Therefore is a transition word that means the writer has reached a conclusion and has a truth for us. Philippians 2:12-13 is one such passage. Paul had just finished describing Jesus, his role as Savior and Lord of Lords in verses 5-11 and reached a conclusion about Jesus’ effect on all our lives. “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, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Paul reminds the Philippian believers of their faithful obedience to Jesus, even when he was not there supervising them, and admonishes them to ‘work out their salvation with fear and trembling’.
Paul’s charge to ‘work out their salvation with fear and trembling’ would apply to us too. 
This phrase implies that we need to continue in faith regardless of the obstacles we face daily. We need to commit to growing in our faith, and strive to know more about God each day. We need to take that growth and then apply it to our faith with diligence and persistence. All this should be done without doubt or fear but because of our faith and reverence towards God. Scholars agree it does not mean any kind of ‘earning’ or working hard to create our salvation but rather living our faith in Jesus out in our daily lives. Paul refers to believers as new creations in Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” That new creation, a life filled with faith in Jesus, demands a new walk with Christ that causes us to live by His Word and be indwelt and transformed by His Holy Spirit. We did nothing to earn this transformation as it is God’s gift to us through faith but it needs to be cared for and nurtured as we grow in Him.
As Paul continues, I love what he says in verse 13. “ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Paul knows that God is the one working within us to mold and shape us. God is doing the work. Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” God needs our commitment to Him, then He is the one doing the work within us. We trust and commit then God does the follow through! Paul also knew that what God intends or wills happens. Job 42:2 ““I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Finally, Paul adds that the things God does in our lives are for His good pleasure. This will always be good for us as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God’s plans are always for His glory and our good!
Increased joy for me, how about you?
- I am filled with joy that my growth in character pleases God and equals joy in my life.
- I am filled with joy that God is at work within me with purpose and goodness.
- I am filled with joy knowing that God keeps His promises!
Have a blessed and joy filled day!
Linda
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
as I realize that Jesus in King now and forever!
1:27-30, Paul says we need to stand up for Christ and walk in a manner worthy of His calling. This is a life lived fearlessly for Christ knowing He alone is Savior, Redeemer, and Sovereign over all things.
Paul’s conclusion is that knowing and walking with Christ each day is a privilege entrusted to us by faith and with that comes suffering. Know it, accept it and then lean on Him. Remember you can take strength in and from fellow believers as you stand together in the cause of Christ. Here are a few verses that help with the concept of suffering and why it comes with the job of being a believer. (I have printed them at the bottom.) I pray they help you to put in perspective what a privilege we have to suffer with Christ and the bigger purpose He has for us in suffering. James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:14 and Acts 5:40-41.
Linda
Paul is torn between the desire to be with Jesus and the desire to be with believers working to spread the gospel and for Christ. Paul doesn’t know what the future holds for him but he rejoices in the assurance that God holds the future! (Sounds like today huh!) He knows that God’s plans can be trusted and are good for him. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the 
fellowship with other believers, the work of preaching, disciplining and proclaiming Christ is also good. He loves his fellow co-workers and loves seeing their joy in Christ and the glory they all bring to God.
May your joy be solidly rooted in Jesus as you walk in faith and trust in Almighty God.
assured. “
50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Or perhaps his own words given by the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:28 “ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Or Jeremiah’s words in Jeremiah 29:11-12 “
Let your joy be in our Sovereign God today. Trust in Him!
How has Covid-19 affected your witness? Are you more bold like Paul? Do you readily tell others about Jesus in emails, in Zoom meetings, on the phone, etc? Paul was amazed by what God could do with him during his isolation. What about you? How has God amazed you? Has He given you people to contact you haven’t seen in a long time, friends you did not seem to have time to connect with because of your busy schedule that you can take time now to reach out to?
Seeking to live with joy during this time-
“So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.
“9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
Joy is renewed and kindled as we work, pray, and serve together! Paul knew that- how about you? Mediate today on your friendships in the Lord and pray for them with a heart filled with love.
This passage reminds me to pray for my fellow believers as they serve in the cause of Christ. They are a blessing to me and those around them. Paul is thankful for these friends and fellow coworkers in Philippi. He gives thanks for their love for Jesus and diligence in spreading the good news of Christ. He is prompted to pray a prayer of thanksgiving for them, and it fills him with joy whenever he does. Paul states emphatically that he knows God will continue this good work in them, using them, keeping them and moving them forward because it is God’s work in them. God is doing the work! All God’s work is good and God will see all things to completion. God does not give up, change His mind or let us down in any way. James 1:17 promises, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”. 
JOY is a byproduct of thankfulness, prayer, salvation and God working within us. Thank you Lord that I can experience these even in the midst of a pandemic. God you are good. Here is a favorite verse of mine- Nahum 1:7 ‘
Let’s seek joy this summer together in Him!
Today’s verses are some of the most precious in the New Testament and I refer to them often in my writing and speaking. They tell of our wonderful inheritance of salvation through faith in Christ and inclusion in God’s family through the power of the Holy Spirit. His power within us is our guarantee of God’s hope and promises to come. Be encouraged as you read, Ephesians 1:13-14 “
Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead
Fearless Living 