For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

2:12   Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

What a church, for Paul to tell them that they have always obeyed. Amazing! He was able to say that without fear of pride swelling up in them, speaking of the very humility we just worked through in the retelling of the humiliation of the Christ! These saints were truly catching them message, and Paul’s love for these gentle souls spoke volumes of the work of Christ in their lives. He was seeking their continued obedience even as he is in a prison far away.

This obedience consisted of work. But Carl – Christianity of a relationship, a matter of the heart towards God, a faith based connection with God. Why are you bringing up “work?”

Let me tell you a bit of a story. I was in Sunday School a few days back and we were chatting about a topic, and a question came up about Christians being judged by their works. This immediately brought about “corrections”, and concerns that Christianity is all about the heart condition. One young lady was quite shocked that this was even mentioned in the class, that our works would be judged.

It is somewhat funny that the very passage we were studying moments before was in Jeremiah 17, speaking of the deceitfulness of the heart.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:10 “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

Might that be one reason Paul indicated the motivation for a believers work as being with “fear and trembling”? Not only does this verse speak of “work”, but also of fear and of trembling. That is somewhat surprising since the book of Philippians is often considered the letter of joy, and rightly so, for joy is a predominant theme. So why bring up these two “downers” Paul?

I would suggest that the Christian life is a life lived in tension with multiple truths. Paradox’s are abundant within the Word, and it is for the believer to understand and live within these paradox’s through study, discernment, and faith. Consider the following paradox.

Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

For me, at first glance, the mention of “fear and trembling” is a paradox within this letter to the Philippians. Yet after a bit of considering and thinking on it, if understood properly, is actually a foundation for a deep seated joy in our discipleship. A mindset of seriousness, a determination, a focus on completing your course before God, only adds to the joy that is available for the believer.

As an aside, fear and trembling occurs in two additional passages in the New Testament.

2 Corinthians 7:15 ESV – And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.

Ephesians 6:5 ESV – Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. There is joy in Jesus.

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