Philippians 2:12-13 Now Available feat. Easy Lights

Jun 22

Philippians 2:12-13 is now available on all streaming platforms!

THE VERSE

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)
[12] 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, [13] for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

These verses proceed from Paul’s mouth immediately following the “Christ Hymn” in Philippians 2:5-11 which was most likely sung as a hymn by the early Church. These prior verses explore both Jesus’ humanity and divinity and ultimate exaltation:

[5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

In essence, this Christ Hymn is the story of the gospel: Jesus’ humbling Himself, laying down His life on the cross, being raised from the dead, and in turn His final and universal exaltation as Lord! The story doesn’t stop there… The good news of Jesus isn’t merely proclaimed, but it also has a trajectory and practical impact in our lives.

Because we are loved, we can love God and lay our lives down!

This brings us to our two verses today. In lieu of Jesus’ servant-hearted example, Paul issues a charge to us in verses 12-13 that has perplexed many because of its content. Paul invites us to work out our salvation while also reminding us that God is at work in us… Well, which is it? Do we work out our salvation or is God working in us? The short answer is yes… We do work out our salvation with fear and trembling and God is at work in us as we work! Because of the prior work of Jesus though, we work as those who are loved by God (beloved) knowing our efforts matter but not in order to win God’s approval but rather from it. Because we are loved, we can love God and lay our lives down! Don’t believe the lies… The gospel and the sweat of our brows aren’t on opposing contradictory teams! Rather, the gospel births and leads us into kingdom activity that involves effort and perseverance.

Put your hands to the plow, obey Jesus, and work hard, knowing that Jesus’ work is finished and you could never be more loved than you are now…

Friends, may we be those who follow Jesus’ example in both working hard, but also knowing God is at work in us, both to will and work for His good pleasure! Put your hands to the plow, obey Jesus, and work hard, knowing that Jesus’ work is finished and you could never be more loved than you are now…

The Artist

Easy Lights is a creation and extension of the songwriting by Tyler Edwards. While primarily an indie-folk artist and songwriter, Edwards has always had a strong connection with his faith and serving the Church. He created Easy Lights as a moniker to release music that is intentionally for the Church. Most of his travel and music is outside of the church, but he has been fortunate in recent years to have seen the power of having songs that are written with the Body of Christ in mind, especially while touring and playing bass for Ghost Ship. It has been cool to watch how Ghost Ship's music and lyrics impact so many that hunger for music with lyrics based in Scripture. We asked Tyler about working on this particular passage:

The text talks about working out our salvation fear and trembling, which could sound a little frightening. But I think it's meant to give us comfort and sobriety. I wanted to try and make the melody and soundscape match the feeling I get while reading these words of encouragement and admonishment. God's grace and holiness is something that meets us where we are but also calls us to something better in Christ. There's a duality in answering the call to follow while knowing and trusting that God is doing the work within us through the Spirit.

Tyler Edwards - songwriter, production, guitar, vocals
Neil Hampton - mixing and mastering

You can find more information about Easy Lights and Tyler Edwards at https://bio.site/tyleredwards .