, and His grace is not in vain. This morning, we explore the profound truth of working out our salvation with fear and trembling, as Paul instructs in Philippians 2:12-13. This passage is a reminder that while we are called to actively engage in our spiritual growth, it is ultimately God who works in us to will and to act according to His good pleasure. The fear of the Lord, as described in Proverbs, is not merely trembling before God but involves knowing, obeying, trusting, and delighting in Him. It is about understanding our relationship with God, who is both the moral ruler of the universe and our loving Father.
The relationship between works and salvation is crucial. Our works do not earn salvation; rather, they are the fruit of the salvation we have received by grace through faith. We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do. This means that our efforts in the Christian life are empowered by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We are called to work out our salvation individually and corporately, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
The process of sanctification is both a journey and a partnership. God is always at work, transforming us into the image of Christ, but we must also do our part. This involves engaging in spiritual disciplines, which position us to receive God's grace and allow Him to work in and through us. As we work out our salvation, we trust not in our efforts but in God's power at work within us.
Key Takeaways:
- The fear of the Lord is a multifaceted concept that involves knowing, obeying, trusting, and delighting in God. It is about understanding who God is and our relationship with Him, which leads us to work out our salvation with reverence and awe. [08:57]
- Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, not a reward for good works. Our works are the result of salvation, not the cause. This understanding brings peace and assurance, knowing that our relationship with God is secure. [25:30]
- We work for God because He is at work in us and through us. Our efforts in the Christian life are motivated by the conviction that God is actively transforming us and empowering our actions for His good pleasure. [27:34]
- Spiritual disciplines are essential for positioning ourselves to receive God's grace. They are not ends in themselves but means through which God works in our lives, transforming us and enabling us to grow in Christlikeness. [32:00]
- Sanctification is a process and a partnership. While God is always faithful to do His part, we must also engage in the work of spiritual growth, trusting that God is at work within us to will and to act according to His purpose. [36:46]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - Introduction and Prayer
[03:13] - Treasures of Gospel Grace
[04:05] - Philippians 2:12-13 Explained
[06:20] - Fear and Trembling
[08:12] - The Fear of the Lord in Proverbs
[10:03] - Trust and Obedience
[11:25] - Works and Salvation
[14:19] - God at Work in Us
[15:33] - Working Out Salvation in Community
[16:44] - Spiritual Gifts and Obedience
[19:53] - God Changes Our Desires
[22:00] - Pleasing the Lord
[25:30] - Assurance of Salvation
[30:56] - Spiritual Disciplines and Grace
[33:38] - Trusting God's Work
[36:46] - Sanctification as Process and Partnership
[39:11] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
[40:09] - Hymn: Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 2:12-13
- Proverbs 1:7
- Ephesians 2:8-10
---
Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he instructs believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12-13? How does this relate to the concept of God working in us? [04:05]
2. How does the sermon describe the "fear of the Lord" as presented in Proverbs? What are some of the aspects associated with this fear? [08:12]
3. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between works and salvation as explained in Ephesians 2:8-10? [11:25]
4. What role do spiritual disciplines play in our spiritual growth according to the sermon? [32:00]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding the "fear of the Lord" as knowing, obeying, trusting, and delighting in God change one's perspective on working out salvation? [08:57]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our works are a response to salvation rather than a means to earn it? How does this understanding affect one's assurance of salvation? [25:30]
3. How does the sermon explain the partnership between God and believers in the process of sanctification? What does this partnership look like in practical terms? [36:46]
4. What does it mean for God to be at work in us "both to will and to work for His good pleasure"? How does this influence our daily actions and decisions? [19:53]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of the "fear of the Lord." How can you incorporate knowing, obeying, trusting, and delighting in God into your daily life? [08:57]
2. Consider the relationship between works and salvation. How does this understanding bring peace and assurance to your faith journey? Are there areas where you still struggle with this concept? [25:30]
3. Identify a spiritual discipline you would like to focus on this week. How can this discipline help position you to receive God's grace and grow in Christlikeness? [32:00]
4. Think about a specific area in your life where you would like to see God work in and through you. What is one step you can take to work out your salvation in this area? [37:58]
5. How can you actively participate in the process of sanctification, knowing that it is both a journey and a partnership with God? What practical steps can you take to engage more fully in this process? [36:46]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt God changing your desires to align more with His will. How did this transformation impact your actions and decisions? [19:53]
7. Consider the role of community in working out your salvation. How can you strive side by side with others for the faith of the gospel? What steps can you take to foster unity and support within your church community? [15:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding the Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is a profound concept that encompasses knowing, obeying, trusting, and delighting in God. It is not about being afraid in a negative sense but involves a deep reverence and awe for who God is. This understanding shapes our relationship with Him, recognizing Him as both the moral ruler of the universe and our loving Father. As we work out our salvation with fear and trembling, we are called to engage in our spiritual growth with a heart that is fully aware of God's majesty and love. This reverence leads us to live lives that reflect His character and purposes. [08:57]
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life, and how might this change the way you approach your spiritual growth?
