Philippians: Paul's "Stairway to Heaven"?

do you notice this part of us being saved tbough also ?

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, ( he’s talking to obedient christians ) not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ( there’s something the people are called lord to work out or work through)

For it is God which worketh in you ( God works in us ) both to will and to do of his good pleasure.( so we begin to will and do of his good pleasure )

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬


Do you tell people who are already saved “ keep obeying as you have even moreso now work out your own salvation with fear and trembling “ ?

“so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

seems like a promise ahead rather than conclusion behind

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Our savior is definately saving us but the process is that he is fixing the issues inside of us so we can do our part that’s part of salvation changing a sinner into a child of God who follows righteousness

Thank you birdie - a unique observation, and I have not heard this "lover of horses" connection before that is tied to God's flock, all believers. It sure is a blessing living in this "Jerusalem which is above" family as God's children.

We are on the same page here as usual, Pilgrim. When I believed in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, that doesn't mean I can crawl into my easy chair and just kick back until I die or the Lord returns. There is work to be done, and Paul admonished the Philippians and now us to "...work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling." Let's go back to the very beginning of this letter where Paul sets "work" as one of the themes to this epistle:

Philippians 1:2-6

New King James Version

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

When we become a Christian, that's just the beginning of the process. God begins to work on our minds, hearts, and souls through the power of the Holy Spirit to shape us into the image of Jesus Christ. It's not our works that will save us, no doubt. However, our part in this work of salvation is to allow God to do His work within us. He respects our free will, and we can limit or even throw away God's ability to "complete it [the work] until the day of Jesus Christ."

Salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned. But just because it is a gift, I still don't have an obligation to accept that gift. I can even reject and throw away that gift after receiving it. I think that's what Jesus was referring to when He said all sins will be forgiven except "blasphemy" against the Holy Spirit (Matt. 12: 31). That is a willful sin where we clearly see God and His way of life and outright reject it. The book of Hebrews addresses this "unpardonable" sin in stark language (e.g. Hebrews 2: 1-3).

The good news, from my point of view, is most will graciously accept the salvation God offers us. Paul has that same confidence as well: "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1 :6). I need to let God complete the work that He has started and continued through the years in me. I can honestly say I have gotten in the way too much through the years, and I've even run away from God and said leave me alone for now. That's human and that's our sinful nature (the old man) that doesn't like change and is weak and frail at the core. God's not going to give up on us - only we can make that choice.

Amen brother …. do you notice how since the very beginning God has spoken to man true warnings of danger and how if man would hear and believe his warnings and follow that path it always leads to the same result ?

to adam , to cain , to Noah , to israel , to the church also for instance Paul’s epistles always contain straight forward warnings to believers within the body of Christ about thier own behavior

heres a few examples of what I mean

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:19-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You can see here that it was a consistent warning pul was telling the church and it’s harsh and plain straight forward

“But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:3-7‬ ‭

Again we can see the dire importance of this part of the message this harsh warning that truly will affect only someone who needs to hear it and repent and who is willing to acknolwedge its true and not respond to it with “ I’m saved by grace “

It seems more and so much about the word that God sent forth that promises repentance , the Holy Ghost , eternal
Life to all who believe what he said in the gospel

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We begin to hear Jesus calling us to come to him and learn ( discipleship ) the one who gives life

“All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:27-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Something we often miss about Paul is that he came along several years after the gospel was preached he’s writing epistles to believers who heard the gospel already and believed

“if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ( this is why we need to believe the gospel ) and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.


( now he’s telling us how to do that ) Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-32‬ ‭

This is a short summary of some of what Jesus taught in the gospel that they had already heard about Paul’s referring to the truth that is in Christ Jesus and the gospel

“Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“ if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Sometimes like children we need to be encouraged other times we need to be warned if our behavior is leading or will lead to a dangerous place. Those warnings are just as good as the promises hey precede is what I mean because they are reshaping our view of sin and what it is and what it results in turning us against it

“Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Notice Paul’s words in this section how his conclusions about “ himself “ the sinner is that he’s just no good , he couldnt do good even when he wants to because he’s trapped in this law of sin within him what a carnal wretch he is and surely he shall die who shall save him from this deadly snare within ?

