Although the Father is Sovereign of all that exists and has the ability
to save us from any situation in which we find ourselves, it is his
will that we learn by experience. Even when he does intervene in our
lives to extract us from a difficult situation, we may still suffer the
consequences of being in a trying situation in order to teach us a
righteous lesson. Remember that the Father and Jesus are ultimately
interested in the saving of our spirit, not our flesh. See Matt.5:29-30;
18:8-9.
How one reacts to temptations, trials, and tests and the decisions one makes reflects one's primary focus in life at that time. When we react in a righteous manner to life's experiences, we will know that our primary focus is correct before God. This is one of the reasons that the apostle Paul was inspired to encourage the elect at Philippi to be earnest and sincere in working toward salvation:
"Wherefore, my beloved, as you 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 works in you both to will and to do his good pleasure"(Phil.2:12-13 KJV). See also 1.Cor.10:13; Gal.6:3-10.But, how does one work out their own salvation and what is the will of God and his good pleasure that he is working out within his elect children? The answers to these two questions are essential to spiritual success and entry into the Family and Kingdom of God.The instruction to work out one's own salvation means that one must manage one's life in such a way that it conforms to God's laws, precepts, and principles. In order to do this, one must expend much sincere and diligent effort. Only when a person sincerely seeks to live according to the Father's laws, precepts, and principles and to respect, love, obey, and please him and his Son can he work his will and purpose in one's life.