What I Learned Teaching Sunday School: Philippians 2:12-13 – How do I become more like Jesus Christ?

Our church has a brand new youth minister: Adam Ashoff, who preached a terrific sermon this week on two little verses:

Philippians 2:12-13 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

These two verses give us the perfect summary of the Christian life. Our goal in life is to become more like Christ and they show us how to do that.

While we know we aren’t saved through works, once saved we do have something to do with our sanctification. We are to put our greatest effort into Christian life. We are to work out what God works in.

We are to obey God just like Jesus always did.

Verse 12 looks back to Philippians 1:3-5 to see how they have obeyed. They took partnership in the gospel. 1 John 2:3 tells us we know Him if we keep His commandments. (Whether anyone is watching or not.)

This obedience should be done joyfully. And it’s a 24/7 lifestyle.

And then we work it out with fear and trembling. Realize it is God who is at work in us! God began the good work. To make us more like Jesus, He works on our will and then our interests and affections begin to change and our work changes. God changes our desires to fit His desires.

And His glory is seen in our lives. Our work points to Him.