“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. …For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. ….but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. …..O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:14, 18, 23-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

…..For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:1-6, 12-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Oh boy, how true this is my friend. God is a loving Father who praises and lifts us up, yet He also chastens and disciplines us when needed, too. It's so easy to slip back into the sinful nature, and this society orchestrated by Satan has no problem shoving temptations under our noses. God's nature is love, outgoing concern for His creation, kingdom, and family. Paul reflects this type of love to Phillipi as well:

Philippians 1:8-11

New King James Version

8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Love isn't just some fluffy feeling or emotion. Knowledge and discernment of good and evil are a part of true agape love that is selfless and understands good and evil. But unlike Adam and Eve, humanity apart from God in general, our purpose is to choose life - the goodness of God. And, we need to reject the fruit of death and evil - the arrogance and selfishness of the devil. We need to be "filled with the fruits of righteousness" (i.e. the fruits of the Spirit as defined in Galatians 5: 22-23) to express the nature of Jesus to the "glory and praise of God!"

Amen brother

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬

that’s needed because this is our problem

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭7:21-23

thats why we need to stand and walk in tbe light so the gospel can change our mind and heart from sin to God

“if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We need our minds Changed and our hearts changed this is what hesring and believing the gospel does

I think Paul highlights in every epistle he wrote the battle we need to wage continually against temptation and sin. The "old man" has no problem being resurrected immediately and engaging in "deceitful lusts" if we allow it. This brings fresh light to the close of chapter 1 in Philippians for me:

Philippians 1:27-30

New King James Version

Striving and Suffering for Christ

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but [a]to you of salvation, and that from God.

29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

The battle belongs to the Lord bottom line. But, we are the soldiers on the front line of our battle with sin, and we need to draw upon the weapons the Lord has put at our disposal:

Ephesians 6:11-17

New King James Version

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [b]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

We have all the defensive and offensive tools we need to be successful on the battlefield, and Paul admonishes us to be vigilant warriors against the forces of evil we face in our lives and in this world.

As Paul points out, we need to crush our enemies when they present themselves and not allow them to gain a foothold of strength, capitalizing on our weaknesses:

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

New King James Version

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

"Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" is a verse that is stuck in my mind today for various reasons. I'm far from perfect, of course, but the Holy Spirit highlights the sins that try to take hold of me at an early stage, so I can identify and reject them immediately. If I don't take this action, the battle becomes much more severe, and confession and repentance are in order after the bloody battle is over. It's a life of suffering and fighting as Christians, but the good news is the battle belongs to the Lord, and the war will be won by His strength ultimately.

Well said brother

think of a soldier serving a king on a battle field the king declared the war and made known the battle plan , gave suits of armor shield and sword helmet and boots . But if the soldier never acknowledges he’s in a battle or claims the battle is not his to fight when he’s a participating soldier on the war is the only way really to disarm him

convince him there’s no role he plays there’s no battle it’s already won nothing is at stake ect when the opposite is what the apostle is trying to get across

“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. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12-13‬ ‭

Gods work is to fix us so we can also participate and act accordingly but we also can deny this and refuse to change even amidst the dire warnings

“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:2-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:1-4‬ ‭

“if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:25-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What if we never acknolwedge we’re supposed to come out of that dungeon and slavery ? What if we never acknolwedge were even in that snare and serving his Will ? What if we never acknolwedge the truth that brings repentance and freedom from that captivity ?

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭

What if we never acknolwedge the judges judgements

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:48-50‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But then what if we do ???

“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:22, 24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Great thoughts, brother. Paul sums up our focus as God's soldiers to work out our own salvation with "fear and trembling", yet notice how we are not left to do this by our own strength - "for it is God which worketh in you...." That's where our strength comes from in the spiritual realm. We are powerless to fight alone, and there is an entire army behind us that will gain the ultimate victory over sin, Satan, and death.

Earlier in chapter 2, Paul encourages us to be a unified army:

Philippians 2:1-4

New King James Version

Unity Through Humility

1 Therefore if there is any [a]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

In contrast to the way the world apart from God focuses on self-interest, self-preservation, and selfishness in general, God's kingdom focuses on humility, selflessness, and lifting others up instead of exalting ourselves in pride. It is an outward focus strengthened by unity and the power of love ultimately. Humility is an attribute that comes from God, and it puts our focus into the proper perspective: loving God and others with our whole mind, heart, and soul like Jesus did during His ministry.

