Personal Responsibility in Salvation: Growing in Faith with Fear and Trembling.

Personal Responsibility in Salvation: Growing in Faith with Fear and Trembling.

Bro. Popoola Olufemi.

Scripture References;

Philippians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Introduction:

The Call to Grow or Die.

1. Brethren, we stand at the threshold of a message that demands our full attention. We have spent weeks learning about:

a. Evangelism—Our Duty to Spread the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16). The world is lost in sin, and we are God’s messengers.

b. Building One Another Up in Love and Fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47). The church is only as strong as its members.

c. Spiritual Growth and Maturity (2 Peter 1:5-10, Colossians 1:9-10). We must add to our faith or risk falling away.

2. And now, we come to the final charge—the personal responsibility of every Christian:

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)

a. This is not a suggestion, nor is it optional. It is a divine command.

b. God has given us salvation, but He will not force us to grow.

c. He has opened the door to heaven, but we must walk the path faithfully.

d. He has offered eternal life, but He also warns of falling away (Hebrews 10:26-27).

Why is this so urgent?

1. Because faith that does not grow, dies. Because not everyone who begins the journey will finish it (Matthew 7:21-23, 1 Corinthians 9:27).

a. Demas walked with Paul, but abandoned the faith (2 Timothy 4:10).

b. The foolish virgins were waiting for the bridegroom, but were locked out (Matthew 25:1-13).

2. If these things happened to them, what about us?

a. Some Christians are still drinking milk, when they should be teachers of the Word (Hebrews 5:12-14).

b. Some have become lukewarm, thinking they are safe, but are wretched and blind (Revelation 3:15-17).

3. So let me ask you today:

a. Are you truly growing in faith?

b. Or are you merely existing in the church, content with the status quo?

Let us now open our hearts as we consider what it truly means to grow in faith with fear and trembling.

I. Growth is a Command, Not an Option

Brethren, growth in faith is not optional—it is commanded.

Paul did not say, "If you feel like it, grow."

Jesus did not say, "Try your best to grow."

The Word of God says, "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

To refuse to grow in faith is to disobey God.

1. The Nature of Faith: It Must Grow, or It Will Die

1. Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) which gives new perspective to Matthew 17:20. It starts small, but if nurtured, it becomes a mighty tree. However:

a. If a seed is never watered, it remains buried in the ground.

b. If a plant is never tended, it will wither and die.

2. The same is true of our faith! Brethren, what happens when a Christian refuses to grow?

a. The Word stops convicting them (Hebrews 3:12-13).

b. Prayer becomes a routine, not a relationship (Matthew 6:7).

c. The joy of salvation slowly fades away (Psalm 51:12).

3. This is why the Hebrews writer warned:

"By this time, you ought to be teachers, but you need someone to teach you again the first principles of God’s word… You need milk, not solid food!" (Hebrews 5:12-14).

4. Some Christians have been in the church for years—but are still spiritual babies!

a. They do not teach.

b. They do not grow.

c. They are still struggling with the same sins from years ago.

And what happens to a child who never grows?

He dies! So also, a Christian who does not grow is spiritually dying!

2. Biblical Example: The Corinthians—A Church That Refused to Grow

1. Paul rebuked the Corinthian Christians:

"I could not address you as spiritual people, but as infants in Christ… You are still of the flesh!" (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

2. What was their problem?

a. They had been Christians for years, but were still acting like the world.

b. They were still struggling with envy, division, and immorality.

c. They should have been mature, but they were weak, childish, and carnal.

d. Paul rebuked them sharply because they were wasting their salvation by remaining immature.

3. Brethren, I ask you today:

a. Have you been in the church for years, but you have not grown spiritually?

b. Are you still easily angered, still struggling with the same temptations, still lacking in love and patience?

If Paul wrote a letter to our congregation today, would he call us mature in faith, or still spiritual infants?

3. God’s Expectation: Spiritual Growth is Evidence of Life

1. When a baby is born, growth is expected. No parent rejoices over a child who stops developing.

a. Likewise, God expects growth from every one of His children.

"Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:10)

b. If we are not bearing fruit, we are failing.

c. If we are not increasing in knowledge, we are disobedient.

2. What does Jesus say about Christians who do not grow?

"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, He takes away… But every branch that bears fruit, He prunes so that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:2)

3. Bear fruits as seen in Matthew 25:34-40. Brethren, are you growing?

a. If not, you are in danger of being cut off!

b. If not, your faith is at risk of withering away!

