Fear and Trembling - Part I (Philippians)

The phrase “fear and trembling” is meant to point one to a servant’s attitude and not to an unhealthy fear.

Philippians 2:12
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 according to his good purpose.

This verse is one that a lot of people aren’t sure what to do with or how to explain. And if they do explain it, it is in an over simplistic way that forces the verse into their own preconceived boxes. The phrase “fear and trembling” instills with it a feeling that you had better not screw up or else you’re going to be in big trouble. But if you look at the phrase within a broader context and historical usage, it will give you a fuller understanding of what Paul was trying to say.

“Fear and trembling” was used to show how a servant relates to a master or how a subject relates to a king. It was a position of humility that recognized that the servant was not above the master and the servant should respond with the appropriate obedience and attitude that was in order for that relationship. Paul points out to the Philippians throughout his letter that they should have a servant’s heart, even in the address of the letter:

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…

Also, in Ephesians, Paul directly ties the “fear and trembling” with the servant:

Ephesians 6:5
Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

The servant attitude Paul promotes is in contrast with the attitudes that the Philippians were coming into contact with and even struggling with themselves. There were those that had an attitude of pride and did not serve others but only looked after themselves.

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

-Philippians 1:15-17 (NIV)

Those that were preaching the gospel selfishly and looking only to their own interest were not serving anyone. Paul writes against that position and uses Jesus as an example:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

-Philippians 2:3-11 (NIV)

Even though Jesus was God, he still came with a servant’s heart and was humble and obedient.

As we listen to Paul’s call for humility and a servant’s heart let’s remember the proverb that God opposes the proud but gives favor to the humble.

Next time I will take a look at the phrase “fear and trembling” in I Corinthians.