“yet notice how we are not left to do this by our own strength - "for it is God which worketh in you...." That's where our strength comes from in the spiritual realm. We are powerless to fight alone, and there is an entire army behind us that will gain the ultimate victory over sin, Satan, and death.”

yes brother totally agree my point here is the message is not “ God already did everything you are supposed to do for you and you have no role in your salvation “

the message is “ God has done his part and instructed believers about thier part he’s forgiven all you have done wrong in ignorance , and all of his words are true forever . He said if you hear and believe and follow after his word you’ll live forever and be saved from the second death to come at judgement.

If we stick with Jesus we’re going to be saved for sure if we don’t he’s not going to force us to is the thing diligence in our part in the things of God is important aspect of doctrine after we believe

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

people miss Paul’s Intent of what he said and wrote

“I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:17-18‬ ‭

awe dont come to this point of obedience in word and deed by the argument “ we don’t have a part in our salvation “ we aren’t commanded to do anything nothing we do or don’t do will affect our salvation God already did it “

if the message is “ yes you are called to give your whole heart and soul and life to the lord because he suffered and died for your sins and rose up you can now be saved forever if you believe and respond to his call learn from him gently and at w pace he knows best for you but yes you are called to repentance and dedication to tbe lord and his word of life as well “

That’s different from “ you don’t need to do anything Jesus said you need to do your already saved regardless it’s all pre determined don’t worry don’t think you need to bc hangs repent or do good just be thankful your already saved “

Both speak of a Jesus death and resurrection one says “ now turn to God hear his words and follow to life everlasting in his kingdom promised in the gospel to believers “

the other says “ now you don’t need to think your like everyone else that needs to repent and change and hear Gods word and obey you don’t need to do that because you said you believe in Jesus now obeying God and it’s consequences goes away ….

The easiest way to see a correct doctrine is Will this idea lead towards me leaving a life of sin and embracing a life of righteousness before God in my daily words and deeds ?

Or is this idea leading me towards the idea “ I shouldn’t think I need to repent of sin and obey Gods word and will that’s not the right frame of mind , I have I faith instead “

Do you see my point brother ? There’s a lot of this subtle deception everywhere except in scripture which is the mind we should learn to have and keep and believe

This part has a place I’m not saying we fight alone I’m saying believing the gospel is what gives us what we need

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12:36‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10-11‬ ‭

This is a consistent part of Paul’s writings to the church

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, And every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:10-12‬ ‭

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: for there is no respect of persons with God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:4-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We should believe the uncomfortable things we read in the Bible that press on us to change our mindset and become active , because at the top that time God will start allowing us to hear those things and those very things are what changes sins grasp upon us sets us free as Jesus and Paul put it .

Amen. Obedience is something Paul emphasizes throughout his writing, and Philippians drives the point home as well in several areas:

Philippians 2:5-8

New King James Version

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it [a]robbery to be equal with God, 7 but [b]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Verse 5 sums up very well our primary goal as Christians - to become like-minded with Christ Jesus and allow Him to live through us to serve and spread the good news. As our relationship with Jesus strengthens, we are empowered to be His ambassadors in every aspect of our lives. When Jesus came "in the likeness of men", He was one man who transformed the areas of Israel that He visited. Now, Christ Jesus works through us as His children to have millions of people across the globe as His church giving a message of hope to a war weary world. The scope of Jesus' ministry now encompasses the entire world!

That message of hope is that Jesus suffered and died for our sins, so that we are forgiven and redeemed from the bondage of sin. Jesus did this selfless act through humility and obedience:

Matthew 26:39

New King James Version

39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

We are called to live a life of obedience no doubt, brother. Yes, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, but just as Jesus submitted to the Father, we should strive to submit ourselves to our Lord and focus on His will for our lives, not our own. God provides the grace, faith, and power we need to fulfill His will and sacrifice ourselves in obedience to Christ as Jesus did towards our heavenly Father.

Indeed brother when one learns the gospel we begin to see the application of grace within the doctrine

Do you see the grace offered freely to imperfect believers in the doctrine ? And how it can save sinners who repent and believe ?

