The use of this affectionate address is no affectation on Paul’s part. His genuine love for his converts shines through all his epistles (cf. Rom. 12:19; 1 Cor. 4:14; etc.).

 This provides the point of connection with vs. 5-11. One of the manifestations of Christ’s humility was His obedience (v. 8). The Philippians have been obedient in the past, but Paul wishes them to imbibe even more of the spirit of their Master, and he trusts that Christ’s example will encourage them to more faithful obedience.

According to the Greek this clause refers not to “obeyed” but to “work out.” The apostle wants the believers to be spiritually diligent not only when his personal presence inspires them but when he is absent, and then with an even greater diligence.

 Gr. katergazomai (see on Rom. 5:3), used here in the sense of “to carry out to completion.” This does not endorse the idea of salvation by works. We are saved by grace, through faith (see on Rom. 3:20-22, 24, 28; Eph. 2:8). But this grace leads us to good works (see on Rom. 6:11-16). Thus, such works are the outworking of the grace that has effected our salvation (Rom. 6:18; cf. 2 Cor. 6:1). Many are attracted to the Christian way, but are unwilling to meet the conditions by which the reward of the Christian may be theirs. If they could gain salvation without effort on their part, they would be more than happy to receive all that the Lord might give them. But the Scriptures teach that each individual must cooperate with the will and power of God. One must “strive to enter in” (Luke 13:24), “put off the old man” (Col. 3:9), “lay aside every weight,” “run with patience” (Heb. 12:1), “resist the devil” (James 4:7), and “endure unto the end” (Matt. 24:13). Salvation is not of works, but it must be worked out. It springs from the mediation of Christ alone, but it is lived out by personal cooperation. While we cannot be too deeply conscious of our entire dependence on the merits, the work, and the power of Christ, we must also be aware of our personal obligation to live daily, by God’s grace, a life consistent with the principles of Heaven (see AA 482). See on Rom. 3:31.

 Paul was not present to help the Philippian believers personally; they had to care for their own spiritual needs. Salvation is an individual matter. No human friend, no pastor, not even an apostle, can work it out for another. “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it [the land], ... they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness” (Eze. 14:20).

 Compare 1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 7:15; Eph. 6:5. Paul is not advocating a slavish terror, but a wholesome self-distrust. The Christian should fear lest his will not be continually surrendered to Christ, or lest the carnal traits of character should control the life. He must fear to trust his own strength, to withdraw his hand from the hand of Christ, or to attempt to walk the Christian pathway alone (COL 161). Such fear leads to vigilance against temptation (1 Peter 1:17; 5:8), to humility of mind (Rom. 11:20), to taking heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12).

 Or, “so that,” “so then.” Verses 12-16 are closely connected with vs. 5-11. The apostle draws other lessons, besides that of humility, from Christ’s example.