Question:
What does the last phrase “work out your own salvation” in Philippians 2:12 mean?

Answer:
From Philippians 2:13 we learn that if we are saved, God has already worked in us: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” But the words: “work out your own salvation” in the precious verse shows that God wants us since we are saved to work out (or show) what He has already done in us.

The Greek word translated “work out” in this verse means “to cultivate.” Verses 14 and 15 tell us how we should act, and “shine as lights in the world.” Then in verse 16 we are told how to speak for Christ, so we should first act as Christ would act, before we speak for Christ.