Spiritual Help

Faith In God, Not Circumstances

Faith In God, Not Circumstances

Andy Eldred

"How am I supposed to walk with God and not be depressed when I don't feel God?"
Salvation

Salvation

Billy Graham

Young people are searching. But they don't really know what they're searching for. They're hungry for something. Materialism hasn't satisfied. Sex hasn't satisfied. They're searching for something.
I am wondering about Philippians 2:12 which says to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (NIV). I understand that the word "fear" in that passage could mean "awe," but it says "fear and trembling" so it seems to refer to when you are afraid of something. In Romans 8, it says, "You should not be like cowering, fearful slaves." So it means that we should not be afraid of God, but the thing in Philippians seems to look like we are. What does that passage in Philippians mean?

I am wondering about Philippians 2:12 which says to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (NIV). I understand that the word "fear" in that passage could mean "awe," but it says "fear and trembling" so it seems to refer to when you are afraid of something. In Romans 8, it says, "You should not be like cowering, fearful slaves." So it means that we should not be afraid of God, but the thing in Philippians seems to look like we are. What does that passage in Philippians mean?

James

We appreciate your question about the use of fear in Philippians 2:12 where Paul wrote, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." You are right, the word "fear" there does not mean terror, dread, or fright, in our usual sense of those words. It means reverence, trust, sense of awe, and a recognition of God's majesty and power.
How do I start to live as a Christian if I haven't been living like one? And how do I give my life to Jesus again?

How do I start to live as a Christian if I haven't been living like one? And how do I give my life to Jesus again?

Ben

Giving your life to Jesus and living the Christian life begins with faith and repentance. We must first be clear about who Jesus is and what He has done for us. You must come to a conclusion in your heart that Jesus really is God's Son, and that His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead is what you need to have your sins forgiven and to have right relationship with God.