We all know that exercise is important in our daily lives, but we may not know why or what exercise can do for us. No, not that kind of working out!
“…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my beloved…WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:10-13)
I would like to focus on the “fear and trembling” portion first of all. Does it sound strange for Paul to tell us that this should be our posture? Doesn’t the scripture say that “God is love” Yes, but the Word is reminding us that our attitude should be; “…since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably WITH REVERENCE AND AWE, FOR OUR “GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE.“ (Heb. 12:28-29) When Korah and his followers sinned against God, the Lord said: “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I MAY CONSUME THEM IN A MOMENT.” (Num. 16:21)
So, in working out our own salvation we must keep in mind the importance of submitting to and loving God as we, in godly fear, respect Him.
REMEMBER, WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN AND JOINT–HEIRS WITH CHRIST…
-Bill Stockham