I’m sorry, but I must spend one more day on this “pet peeve” because of how misled we can be by prominent “Christian” authorities when the focus is not on Christ, but instead of pointing out other’s issues, problems, inconsistencies, doctrinal errors or whatever else is wrong the everybody but them. I want you to consider a passage that will not make sense initially, but when put in context will help us finalize the reasoning I have tried to pass on to you. Let’s consider Philippians 2:12. It goes like this: “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.” For many years I thought this had more to do with the day-to-day grunt work of being a worthy Christian (Philippians 1:27) and making sure we earned our eternal reward.
Then one day I discovered that the Greek word for salvation (sōtēria) used in this verse was also used in Chapter 1:19. However, there it is used for “deliverance” (NIV) from his imprisonment in Rome. That is not an eternal issue, physical deliverance from his chains. Nine verses later the same word pops up and is translated being “saved” by God through their unity from the people who are opposing them. Again, this is a physical deliverance, not an eternal one. After noticing this, you begin to wonder if Paul was thinking about a physical or temporary escape from the persecution of one or more groups of people who opposed their beliefs or lifestyle. With that in mind you, again, must consider the context.
In Chapter 1 verse 27 Paul encourages unity in their faith. In the next two verses, he states that the purpose of the unity is because they were under attack by outsiders. In the first four verses of the next chapter he states that the unity will only come from an attitude of selflessness and humility. Then Paul uses Christ as an example with what is referred to as the “kenosis theory” illustrating perfect humility by obeying His father. His obedience brought about His death, but also His resurrection. Once resurrected, He was exalted because of His obedience. In verses 12 – 13 Paul recalls their past obedience but adds that it must include “fear and trembling” exemplified by Christ’s humility and submission as He faced his crucifixion. The next four verses illustrate that eventually they will be found blameless through their faithfulness under fire.
Now, my closing thoughts and a pet peeve disappears. I think this verse is a challenge to all believers, not just concerning their eternal destiny. I think it alludes to the temporal challenges and opposition some believers face because of their denomination, Para-church participation or secular organizational membership. It is not our place to oppose other believers if we are to stand against the attacks of the world against our common faith. Humility toward our brothers and sisters in the faith is the only way we can maintain our unity. If we do not serve and encourage one another, we will have a difficult time standing before the world, especially today’s media. We should help each other when various groups experience spiritual persecution. Who knows they may see things more our way in the end. If not, at least we have upheld the necessary ingredients of salvation – a belief in Christ Jesus.
Love Dad