In Philippians 2:12-13, the apostle Paul calls believers to “work out [their] salvation with fear and trembling” while reminding them that it is God who works in them “both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” On the surface, these instructions may seem paradoxical. Are we responsible for our spiritual growth, or is it all up to God? The answer, rooted deeply in Scripture, reveals a profound partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Paul’s exhortation to “work out your salvation” can sometimes make us feel like the weight of our sanctification is solely on our shoulders. Yet the full picture is revealed in the next verse: “for it is God who is at work in you.” The power to obey, to grow, to become more like Christ—this does not originate from our own strength or efforts. Rather, it comes from God’s grace working in us. The life of a believer, then, is not one of self-reliance, but of walking in step with the One who empowers us.

This truth is echoed in 2 Corinthians 13:5, where Paul urges the Corinthians to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” Self-examination is vital, but its purpose is not to promote doubt or self-condemnation. Instead, it is to lead us to recognize, as Paul says, that “Jesus Christ is in you.” The presence of Christ within us is the foundation of our sanctification. Without Him, we are powerless; with Him, we are sustained.

Jesus Himself confirmed this when He said, “without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Nothing! The work of holiness is not a matter of human willpower or personal discipline alone. It is rooted in an abiding relationship with Christ. Apart from Him, we can achieve no lasting spiritual fruit. But when we remain in Him, we are drawn into the life-giving power that transforms our hearts and minds.

It is essential to understand that while we are called to obedience, that obedience must flow from the recognition of our dependence on Christ. Left to ourselves, we will fail the test of holiness every time. Our own resolve, no matter how determined, will falter if it is disconnected from the strength that comes from God.

This is why Paul urges us to “work out” our salvation with “fear and trembling.” This isn’t a trembling of dread, but a reverent awe of God’s holiness and our own frailty. We are handling something infinitely precious—our walk with the Lord—and we must do so with deep humility, fully aware that our efforts alone will never be sufficient. We are to strive, not in our own strength, but in the power of Christ.

God’s work in us is both mysterious and marvelous. He is not only the One who directs our wills, but also the One who gives us the energy to carry out His purposes. Our obedience, our sanctification, is grounded in the reality that God is continually active within us. Every step forward in our spiritual journey is a testimony to His ongoing grace.

So, how do we reconcile these two truths—that we are to “work out” our salvation while it is ultimately God working in us? The answer lies in a daily, humble dependence on Christ. We must reject the temptation to rely on ourselves, remembering that the source of our strength is not within, but above.

Paul’s admonition in 2 Corinthians 13:5 serves as a sober reminder: our faith is not something we muster up; it is the result of Christ’s presence within us. The question, then, is not “Am I doing enough?” but “Am I abiding in Him?” The more we trust in His work within us, the more we will see the fruits of sanctification—true holiness that glorifies God and reflects His character.

In this life of faith, we are called to active participation. But the heart of that participation is surrender—surrender to God’s work in us. It is Christ who gives us the will to obey, and it is Christ who supplies the strength to walk in that obedience. As Paul so powerfully reminds us, “it is God who works in you.” That is our assurance and our hope.

Thus, let us continue the journey of sanctification with confidence, not in ourselves, but in the One who lives within us. For in Him, and only in Him, do we have the power to walk in true holiness.