Philippians 2:12-13 is a very important text relating to Christian sanctification. This text does not indicate that salvation can be earned or worked for, but that God expects those who have been saved through faith alone, to live out that salvation through obedience to Christ and his word. Our joyful, faith-filled obedience is motivated by Christ’s example of obedience, and the knowledge that God is working in us to supply the desire to obey, and the power to carry it out. The Christian is responsible for obedience, yet it is God who empowers it. Therefore, let us earnestly seek God as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). We can have full confidence that he who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6).