The Thing That Matters & Evidence We Will Be Saved.

Brothers and sisters, this is a very good word for God's children as we see being a Christian will continue more and more to result in persecution. As is common, it also contains warnings. The warnings ear tickling teachers ignore.

The Apostle Paul, speaking to the saints of God:

Philippians 1 ISV

27The only thing that matters is

  

 that you continue to live as good citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Messiah. Then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I may hear all about you—that you are

• standing firm in one spirit, 
• struggling with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 
• 28and that you are not intimidated by your opponents in any way. 
• This is evidence that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved—and all because of God. 
• 29For you have been given the privilege for the Messiah’s sake not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him. 30You have the same struggle that you saw in me and now hear that I am still having.

Philippians 2 ISV

1Therefore, if there is any encouragement in the Messiah, if there is any comfort of love, if there is any fellowship in the Spirit, if there is any compassion and sympathy, 2then fill me with joy by having the 

• same attitude, 
• sharing the same love, 
• being united in spirit, 
• and keeping one purpose in mind. 
• 3Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but with humility think of others as being better than yourselves. 
• 4Do not be concerned about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others. 

5Have the same attitude among yourselves that was also in the Messiah Jesus:

6In God’s own form existed he,

and shared with God equality,

deemed nothing needed grasping.

7Instead, poured out in emptiness,

a servant’s form did he possess,

a mortal man becoming.

In human form he chose to be,

8and lived in all humility,

death on a cross obeying.

9Now lifted up by God to heaven,

a name above all others given,

this matchless name possessing.

10And so, when Jesus’ name is called,

the knees of everyone should fall,

wherever they’re residing.

11Then every tongue in one accord,

will say that Jesus the Messiah is Lord,

while God the Father praising.

As is common in the scriptures, the precious instructions are followed by a serious warning. One of the many warnings teachers of our day have abandoned to be accepted by man and for the love of money.

12And so, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you but even more now that I am absent, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him. 

• 14Do everything without complaining or arguing 
• 15so that you may be blameless and innocent, 
• God’s children without any faults among a crooked and perverse generation, 
• among whom you shine like stars in the world 
• 16as you hold firmly to the word of life. 

Then I will be proud when the Messiah returns that I did not run in vain or work hard in vain. 
Brothers and sisters, these last words are troubling and "appear" to be in conflict with verse 13, as they appear to infer believers could fail to do what Paul said and his work be in vain. "To work out our salvation with fear and trembling" may be much more serious than most believers think. We should want no part with those who would test this. The warnings in this chapter are sobering. We know the scriptures are in perfect unity. 

Thank you Father for your love which gives them.