“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall be given into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:36-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:46-49‬ ‭KJV‬‬

truly it is his grace that saves but grace is very very misunderstood within the church as an element of “ grace means what God said about salvstion no longer applies in saved an alternate way by this word “grace “ rather than finding the grace preached in the gospel that can save a sinner

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Grace isn’t just God saying “ everyone’s saved now “ it’s what he taught in the gospel for believers to be gracious towards other imperfect people because he was merciful to us imperfect people

grace teaches repentance and righteousness and it’s found when we listen to the lord

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You said
our focus slips to our failings and trying to improve ourselves and we lose sight of Jesus.
I say,
Yes, as anyone might think, no they haven't lost sight, (Luke 18:9-14) I am doing better than others, being "A Betty better than you attitude" in place of believing being freed by God, in risen Son God, I need God period, and trust God to get you through It. Looking back nd seeing God has and continues to teach me new in trust to let go of under Law, where self-righteousness is at
Therefore, re-read Romans 7, 8 to see what under Law does to us in the failings mentioned by you. Onto Chapter 8 where the freeing is in the risen Son forms in us, after his willing death first took away all sin in his Father's sight first (John 1:29). So we can approach the throne of grace (Ps 100:4) and be made new in seeing truth where we can say no to unrighteousness without a second thought. (Ps 103:12, Ezekiel 36:26 fulfilled) To stay no to unrighteousness without a prideful thought. It starts, when ever one, anyone believes God. Eph 1:6-7,13

I have known of people, that cannot read and have not read the Bible. And saw by their actions and reactions, the Love of God pour through them.
Amazed me, yes indeed. I saw the fruit of love and mercy working through those people I knew had never read the Bible. The living risen God Jesus living through them in the Holy Spirit, Father doing this love and mercy through them.
And yes I agree about what you have said about the Bible. It does take God to reveal the truth in the messages written to us all to be able to read it in truth and not for the self to gain a thing ever. Motive is what I see God judges, at least in me.
After I saw what James says about asking amiss, is the reason I will not get. so I went after to learn what is asking amiss?
Changed, me to stand in belief to God, the Father of the risen Son Jesus for me

Provided, the motive in doing good, is not for any gain of self here on earth. To do those things in love and mercy only, to all. Since God went willingly to that cross, exercising the "Art of fighting without fighting" did not fight, not of flesh and blood at all. Then seen risen and has overcome Death. For us to see it and be rid of the fear of death. John 16:33

If I have the reason to do right and expect gain here and now or even later, I am asking amiss if I have that motive.
Learning this still, I am not perfect, God is and has chosen to share this with us, to simply love all as God does in 1 Cor 13:4-7.
That is taking on God's yoke and burden, that is light and easy. To me anyway, not that I know. trust to God, in thanksgiving and praise for Son

I am too, a fan of Old Time Rock n Roll. Jesus is the rock that rolls. The grave is empty, he is risen for us to be also
I love the Song "Spirit in the Sky" Norman Greebaum

Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

It simply is not possible to have faith without the word of God. One doesn't necessarily have to read the scriptures but they must hear them, beginning with the Gospel, to know the depths, heights and breadth of God's grace and the love He is.

I most probably should have clarified that reading wasn't essential but hearing is.

God is a Spirit and desires for us to hear God in spirit (Thoughts) and believe God is the truth, Son is risen from the dead, after by his death he took way sin in his Father's sight first. (John 1:29)
Now the marriage proposal is out to all people to be married to that King of Kings. Have we or are we the people accepting this marriage, to be married? The mystery of marriage revealed and then the two become one.
Once married or have accepted the marriage proposal to the King, will one, that has been eating from a garbage can go back to the garbage can?
Only if not married or has not accepted the marriage proposal. The proposal is in the risen Son for us the people to be married to the King of Kings. The death was/is for reconciliation only.
A new level here on earth in the dregs of life for us, to willfully quit cheating, stealing, lying, destroying, killing, hiding to get by and not be harmed by others, which is what a Half-sham Gospel has been doing to people all over the world. Accepting being reconciled with no new life residing in them, the risen Son to be accepted and married to us as alive, living through us, me at least.
Ask, for the risen Life to God within you personally, between God and you and be new from the Savior who does simply love us all, otherwise, God would not have ever gone to that cross to first reconcile everyone as forgiven by God for us to ask for the new life, which is in the risen Christ once for all to have and love the same as are loved first by God on that cross once for everyone
Thanking God daily in Psalm 100:4, 103:12, Ezekiel 36:26

I love "Spirit in the Sky", too, and here's a video of Greenbaum singing the song on his 75th b-day. He can't hit those high notes anymore...

yeah believing the gospel is going to make a persons heart humble and fill it with Gods love in deed and in truth he’s going to teach us how to think and perceive other people who he loves as well and also how we need to treat them .

Love is also what we do not only what we say we should always be willing to look at our own actions and if they are wrong we should repent and change those things

he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him