Philippians 2:12–18
Our salvation is not only a personal experience; it must be seen in our daily conduct, our unity and our joyful service. In today’s passage there is a serious command for believers to depend on God’s power and to shine as the light of Christ before the world. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” does not mean earning salvation by works. It means displaying in every area of life the salvation we have received freely. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” God Himself gives us the power both “to will and to work.” Our effort is the result of God’s grace, not its cause.
Paul especially urges us to work “without grumbling or arguing.” When believers serve with joy and without grumbling, they shine like stars in the sky “in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.” Our good and contented conduct leads people towards Christ. To shine like stars in this way is not merely to do good work; it is also to hold fast to “the word of life,” that is, the gospel, to tell others about it, and to display it in our own lives.
Paul pictures his life as “a drink offering poured out upon the sacrifice of your faith.” According to the law (Exodus 29:40–41 and Numbers 15:1–10), when a lamb or another animal was offered as a burnt offering, a drink offering of wine was poured out along with it. The main sacrifice was the animal, but the wine was poured around it or over it. When this wine fell into the fire on the altar it turned to vapour and rose up, and it was received as a “pleasing aroma” of an offering made by fire to the LORD. This was the final stage of the sacrifice. It showed that the offering was complete and had been given over to God entirely. With this beautiful picture Paul points to his own possible death. It was clear in his heart that if his death would make the service of the believers more complete and more fragrant, he was ready for it. He saw his death not as a sad ending, but as a fragrant offering poured out in the service of the church.
Do you grumble even about small things? Grumbling makes our light dim. Instead of complaining today, try to give thanks all day long. When you give thanks even in hard circumstances, you become a shining star for the world. People will see in you the difference and the peace of Christ. Stop and think: what is the difference between Paul’s view of life and death and your own?
Prayer: Lord, save me from a grumbling nature. Use my life as Your light. May I always rejoice in You. Amen.