Definition: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Philippians 2:12. It’s a really important message about how to live a life that points towards God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, the verse is saying: “Dear friend, as you’ve consistently followed my example and obeyed me, even when I’m not here with you, now focus on your own salvation. Don't just passively follow instructions; actively work towards being saved – that's a serious and important goal.” Let’s unpack it further: “Wherefore, my beloved…” - This is a warm and affectionate way of addressing the reader. It shows we care about them. “…as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only…” – This means you've been following me – obeying my teachings and rules – even when I’m not around. It's important to remember that obedience isn't just about following my commands; it’s about doing what is right. “…but now much more in my absence…” - This is the key part! It means now , when I'm not here, you need to take things even further. It's a call to be proactive and responsible for your own salvation. “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” – This tells us that this isn’t just about passively hoping for salvation. It means you need to actively work towards it. “Work out” suggests effort, dedication, and a sense of urgency. "Fear and trembling" are powerful words - they mean a deep feeling of worry and apprehension because you know the outcome – that you're on the path to being saved – is uncertain. In short, the verse encourages us to be serious about our faith and actively work towards becoming saved, even when I’m not watching over you. It’s about taking ownership of your relationship with God and striving for a life that reflects His love. Does this make sense? Would you like me to explain any part in more detail or perhaps offer some related thoughts? For example, we could talk about: The importance of obedience How it relates to our Christian values What it means to be a good follower