This passage is part of a larger section in which the Apostle Paul is exhorting the Philippians to live out their faith in practical ways. He begins by reminding them of the example of Christ, who humbled himself and obediently went to the cross, and then encourages them to follow that example by living in humility and obedience to God.
The first part of the passage, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," is a call to action. Paul is urging the Philippians to take their faith seriously and to work diligently to live it out in their everyday lives. This is not a call to earn their salvation through works, as salvation is a free gift of grace from God that cannot be earned by human effort. Rather, it is a call to respond to that gift with a life of faith and obedience, characterized by a healthy fear and respect for God.
The second part of the passage, "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose," is a reminder that it is not just the Philippians who are working to live out their faith. God is also at work in them, empowering them to live a life that is pleasing to him and fulfilling his good purposes. This is an important reminder that the Christian life is not a solitary endeavor, but rather a partnership between the believer and God, with God providing the strength and guidance needed to live a life that is pleasing to him.
Overall, Philippians 2:12-13 is a powerful reminder that the Christian life is a journey that requires effort, obedience, and trust in God. We are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, living our lives in humility and obedience to God. And we can do so with confidence, knowing that God is at work in us, providing us with the strength and guidance we need to fulfill his good purposes. This passage challenges us to take our faith seriously, to put it into action in our everyday lives, and to trust in God's ongoing work in us as we strive to live a life that is pleasing to him.
Philippians 2:12-13. 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.