Stop Sitting on the Sidelines

We've heard that phrase so much, it's almost cliche, isn't it? But sometimes it’s easier to not get involved, right? Been there, done that. Getting involved usually requires time, energy, and resources for what may not be an ideal result. That can make it so much easier to just sit and watch.

But sometimes it’s necessary to get active. You see it every day in your work life if you have a job. That project needs to get done, and you’re a member of the group that needs to accomplish the task. Time to get after it to meet the deadline.

How about in your personal life? If you have kids, you know firsthand what kind of effort you put into parenting every day. It’s investing in a worthwhile task.

Speaking of something worthwhile, how about putting a little effort into your salvation? No, you can’t get yourself into Heaven without Jesus, but the Bible does say you need to put some time and effort into it as well.

I’m sure that comes as a surprise because it did for me. I got to thinking about the topic the other day after reading Philippians 2:12, which says, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but now my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

That’s the Apostle Paul talking to the Church in Phillippi. The letter to the church was unusual because Paul didn’t write it due to a crisis, as he did with the Galatian and Colossian churches. The Philippian church was living out its faith, and Paul wanted to encourage them to continue that.

Let’s look at the verse itself. “Fear and trembling” are two words in modern English with significantly negative connotations, so let’s tackle them first. According to the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, they might mean something different than our modern definitions.

“Fear” in the original manuscripts means reverential awe. In Acts 9:31, Paul described the early church as “having peace and was being built up, walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” How often do you see peace, fear, and comfort in the same sentence? Clearly, it’s a different kind of fear than we are used to.

Where does “trembling” come in? The early versions of Scripture translate it as “under solemn responsibility, reverence, veneration, and awe.” It’s the kind of reverence and awe we are to have before God.

As an example, in 2nd Corinthians 7:15, Paul writes to the church in Corinth and says, “His (Titus) affection for you is even greater as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.” They weren’t so afraid of Titus that they were in fear for their lives. They were showing a healthy respect and reverence for Titus as a worker for God.

Here's the part where it’s time to stop sitting on the sidelines. That verse encourages the Philippian church members to “work out their own salvation.” Did you know you had a part to play? But how do we play that part?

Salvation is found in no one but Jesus.

Gotquestions.org says the way we work out our salvation in fear and trembling is twofold. First, the Greek verb rendered “work out” means “to continually work to bring something to completion or fruition.” We do this by actively (not sitting on the sidelines) pursuing obedience in the process of sanctification, which Paul explains further in the next chapter of Philippians. Remember when he described himself as pressing onward and straining for the goal of Christlikeness?

Bibleref.com says it this way. “This statement implies a need to live out, to practice, to demonstrate, and exhibit the salvation which believers have in Christ. The concept of ‘fear and trembling’ addresses worshipful respect for God.”

Gotquestions.org says the “trembling” is also a healthy fear of offending God through disobedience and an awe and respect for His holiness and majesty. Remember, every knee will bow in the presence of God. He’s due that respect and reverence. After all, if it weren’t for His grace, you know where we’d wind up, right?

Working out your salvation includes reading His Word. We need to get into the Word as Biblical illiteracy is at an all-time high. Why wouldn’t we read the Bible? It’s God’s love letter to human beings.

Praying. You build a relationship with other people by getting to know them through conversation. In that respect, God isn’t different. He’s a good Father who wants to hear from you. That’s called being in a relationship. As much as I want to hear from my kids, it’s a zillion times more so for Him.

Loving God and loving others in everything we do. It can be as simple as that. Is your love for God changing the way you think and act, especially around others? That’s a great sign that you aren’t sitting on the sidelines!

Gets a little lonely on the sidelines sometimes?