Work Out your own

as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. ESV

Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved,

Work Out your own

I. Salvation, our Spiritual birth is a one time event. It is initiated by God and will

be finalized by God.

(Monergistic)

The most damnable and pernicious heresy that has ever plagued the mind of man was

the idea that somehow he could make himself good enough to

deserve to live with an All Holy God.

Martin Luther

II. After conversion, the Sanctification Process

involves both God and the believer in a life long journey

(Synergistic)

Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

III. The role of a Christian regarding the sanctification

process is laced with extremism, resulting in two opposing views. Both views

contain some truth.

Quietism

relies on a misuse of faith alone and therefore,

emphasizes God's role while eliminating the believer's role.

2 Corinthians 3:18

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Romans 12:2

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Problems with Quietism

God could be blamed for my sin?

Determinism or Fatalism

Pietism

the opposite of Quietism, emphasizes the believer's role

while eliminating God's involvement.

Galatians 6:9-10

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1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

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Problems with Pietism

Self effort, which leads to legalism, self-righteousness, pride, and a judgmental and

hypocritical attitude.

The flesh and not the Spirit.

Spiritual discipline and not a loving relationship with God.

IV. Work out your own salvation

Contradiction – a combination of statements, ideas, or features of a situation that are opposed to one another.

OSX Dictionary

Paradox – a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

OSX Dictionary

Romans 13:13-14

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Romans 6:11-13

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Colossians 1:29

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V. Work out your own salvation with fear and

trembling

Fear – reverence, a worshipping respect of God.

Proverbs 9:10

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Trembling – quaking with fear because you distrust your ability to meet God’s Holy Standard.

Isaiah 66:2

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Spiritual transformation calls for neither the apathy of quietism or the activism of pietism but loving obedience enabled by abiding in Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:12

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Exodus 14:13-16

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VI. Meditation & Application

Acts 9:31

Work Out your own

There is a harmony, a dance to working out your salvation, Jesus leads and you follow.

Who is leading the dance of your salvation?