With children we expect growth as they age -- all kinds of growth. God expects the same from His children. What does the above verse mean?
It does not mean our salvation is based on works.
"24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself." Hebrews 9:24-26
In this passage Fear= respect.
We need to work out our life -- we need to keep growing spiritually.
When we do a math problem we are proving the truth of it -- proving the answer exists. We are proving the truth in our lives as we produce fruit (this is God's will for us).
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" James 2:14
We should see actions that back up Belief.
Work out to Prove Truth.
Work out = infinitive = constant process = sanctification. It is ongoing. We are to become more and more and more like Christ. If you have been saved, you should be growing into Jesus's likeness.
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
How do we work it out? Layers -- supplement faith.. See next verse:
5 "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble," 2 Peter 1:5-10
They will know we are Christians by our love. If you aren't growing you're dying.
Do not be conformed but transformed.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2
Your life should be your praise to God. The path is narrow. In deed and truth:
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:16-18
Put the knowledge you have into action. Act on the truth you know.
We are not alone:
God wants us to grow. He will help us to grow -- this is His will for us. Every commandment is to make our lives better.
"14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[a] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17:14-19
Accepting Jesus is just the beginning of faith. Until your heart stops you should be seeking God.
"7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:7-11
Nobody plants a seed and doesn't expect that seed to bear fruit and mulitiply --- God expects us to grow and bear fruit. Jesus wants to celebrate your victory!
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
Self-Check:
Am I growing in all aspects of Christ?
Am I growing in knowledge of the Word of God?
Am I growing intentionally?
Am I following the leading of My Savior?
The world is a minefield. You gotta stay on Jesus's path intentionally, it is narrow. What are you doing about it right now?