Philippians 2:12-18

Having expressed to the Philippians that they need to demonstrate unity and humility (2:1-4) and having given them the example of Christ, Paul know explains further how to have the Christ-like attitude.

The main idea of verses 12-13 is to "work out your salvation..." This does not contradict the message of the Gospel that salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ alone. We are not saved by good works but we are saved for good works (see also Ephesians 2:8,9 & 10). The Philippians are not only to be working hard to demonstrate their salvation when Paul is present with them (past or, Lord willing, future) but also when he is away. Specifically, the Philippians are to work out their salvation with fear (phobos) and trembling.

Why are the Philippians to work out their salvation in this manner? Because it is the perfectly holy and righteous God of all the universe that is at work in them. His intent for them is good and perfect and because He is the one working in them, they should be both diligent and disciplined.

The ideas expressed in verses 14-18 echo back to instructions given to the nation of Israel (Fee 242-243).

	"Do everything without complaining or arguing..." This was one of the key charges against the nation of Israel at various times (eg. Exodus 16:12). While the Philippians were not complaining (grumbling against their leader) like the Israelites, Paul clarifies their similarly divisive speech with the phrase "arguing" (eg. Euodia & Syntyche in chapter 4).
	"...so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation..." (Genesis 17:1; Deuteronomy 32:5).
	"...in which you shine like stars..." (Daniel 12:3).

The main idea of verses 14-16 are stated in the first words of v. 14. They are to do everything - not some things or most things - without grumbling or arguing. The stated purpose is so that they would become pure and blameless to those unbelievers (wicked and perverse generation) who were watching their lives.

It is unclear whether the word epechontes should be translated "hold out" (NIV) or "hold fast." Regardless of the best translation, the idea is that the Philippians hold the Word that gives life out to a watching world, demonstrating its life-giving power by their words and actions.

The concept of a drink offering (KJV-libation) also refers back to an Old Testament idea (see Numbers 15:1-10). Paul's service and sacrifice will be made even more joyful if the Philippians also remain faithful in their obedience (ie. work out salvation; conduct yourselves in a manner wortht of the Gospel). This is a first-class conditional sentence in Greek. In other words, it is not a possibility, but a reality. Sometimes it is translated in English "since." Thus, the suggestion that this refers to Paul's death is debatable. Paul is already giving of himself for the sake of the Gospel and the Philippians. He wants them not to be discouraged that he cannot come right now (and will send Timothy in the next paragraph) but to rejoice with him and continue to serve Christ.

Application

The Philippians are not just to be pure and blameless in isolation from the world. Rather "among" or "in the midst of" a crooked and perverse generation, they are to shine like stars. As Eugene Peterson expresses it in The Message "Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society." In Jesus' words, they are to be "in the world, but not of it." They are supposed to be bright lights in the darkness. Their blameless lives are to stand out amidst a filthy culture. This evangelistic picture is further explained by the phrase "as you hold out/on to" the word of life. The Gospel is both what they live and present (hold out) as well as the source to which they are anchored (hold on to).

Resources Cited
Gordon D. Fee. Paul's Letters to the Philippians, New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.
Frank Thielman. The NIV Application Commentary: Philippians. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.