We Work Out What God Works In: The Struggle with Fallen Nature

 Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians 

Lesson 5 - Sunday 

We Work Out What God Works In
Philippians 2:12–13

Philippians 2:12–13 stands as one of the clearest and most balanced statements in Scripture about the Christian life: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” At first glance, Paul’s words may sound as if he is placing salvation back into human hands. Yet when read carefully—and in harmony with the rest of Scripture—his meaning is not only reassuring but deeply practical.

“Work Out Your Own Salvation”

Paul does not say work for your salvation, but work out your salvation. The language assumes that salvation has already been given. The Philippians are believers—people who have already received the grace of God in Christ. To “work out” means to bring to full expression what is already present, much like exercising a muscle that has already been given strength.

The phrase “with fear and trembling” does not describe terror or uncertainty about God’s acceptance. Rather, it reflects a reverent seriousness—a humble awareness that the Christian life is lived in the presence of a holy God. Salvation is not a casual matter; it involves the transformation of the entire life.

Paul immediately guards against misunderstanding by adding verse 13: “For it is God who works in you.” Any effort on the believer’s part is always a response to God’s prior action. God supplies both the desire (“to will”) and the power (“to do”) according to His good pleasure. Human obedience is never independent; it is cooperative.

Faith and Works: Their True Relationship

The relationship between faith and works is not competition, but cause and effect. Faith is the root; works are the fruit. Faith receives salvation; works reveal it.

Romans 3:23–24 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and that we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Salvation begins with a universal problem—sin—and a divine solution—grace. Romans 5:8 deepens this truth by showing that salvation is entirely God’s initiative: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Nothing in us moved God to save us except His love.

Ephesians 2:8–10 brings these truths together beautifully. We are saved “by grace…through faith…not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Yet Paul immediately adds that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Works do not earn salvation, but they are the purpose of salvation. Grace does not eliminate obedience; it produces it.

Christ Working in You

This raises an important personal question: In what ways have you experienced Christ working in you?
Perhaps it has been a growing conviction of sin, a softened heart toward others, a new desire for prayer or Scripture, or strength to resist habits that once controlled you. Often God’s work is quiet and progressive rather than dramatic. Yet over time, the believer can look back and see evidence of transformation that could not have come from mere human effort.

God works in us not only by changing our actions, but by reshaping our desires. He trains the will, enlightens the mind, and renews the heart. What once felt unnatural—loving enemies, forgiving freely, trusting God in trials—slowly becomes the new direction of life.

The Struggle with Fallen Nature

Still, this inward work of God meets resistance. The fallen nature does not surrender easily. Scripture consistently teaches that even redeemed believers experience an inner conflict. Old habits, selfish impulses, pride, fear, and unbelief push back against what God is forming within us.

This resistance often shows itself in subtle ways: rationalizing sin, delaying obedience, relying on self rather than prayer, or growing spiritually passive. The flesh resists dependence on God because dependence feels like weakness.

How, then, can we resist that pull? Not by sheer willpower, but by daily surrender. Resistance begins with honesty—acknowledging the struggle rather than denying it. It continues through intentional habits: prayer that admits our need, Scripture that reshapes our thinking, and obedience even when feelings lag behind. We “work out” our salvation by choosing, again and again, to align our actions with what God is already doing within us.

Most importantly, we resist the fallen nature by keeping our eyes on Christ. The same grace that saved us is the grace that sustains us. When we stumble, we return to Him—not in despair, but in trust.

Conclusion

Philippians 2:12–13 teaches a profound truth: the Christian life is neither passive nor self-powered. God works in us, and because He does, we are called to work it out. Obedience is not an attempt to earn God’s favor; it is the evidence that His favor has already been given. Faith receives salvation, and works display its transforming power.

Prayer

Gracious Father,
We thank You that our salvation rests not on our strength, but on Your grace. Thank You for working in us—changing our hearts, shaping our desires, and empowering our obedience. Teach us to take seriously the calling to work out what You have already worked in. When our fallen nature resists Your will, give us humility to depend on You and courage to obey. Keep our eyes fixed on Christ, who began this good work and will be faithful to complete it. We offer ourselves to You anew today, for Your good pleasure and Your glory.
Amen.

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This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians