God’s work in us
So what does “working out your your salvation” mean? What does it look like?
In general terms, the phrase “work out” means “to continually work towards something or bring something to completion or fulfillment.” To “work out” means to live life in a way that expresses your desire and commitment towards a particular lifestyle or aim of achievement. Paul is challenging the saints to pursue the “working out” of their faithfulness and obedience to Jesus Christ because he knows that when you become obedient to Jesus, you will take on the brand and essence of Jesus Christ in your life. Paul knows that when you look like Christ in your life, you will become sanctified which simply means to be set apart. You are set apart to fulfill the will and work of God in your life. Paul expresses what it means to “work out” in his own words in Philippians 3:13-14.