4. Beware of Stagnation: It Opens the Door for Falling Away

1. Brethren, let me speak plainly: A stagnant Christian is a vulnerable Christian.

a. A faith that does not grow will soon be destroyed.

b. Hebrews 6:4-6 gives one of the most terrifying warnings in Scripture:

"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift… if they fall away, to be renewed again to repentance."

2. Do we understand what this means?

a. A Christian who refuses to grow becomes cold and unrepentant.

b. Their heart hardens, their conscience dulls, and soon, they turn away completely.

3. How does this happen?

a. It starts with small neglect—missing Bible study, neglecting prayer.

b. Then, sin becomes easier—excuses are made, conviction fades.

c. Finally, the soul drifts so far that returning becomes difficult. Just like a boat drifting awayfrom shore into the oceans

4. This is why the Scriptures command:

"Make every effort to add to your faith… for if you do these things, you will never stumble!" (2 Peter 1:5-10).

Brethren, are you making every effort? Or have you become comfortable in spiritual stagnation?

II. Fear and Trembling – A Proper View of God

1. Brethren, if we are to grow in faith, we must first have the right view of God. Paul tells us:

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)

2. Why does Paul mention fear?

a. Because many take salvation lightly—but God is not to be taken lightly.

b. Because many are too casual in their faith—but God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).

c. Because many love the idea of heaven, but they ignore the reality of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10).

3. Brethren, let me say this clearly: A Christian who does not fear God will never grow in faith.

a. You cannot have deep reverence for God and still live in willful sin.

b. You cannot claim to love God but treat His commands lightly.

c. You cannot expect to reach heaven if you have no fear of falling away.

1. The Balance: Love Draws Us, Fear Keeps Us

1. Many today emphasize God’s love—which is true and beautiful (Romans 5:8). But brethren, the same God who is merciful is also a righteous judge.

2. Paul warns:

"Behold the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off." (Romans 11:22)

a. Goodness draws us to Him.

b. Fear keeps us from falling away from Him.

2. Biblical Examples: Those Who Feared God and Grew

1. Some of the greatest men of faith were also men who feared God deeply.

2. Noah – A man of faith, but also a man of godly fear.

"By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear and prepared an ark." (Hebrews 11:7)

a. If Noah had ignored the warning of God, he would have perished like the rest of the world.

b. His fear of God led to obedience—and his obedience saved his family.

3. Abraham – A man who trembled at God's voice.

a. When God tested him to sacrifice Isaac, he obeyed.

b. What did God say? "Now I know that you fear Me." (Genesis 22:12)

c. Brethren, if Abraham, the father of faith, feared God, should we not also?

4. Joseph – A man who resisted sin because he feared God.

a. When tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he said:

"How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9)

b. Joseph did not say, "What if Potiphar finds out?"

c. He said, "What if God sees?"

3. Biblical Examples: Those Who Lacked Fear and Fell Away

1. Brethren, history is filled with men who started well but lost their fear of God—and perished.

2. Nadab and Abihu – Worshiped God casually, without reverence.

a. They offered strange fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-3).

b. God struck them dead instantly.

c. Why? Because they thought they could worship however they pleased, but God is holy.

3. Uzzah – Touched the Ark of God without reverence.

a. The Ark was sacred, but when it was falling, Uzzah touched it to steady it (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

b. God struck him dead.

c. Was his intent good? Yes. But his approach was irreverent.

4. Brethren, do we see what happens when fear of God is lost?

a. Worship becomes casual.

b. Holiness is neglected.

c. Sin becomes tolerated.

And when fear is lost, faith stops growing.

4. A Call to Restore Holy Fear.

1. The church today needs to restore holy fear—not fear that paralyzes, but fear that purifies.

2. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, summed it up:

"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Let us now consider how to truly grow in faith with fear and trembling.

III. How to Work Out Our Salvation – A Call to Spiritual Growth

Brethren, growing in faith is not automatic—it is a choice.

• A child does not grow by simply being born—he must be fed, strengthened, and taught.

• A tree does not grow by simply existing—it must be rooted, watered, and pruned.

• A Christian does not grow simply by being baptized—he must be fed by the Word, strengthened in prayer, and tested through obedience.

