If God Is Sovereign, Am I Responsible?

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If God is sovereign over the decisions I make, how am I still responsible for sin?

Some questions to ask as you read and study Philippians 2:12–13: If God is sovereign over all that happens in the world, including my decisions, how are we responsible for sin? Paul tells us that God works in us to influence our will for his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Why doesn’t this make us robots or puppets?

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

2:12 you have always obeyed Obedience is evidence of faith in God. Paul appeals to the entire community to continue to obey, which means adopting the attitude of Christ in their relationships with one another.

work out Emphasizes that obedience is intentional and purposeful. Paul’s point is that salvation, once received, must be put into practice through obedience.

fear and trembling Refers to reverence and awe before God (compare 1 Cor 2:3; 2 Cor 7:15; Eph 6:5). Paul’s imagery is derived from a similar language used in the OT (Exod 15:16; Isa 19:16).

2:13 the one at work in you God’s transforming presence empowers believers to live in faithful obedience to His will. 


Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Php 2:12–13). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

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