by Sarah Andrews
In youth ministry, our middle schoolers are currently being equipped with “Fighter verses” that will help them to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). We recently discussed Philippians 2:12-13: “Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of his good pleasure.”
What does it mean to work out our salvation; does it mean we work for our salvation? It is a tremendous blessing that we, as Christians are not striving to enter the gates of heaven based on our own merit. If our salvation was dependent on our performance, we would be unable to meet God’s perfect standard and would be fully deserving of His wrath. God showed us mercy and He died for our sins so that we would not have to pay the price. If we put our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and ask Him to forgive our sins, we will be fully forgiven and cleansed of all unrighteousness.
“Working out our salvation” means that out of our new identities as children of God, we live changed lives and are being made into the image of Christ. We are still imperfect people living in an imperfect world, and we battle sin and Satan who tempts us. We desire to obey God and live in a way that pleases and worships Him, although the Christian walk will have trials and suffering (1 Peter 1:6, 1 John 16:33, Romans 8:18).
The Holy Spirit helps us fight our fleshly desires and live righteous lives, and we have God’s word for spiritual armor and wisdom. As we abide in God and trust in His grace, He helps bear fruit in our lives. Ultimately the gospel gives us strength to continue, because we know that Christ has paid the price for our sins, and He has the final victory over Satan and sin.
I pray that all the youth at Lighthouse Bible Church may put their faith in Jesus, and as they grow older and face trials, God can give them wisdom and knowledge of His power, faithfulness and abundant grace. I am excited to see how He will work in their lives to shape them to be more like Christ.
Through trials, I have learned that God is gracious and wise, and His word is “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105) when I am discouraged and need direction. Whether we are working at a job, caring for our families, or serving elsewhere, God calls us to love and forgive people just as Christ has loved and forgiven us, and to share the hope of the gospel.
God can test our faith in situations when people are difficult to love, or if they even hurt or mistreat us. God’s commands are possible when we find our hope in the gospel. We once hated and rejected God, but He forgave us of all our sins; therefore, the Holy Spirit allows us to love, forgive and pray for people. God’s word says,
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21)
In addition, God calls us to share the hope of Christ with people who do not know Him. Through our preaching of the gospel and living transformed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, God can use us as instruments of His plan. It is God who changes hardened hearts and brings people to repentance. (John 6:44). We are sinners who were once no different from nonbelievers, and God desires for us to show compassion, be patient, and share the hope we have “with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander [us] will be put to shame by [our] good behavior in Christ.” (Romans 6:15-23). Ephesians 5:1-2 states as well, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Trials indeed make our faith stronger. We daily sin and fail, but we can confess our shortcomings to God and find forgiveness at the cross. Hebrews 4:16 says, “let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” We do not work to earn or keep God’s favor; rather, we work out our salvation to please and worship our Savior.
Even when we forget or have trouble trusting His promises, He still loves us. Let us “fight the good fight of faith!”