Having exhorted the church at Philippi to humility, as they place the needs of others ahead of their own selfish ambition, the writer then commands the Philippians to take responsibility for their own salvation.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me (Philippians 2:12-18).

Let’s unpack this idea together.

Taking responsibility

The Philippians have been saved from the “crooked and twisted” world around them, in which people cheat and exploit others to satisfy their own selfish ambition.

Having been saved from this pattern of behaviour, the Philippians are now called to shine the light of radical forgiveness and kindness into the darkness.

These lights lead the way out of the darkness, as people see and imitate the Philippians’ positive example.

By these means, the world is transformed.

Fear and trembling

With this vision in mind, the writer calls the Philippians to embrace this new lifestyle “with fear and trembling.”

When we read these words, we shouldn’t picture someone shaking with trepidation, cowering in the corner.

Rather, this word pair describes an attitude of humble submission and dependence upon God (eg. 1 Cor 2:3; Eph 6:5).

This attitude contrasts with the arrogant pursuit of self-glorification, from which the Philippians have been saved.

No longer possessed by their own desires and need for vain glory, the Philippians can now serve one another graciously and joyfully.

The writer presents himself as an example of this lifestyle, joyfully “poured out as a drink offering.”

Through this image, the writer communicates a total surrender of his own selfish desires to the will of God, whom he serves by ministering to the Philippians.

In so doing, the writer challenges the Philippians to imitate his example, that they might become a role model to others.

Changing ourselves first

If we want to change the world, we must begin by changing ourselves.

This text provides a roadmap for doing just that.

We must begin with our own behaviour and attitude to the world and others.

Forsaking the selfish pursuits of greed and vanity, we must choose radical forgiveness and generosity, secure in the knowledge that these behaviours will be mirrored back to us.

In this way, the crooked and twisted world is transformed into a beacon of light and peace.

• Dr Simon Skidmore is a Brisbane-based biblical scholar and educator. He is the creator of The Mimetic Exegete podcast, which applies mimetic theory to biblical texts, offering unique insights and practical applications. His recent book, Capital Punishment in the Pentateuch, explores ritual killing through René Girard’s mimetic theory.