Paul is known for his great writings on justification by faith.  The book of Romans, which pretty much has justification by faith as its theme, is one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written.  Everything you need to know about being saved by faith can be discovered by reading the epistles of Paul which, of course, he wrote by the inspiration of God (Ephesians 3:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:16).

What many do not realize is that Paul also wrote a lot about works and obedience.  He never taught a “justification by faith alone” doctrine.  Instead, his teachings were balanced, revealing to us the kind of obedient faith that is necessary to be saved, and to maintain that salvation.  Here is an example.

Philippians 2:12 (ESV)
¹²  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

Spiritually speaking, we should all “work out.” We are living in an exercise-crazed society, aren’t we? Everybody wants to be in great shape and look good.  There is certainly nothing inherently wrong with this, though it seems that many people want to be in good shape for the wrong reasons.  They simply want to draw attention to themselves. Still, striving to keep the body healthy by exercising regularly has some value to it.  However, Paul said, “…For bodily exercise profits little…” (1 Timothy 4:8). The reason behind this is simple enough.  Our physical bodies are temporal.  No matter how strong we build up our earthly tabernacles, it is going to experience decay and corruption (1 Peter 1:24).

What is really important is having a soul that is in good shape.  For that to be the case, Paul said we must exercise unto godliness.  What is godliness?  It is to have the right attitude toward God, always giving Him the respect and reverence He deserves.  However, living a godly life also involves doing the will of God.  Vines Expository Dictionary gives us a good definition of godliness.  It says that godliness “Denotes that piety, which is characterized by a Godward attitude, and does that which is well-pleasing to Him.”

Do you see the two elements involved in true godliness?  It has the right attitude (an attitude that is Godward), and the right action (doing what is pleasing to God).  It is the doing aspect of godliness wherein we “exercise ourselves unto godliness.”

Notice that working out spiritually, or exercising unto godliness, is a personal endeavor.  We all must work out our own salvation.  I will not be saved just because I attend a sound local church or because I am married to a spiritually minded person, nor because I am a part of a family with godly parents who live by the Word of God.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all we had to do is go to the gym and watch someone else work out and that would get us into good shape?  We all know that would never work.  Why would we think it would work spiritually?  The truth is if we want our souls to be in good shape, we must put in the work ourselves. Paul said we each must bear our own load (Galatians 6:5).  The word “load” here means task or service.  When it comes to our responsibilities before God, we are all personally accountable.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)
¹⁰  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

What kind of shape are you in spiritually.  To be in good shape physically, we must exercise regularly.  Such is the case spiritually as well.  Let us all “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.”

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.