Here is the context from Philippians 2:12-13, along with some of the Greek verbs added: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out [κατεργάζομαι] your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works [ἐνεργέω] in you, both to will and to work [ἐνεργέω] for his good pleasure.” Even in English, we can see how the theme of “work” is reflected in the two Greek verbs, both from the root idea of εργον (“work”; we get our word ergonomics from this).
Second, keep in mind something that is not apparent in translation: that when Paul writes “work out your own salvation,” he is using the 2nd person plural (y’all). He is writing to the church in Philippi, not an individual believer. Contextually, he is telling the “y’all” of the church to obey in his absence, work out their salvation, do everything without grumbling, etc. (2:14ff).
Third, in the same verse in which Paul tells the church to “work out their salvation,” he reminds them that this “working” is really the work of God, for he creates both the will to act and the actual work itself so that he might be pleased with the result. As he says, “It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
In short, Paul is telling the church: be who you already are in Christ. The Father has given salvation to y’all fully and freely in Jesus. He has made you the church, the body of Christ. Now, be the church, be the saved, be those who obey the apostle. And remember, this matter is of the ultimate seriousness, for it pertains to God himself, so do this “with fear and trembling.” And remember always, lest you are in danger of getting prideful, that when y’all do act like the saved, that it is not you but the grace of God that brings this about, for “it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
To “work out your own salvation,” therefore, is to be the church, live as the church, work as the church, in which the full and free salvation of Jesus is doing its work.
Written by Chad Bird, 1517 Scholar