Please read these verses in your own Bible or on Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A+12-18&version=NIV
v 12-13: Christ was obedient (Philippians 2: 8); Paul modeled obedience. As His followers, the Philippians are to obey as well (no matter if anyone is watching or not), as they work out their salvation; not in order to gain what’s already theirs, but to exercise it to perfection and completion. They are to recognize (with fear and trembling) that they are inadequate to the task, but remember that God delights to work out His plan and purpose in His children (See Philippians 1:6).
v 14-15: Our life in God is damaged by grumbling and arguing. It is not possible to be pure and mature with a grudging spirit. The clean, blameless, uncorrupted child of Christ, however, shines like a beacon, drawing others to the Light.
v 16: How discouraging to see one’s life-work fail. Everyone wants their efforts to bear fruit, all the more so if that work impacts others’ lives. Paul is not exempt from this concern.
v 17-18: A drink offering, usually wine poured over or around the altar, was an important part of the sacrificial rituals of the Israelites. There are 64 instructions and references to it in the Old Testament. Paul sees that he and the Philippians’ are part of, and together in, the same sacrifice of faith. (Do we need to be reminded that we are all in this together for Christ?)
Paul used the word “joy” in its various forms sixteen times in Philippians. This joy is not circumstantial, but founded on Christ. It is not about a fluctuating feeling, but about choosing obedience. It is a Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23); therefore, it is a gift of God’s grace. (The most common Greek words for joy (chara, “inner joy” and charein, “to rejoice”) are derived from the same root char– as is the Greek word for “grace” charis.)
Lord, we are called to be obedient, mature, united, joyful. Not easy, indeed, not possible in our own power. Thanks be to God for His grace in bringing these things to life in us! Help us work together with You and each other to strengthen our faith. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.