1. Growth Begins with a Deep Desire for God

1. The first step to spiritual growth is desiring it above all else.

David cried out:

"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul longs for You, O God." (Psalm 42:1)

2. Brethren, is this our desire?

a. Do we hunger for God like a deer thirsting for water?

b. Or are we satisfied with little knowledge, little prayer, little commitment?

Peter commands:

"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby." (1 Peter 2:2)

Brethren, if we do not desire God deeply, we will never grow!

2. Growth Requires Deep Roots in God’s Word

1. No Christian can grow without feeding on God’s Word.

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

2. The Word is our food:

a. It is milk for the new Christian (1 Peter 2:2).

b. It is solid food for the mature (Hebrews 5:12-14).

c. It is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105).

3. The strongest Christians are those who are deeply rooted in the Word (Colossians 2:6-7).

4. Example: The Bereans (Acts 17:11)

a. They did not blindly accept preaching—they searched the Scriptures daily.

b. They did not depend on spoon-fed faith—they tested everything by the Word.

If we do not plant our roots deep in the Word, we will fall when the storms of life come (Matthew 7:24-27).

3. Growth Requires a Strong Prayer Life.

1. A Christian who does not pray will never grow.

"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

2. Jesus prayed constantly:

a. Before great decisions (Luke 6:12).

b. Before facing temptation (Matthew 26:41).

c. Before miracles (John 11:41-42).

3. Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:10)

a. He prayed three times a day, even when it could cost him his life.

b. The result? God strengthened him, and he remained unshaken.

Brethren, a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian.

If we want to grow, prayer must become our daily habit, not our last resort.

4. Growth Requires Obedience and Testing

1. Faith only grows when it is tested.

"Consider it pure joy, my brethren, when you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

a. Abraham’s faith grew when he was tested with Isaac (Genesis 22:12).

b. Job’s faith grew through suffering (Job 23:10).

c. The apostles grew stronger through persecution (Acts 5:41).

2. Brethren, do not fear trials—God is using them to refine your faith!

a. If we only want a comfortable Christian life, we will never grow in spiritual strength.

b. If we run from hardship, we are running from opportunities to grow.

"He who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:13)

5. Growth Requires Fellowship and Accountability

1. A Christian cannot grow alone.

"Let us consider one another to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

2. Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47)

a. They were devoted to fellowship.

b. They met daily.

c. They grew together.

If we want to grow, we must surround ourselves with those who push us closer to God.

Powerful Conclusion: Personal Responsibility in Salvation – Growing in Faith with Fear and Trembling

1. Brethren, we have heard the call. We have considered the command. We have examined our hearts. The message has been laid before us clearly: faith must grow, or it dies.

2. To work out your own salvation with fear and trembling is not to doubt God’s grace—but to respond to it with reverence, urgency, and personal responsibility.

a. We have seen that God expects His children to grow.

b. He provides the means—His Word, prayer, fellowship, and the trials that refine us—but He does not force us to move forward.

c. Growth is our duty. Stagnation is our danger.

3. Today, we’ve seen what happens when faith thrives—and what happens when it does not.

a. The Corinthian church stalled and became carnal.

b. Demas fell in love with the world.

c. Nadab and Abihu were destroyed for irreverence.

d. But Noah obeyed with godly fear,

e. Abraham submitted in reverence,

f. Joseph resisted sin because of his respect for God, and

g. Daniel’s unwavering devotion kept him strong.

4. So I ask you today:

a. Is your faith growing, or is it withering?

b. Are you rooted in the Word, or blown about by the winds of distraction?

c. Are you stirred by the fear of God, or numbed by the comforts of this world?

5. The time for passive Christianity is over. The time for delayed commitment is done. God is calling us to rise, to grow, to press forward.

a. Paul urges: “Run in such a way that you may obtain the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Peter charges: “Make every effort to add to your faith… for if you do these things, you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:5-10). Jesus warns: “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away” (John 15:2).

b. The stakes are eternal.

6. So brethren, what will your choice be?

a. Will you walk in faith or sit in complacency?

b. Will you draw nearer to God or drift slowly away?

c. Will you grow with fear and trembling—or die by spiritual neglect?

7. The door of salvation stands open, but we must walk through it—with reverence in our steps and fire in our hearts.

Let us rise and declare: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Let us go forward—growing in faith with fear and trembling.

credit: Bro. Popoola Olufemi (+234-906-450-8109). 

An Evangelist working with the Church Of Christ, 

Behind Ajimobi Garage New Gbagi, New Ife Road, Ibadan Oyo State Nigeria.