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I am wondering about Philippians 2:12 which says to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (NIV). I understand that the word "fear" in that passage could mean "awe," but it says "fear and trembling" so it seems to refer to when you are afraid of something. In Romans 8, it says, "You should not be like cowering, fearful slaves." So it means that we should not be afraid of God, but the thing in Philippians seems to look like we are. What does that passage in Philippians mean?

I am wondering about Philippians 2:12 which says to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (NIV). I understand that the word "fear" in that passage could mean "awe," but it says "fear and trembling" so it seems to refer to when you are afraid of something. In Romans 8, it says, "You should not be like cowering, fearful slaves." So it means that we should not be afraid of God, but the thing in Philippians seems to look like we are. What does that passage in Philippians mean?

James

We appreciate your question about the use of fear in Philippians 2:12 where Paul wrote, "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." You are right, the word "fear" there does not mean terror, dread, or fright, in our usual sense of those words. It means reverence, trust, sense of awe, and a recognition of God's majesty and power.

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