Exegesis of Philippians 2:12-18
I chose this passage because it was one that I struggled with early on in my faith. In my way of thinking, the words work and salvation were never meant to be put in the same sentence. So, some of Paul's passages, as well as part of the Book of James, became untouchables for me. I had to develop twisted explanations for the way they were worded. Now, a few years later, I want to return to these passages with a better understanding of salvation and work. It is obvious from this passage alone that Paul had been involved with this church before his imprisonment. The book was written in responce to gifts and assistance sent to him by the Philippian church. His uses the opportunity to touch on several topics; and so a few key themes develop which include perserverance, desiring to with and like Christ, and the preaching of the gospel. All of these themes are manifested in this short passage. Purpose Statement: To encourage the Philippians to practice and continue the work of their salvation; to tell them why they should do so; and show them what these actions look like. A.) Work out your salvation (v12 & 13) 1.) The Philippian church had been and needed
The other emphasis might be on the corporate salvation relating to the Philippian church as a whole. Paul was asking them not to argue and complain because we should strive for unity in the body of Christ. Henry instead focuses on the passage meaning that we should not argue with or despute God's commands. This is what leads us to be pure and blameless. B.) Their actions and the results (v14-18) This verse clarifies the use of fear in verse 12. We should work out our salvation with fear and trembling, why? Because it is God who works in us. This is also one of those places in scripture where the line is blurred between our actions and the actions of God in us. Matthew Henry portays this as an encouragement to the Philippians, God working in us lets us know that our work is not in vain. Wesley looked at this verse from a different view, believing instead that Paul was encouraging the Philippians to "secure the salvation which Christ had purchased." This view helps to better incorporate both views, though I would have worded it differently. I would have emphasised the importance of continuing in the salvation we have already recived so that we can be saved on the Day of Christ, rather than the idea of securing that salvation.
Some topics in this essay:
Commentary Verse,
Christ Henry,
Philippians God,
Purpose Statement,
Book James,
Christ Verse,
Day Christ,
Gospel Paul,
,
Gospel It's,
philippian church,
argue complain,
paul encouraging philippians,
mean saved,
salvation v12,
word salvation,
act god,
day christ,
paul encouraging,
continue salvation,
salvation paul,
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Approximate Word count = 1225
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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