Day 2: Salvation as a Gift, Not a Reward
Salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, not something earned by our works. This truth brings peace and assurance, knowing that our relationship with God is secure because of His grace, not our efforts. Our works are the fruit of the salvation we have received, not the cause. This understanding frees us from striving for acceptance and allows us to live in the joy and security of being God's children. As we embrace this truth, we are empowered to live out our faith with confidence and gratitude. [25:30]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding salvation as a gift change your perspective on your relationship with God and your daily actions?
Day 3: God at Work in Us
We work for God because He is at work in us and through us. Our efforts in the Christian life are motivated by the conviction that God is actively transforming us and empowering our actions for His good pleasure. This partnership with God means that while we engage in spiritual disciplines and strive for holiness, it is ultimately His power that enables us to grow and bear fruit. Trusting in God's work within us brings hope and assurance that we are not alone in our journey of faith. [27:34]
"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can see God at work, and how can you cooperate with Him in this process?
Day 4: The Role of Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are essential for positioning ourselves to receive God's grace. They are not ends in themselves but means through which God works in our lives, transforming us and enabling us to grow in Christlikeness. Engaging in practices such as prayer, Bible study, and worship opens our hearts to God's presence and power. As we commit to these disciplines, we create space for God to shape our character and align our desires with His will. [32:00]
"Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: What spiritual discipline can you commit to this week to deepen your relationship with God, and how will you incorporate it into your daily routine?
Day 5: Sanctification as a Process and Partnership
Sanctification is both a process and a partnership. While God is always faithful to do His part, we must also engage in the work of spiritual growth, trusting that God is at work within us to will and to act according to His purpose. This journey involves a continual surrender to God's transforming power and a commitment to live out our faith in practical ways. As we partner with God in this process, we are gradually transformed into the image of Christ, reflecting His love and grace to the world. [36:46]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you sense God calling you to grow, and what steps can you take to partner with Him in this transformation?
Quotes
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now not only is in my presence, but much more in my presence. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. It is God who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. That's an incredible sentence." [00:03:50] (27 seconds)
"So, not to give you all of the references, but chapter 1 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Chapter 3, the fear of the Lord is connected to turning away from evil. Chapter 9, the fear of the Lord is connected with knowing who God is. With chapter 14, the fear of the Lord is connected with walking in uprightness." [00:07:45] (21 seconds)
"Fear of the Lord is also obeying His command and following His way. You see this all through Proverbs. What does it look like to fear the Lord? Do you obey Him? But beyond just simple obedience, it is delighting in His ways. The way that God moves, the way that God acts, His character brings delight to me, and I want to follow that way." [00:09:41] (22 seconds)
"God sent His Son who became flesh and bore our sins on the cross to be the atoning sacrifice so we can be reconciled with God. And saving faith is when you come to that place in your life where you admit that you're a sinner, you believe that Jesus is the way that you're reconciled through the cross, and you commit your life to Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life." [00:12:27] (22 seconds)
"But it is very interesting here this tension that we are to work because God is at work. And while this sounds strange, we see this all throughout Scripture. That's why I wanted us to begin with 1 Corinthians, 15. Paul says, I worked harder than any of them. He's talking about all the other apostles. He said, I worked harder than any of the other apostles, but it really wasn't me. It was God at work through me." [00:14:09] (30 seconds)
"We work out our salvation by putting to death what is part of our sin nature. Colossians 3 talks about put to death what is earthly within you. We work out our salvation by developing the mind of Christ, by learning the truth of Scripture, by learning to think like Christ, developing a biblical worldview. We work out our salvation by being obedient and obeying the commandments of Christ." [00:16:15] (29 seconds)
"Part of the beauty of the gospel is that God is at work transforming us so much that He changes our will so that we begin to desire the things that God desires. Aren't you glad that takes place? Instead of you spending all of your Christian life trying to force yourself to do something you don't really want to do, you're not going to be able to do it." [00:19:38] (23 seconds)
"Salvation is not a reward for good works. Now I think most of us if you grew up in the church if you've been attending church for a long time you take this for granted you take this for granted you take this for granted but let's just play the what if game what if salvation was a reward for good works what if the scriptures did not say by grace you have been saved through faith what if it says by works you've been saved can you imagine the reality that changes you would never have peace with god because you would never know whether or not you have done enough." [00:23:19] (42 seconds)
"We work for God because God works in us and through us. The whole reason that we put forth effort in our Christian life, whether we're talking about trying to put to death something that's in our sin nature that we're struggling with, whether we're trying to be obedient to a commandment that we're struggling to obey, whether we're struggling to love someone who's difficult to love, whether we're trying to figure out how to exercise our spiritual gift, whether we're responding to a specific prompting of the Spirit to go do that, the whole reason that we step out there and try to do that is because of the conviction that we have that God is at work." [00:27:39] (49 seconds)
"Spiritual disciplines by themselves do nothing. What spiritual disciplines do is they put ourselves in the pathway of God's grace so that God can do something. That's why we do them. That's why we regularly read Scripture, not because there's something magic about the ink on the page, but we are regularly reading Scripture because we want to put ourselves in the pathway of God's grace so God's grace can do something in our lives." [00:32:00] (24 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 20, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?