until first of all Cod, by His match less grace, has worked it in." As we respond to the work of the Holy Spirit within we begin to see that salvation must now express itself in our outward actions. There is a clear parallel between Philippians 2:12-15 and Deuteron omy 32:4, 5. Some of the same words appear in both passages. Doubtless the Apostle was thinking of Deuteronomy when he penned the epistle. The context of the Old Testament passage shows the peo ple of Israel having been delivered from Egypt by the hand of Cod. They were brought out in spite of the fact that there was nothing to commend them to the Lord. They were not mighty, wise or even more numerous than other peo ple. Since God loved them, this was the entire reason for their de liverance. How tragic to hear them complain, some even wanting to go back into slavery. Some of them would murmur and complain against the Lord. As a result of their unbelief they wandered in the w il derness for 40 years. Now they were again standing at the River Jordan about to go into the land which was holy. Moses knew that he would not be allowed to enter. Before he went unto the mountain for God's burial, he gave a special speech to the people. He reminded them of their past salvation and future obligations. They were to possess the land and to live there as God's obedient children. In Philippians 2:12, 13, we find that Paul, like Moses, was about to be taken out of this world himself. This would be his last charge to the beloved friends at Philippi. The people of Israel would have stayed in their sins had not God called Page 41
trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." This is a remarkable attestation con cerning the salvation we have in Christ. Certainly to be spiritual does not mean withdrawing from the world. We realize full well the importance of spending time alone with Cod through Bible reading and prayer. Yet there must always be the practical application of the principals taught us in the Word. Truth must always lead to action. There is no value of a mountaintop experience unless it helps us to live more consistently down in the valley every day. Have you ever noticed that Paul uses the word "wherefore" twice in this section? The first is in verse nine, while the second is in the 12th verse. It literally means, "be cause of this." Because of the su preme humility and obedience of our Saviour, the Christian is to work out his own salvation. Doc trine always leads to practical liv ing. This verse does not teach nor support the idea of a self-help or a self-made salvation. Eternal life can never be earned. It is always and ever the gift of God. The fact is that because we are already saved, and have been born again, we are to strive to express this salvation. The way we do it is to work it out from within so that it is expressed in our everyday conduct. Notice how carefully the Holy Spirit chooses the preposi tion. The verse does not say work "for" your salvation, or work "to ward" your salvation, or work "at" your salvation. We are to work it "out." As one commentator ob served, "No one can work it out,
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