Fear and Trembling

Phil. 2:12

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but much more in my absence, 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.

 

Paul urged the Philippians to go forward in the way that they had grown in the past. Resting on past growth and blessing was not an option. In fact, their growth would be evidenced in their attitude toward growth, an attitude of commitment coupled with fear and trembling.  Just the fact that God Almighty would be working in them for His will and good pleasure should make them them aware of the justice of God as well as His great grace. With that in mind, Paul called for fear and trembling, a constant realization of the might and power of God seen in grace but also in justice. Believers should never take these truths lightly! Paul knew beyond any doubt that grace made him who he was, but he also realized the importance of working hard and seriously.  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Can I describe my obedience in a way similar as this? Am I abusing this great grace by not working hard?

 

Paul went on to say, Do all things without grumbling and questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God, without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life... The believer's growth must be free of grumbling and questioning. Even though these things seem to be small things, things seen constantly in life, God says no. No grumbling or questioning! It is sin! Since the world and its system often operate with this attitude of discontentment coupled with grumbling and questioning, the absence of these attitudes in my life should allow me to hold forth the Word of Life with unquestioning sincerity. Certainly, God wants me to hold forth the word in the world, but always without becoming crooked and twisted myself. If I buy into grumbling and questioning about what I have, who my boss is, who my co-workers are, and what I want out of life, then I have become like the world wanting more and more without ever being satisfied. If I am a Christian living in the world and yet rarely share the Word or the gospel am I working as hard as I can with fear and trembling? Am I merely resting on grace and not allowing it to energize my obedience? 

 

Father,

Convict me every time I grumble or question. Give me a heart of repentance and obedience. Energize and control my walk, talk, thoughts, and attitudes so that I can boldly hold forth the Word.

In Jesus name,
Amen