UNWRAP THE PACKAGE!

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as on my presence only, but now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'' { Philippians 2:12}

When you read from the first verse of the first chapter of the book of Philippians you will observe that the apostle Paul was addressing the saints in Philippi: ''Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.'' And he charged them to work out their salvation with {godly reverence, awe} and trembling.

Salvation is a complete package and it's yours in Christ Jesus. The word ''salvation'' is an all-inclusive word, and it encompasses all the things God did for the human person in making him the best that he can be, having been the worst that he can be. But you have to discover the other beautiful things that come with the package. Paul didn't say, ''Pray that you will work it out,’’ Work out your own salvation.''

When someone gives you a gift packaged with beautiful wrapping paper, you wouldn't just settle for the packaging or the wrapping paper however beautiful it may be. You're more concerned with the gift inside the package. The person that gave you the gift doesn't have to unwrap the gift for you, you'll have to 'work out your salvation' by tearing the packaging open, because whatever is inside is far better that the wrapping sheets. Interestingly, many have gotten the gift of salvation alright, but they've settled for the packaging and the wrapping sheets alone!

Salvation is wonderful and it's worth rejoicing about but you must realize that salvation is just the packaging; there's so much more in the Word that we haven't yet touched. Make your study time a priority because that's the only way to unwrap this 'salvation package;' that's the way to work out your own salvation with godly reverence.


Scripture to read: Acts 20:32; 2Timothy2:15