Homilies on Philippians — Homily 8

St. John Chrysostom

1. 0. Greeting

[[Philippians 2.12]]-16

So then, my beloved, even 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 work for His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that you may be blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ.

The admonitions which we give ought to be accompanied with commendations; for thus they become even welcome, when we refer those whom we admonish to that measure of zeal which they have themselves exhibited; as Paul, for instance, did here; and observe with what singular discretion; So then, my beloved, he says; he did not say simply be obedient, not until he had first commended them in these words, even as you have always obeyed; i.e. it is not other men, but your own selves, whom I bid you take example by. Not as in my presence only, but much more in my absence. And why, much more in my absence? You seemed perhaps at that time to be doing everything out of respect to me, and from a principle of shame, but that is no longer so; if then ye make it evident that you now strive more earnestly, it is also made evident that neither then was it done out of consideration to me, but for God's sake. Tell me, what would you? not that you give heed to me, but that you 'work out your own salvation with fear and trembling'; for it is impossible for one, who lives devoid of fear, to set forth any high or commanding example; and he said not merely with fear, but and with trembling, which is an excessive degree of fear. Such fear had Paul: and therefore he said, I fear lest having preached to others, I myself should be rejected. [[1 Corinthians 9.27]] For if without the aid of fear temporal things can never be achieved, how much less spiritual matters; for I desire to know, who ever learned his letters without fear? Who has become a proficient in any art, without fear? But if, when the devil does not lie in the way, where indolence is the only obstacle, so much of fear is necessary merely in order that we may master that indolence which is natural to us; where there is so fierce a war, so great hindrances, how can we by any possibility be saved without fear?

And how may this fear be produced? If we but consider that God is everywhere present, hears all things, sees all things, not only whatsoever is done and said, but also all that is in the heart, and in the depth of the soul, for He is quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart [[Hebrews 4.12]], if we so dispose ourselves, we shall not do or say or imagine anything that is evil. Tell me, if you had to stand constantly near the person of a ruler, would you not stand there with fear? And how standing in God's presence, do you lau