Not because we have to work our way to Heaven, but out of a heart of love and understanding of what God desires for others. There is a practical harmony or synergism between vertical faith in God and horizontal works to a needy world.
Faith is both spiritual and practical.
In view of the obedience of Christ and His lordship, the Philippians should show a like obedience. Paul does not teach that salvation is dependent on one's continued works, but that salvation must express itself in progressive Christian living and upright character, not only individually, but through obedient participation in God's corporate call to a local church, .upright character, not only individually, but through obedient participation in God's corporate call to a local church. Without denying man's freedom, Paul stresses God's part in man's salvation, both in its initial resolution and in its subsequent progress.