Promoting the Gospel at Work with Nervousness and Fear
Promoting the Gospel at Work with Nervousness and Fear
The concept of promoting the Gospel at work with nervousness and fear is rooted in biblical teachings and has been explored by various Christian traditions. The Apostle Paul's writings provide a foundation for understanding this concept, as he often expressed his own experiences of fear and nervousness in his ministry [1, 2].
In 1 Corinthians 9:16, Paul states, "For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel" [1]. This sense of compulsion is accompanied by a deep-seated fear of not fulfilling his duty. Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Paul expresses his fear that the Thessalonians might be tested by the Evil One, and his work might come to nothing [2]. These passages illustrate the emotional and spiritual struggles that can accompany the task of promoting the Gospel.
The biblical concept of fear is complex and multifaceted. In Job 21:6, Job says, "At the very thought of it my flesh is shaking with fear" [3]. This fear is not just a natural human response but is also associated with a deep sense of reverence and awe for God. In Job 41:22, it is written, "Terror dances before him" [4], highlighting the idea that fear can be a motivating factor.
Christian traditions have interpreted these biblical teachings in various ways. According to John Calvin, the fear experienced by believers is different from that of the wicked. Believers fear offending God more than they fear punishment, whereas the wicked fear God's anger and punishment [5]. Calvin argues that this fear is a necessary component of the Christian life, as it motivates believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) [6].
The Catholic tradition, as represented by Thomas Aquinas, views fear as having both positive and negative effects on human action. According to Aquinas, fear can hinder exterior actions due to the bodily members being deprived of their heat, but it can also be a motivator for the soul [7]. In the context of promoting the Gospel, fear can be a catalyst for action, as seen in the examples of Paul and other biblical figures.
The Patristic tradition, as represented by Augustine, emphasizes the importance of humility and fear in the Christian life. Augustine notes that even the elect can go astray, but God can turn their mistakes to their advantage, teaching them to rejoice with trembling and not to be arrogant in their confidence [9].
In the Reformed tradition, John Gill's commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:9 highlights the labor and travail that Paul endured in his ministry, working night and day to support himself and others [8]. This example illustrates the idea that promoting the Gospel often requires hard work and dedication, even in the face of fear and nervousness.
The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, emphasizes the importance of working out one's salvation with fear and trembling, while also doing all things without murmurings and disputings [6]. This approach balances the need for reverence and fear with the importance of living a blameless and harmless life.
Sources
- 1 Corinthians “1 Corinthians 9:16 (NASB) — For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.”
- I Thessalonians “I Thessalonians 3:5 (BBE) — For this reason, when I was no longer able to keep quiet, I sent to get news of your faith, fearing that you might be tested by the Evil One and that our work might come to nothing.”
- Job “Job 21:6 (BBE) — At the very thought of it my flesh is shaking with fear.”
- Job “There is strength in his neck. Terror dances before him. -- Job 41:22”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 57: and so abused the goodness of God to their own destruction. But though you should hold that the words were addressed to elect believers, no inconsistency will follow. It is one thing, in order to prevent believers from indulging vain confidence, to repress the temerity which, from the remains of the flesh, sometimes gains upon them, and it is another thing to strike terror into their consciences, and prevent them from feeling secure in the mercy of God. 23. Then, when he bids us work out our salvation with fear and trembling, all h”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: 219 Homily VIII. Philippians ii. 12–16 “So then, my beloved, even as ye 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 worketh in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of li”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part of the Second Part (Prima Secundae), Of the Effects of Fear, Art. 4: Article: Whether fear hinders action? I answer that, Man's exterior actions are caused by the soul as first mover, but by the bodily members as instruments. Now action may be hindered both by defect of the instrument, and by defect of the principal mover. On the part of the bodily instruments, fear, considered in itself, is always apt to hinder exterior action, on account of the outward members being deprived, through fear, of their heat. But on the part of the soul, if the fear be modera”
- 1 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Thessalonians 2:9: For ye remember brethren, our labour and travail,.... The great pains they took, even to weariness. The Vulgate Latin version renders the last word, "weariness"; and the Arabic version, "anxiety"; and the Ethiopic version, "affliction"; it is to be understood both of corporeal and spiritual labour, working with their hands and preaching the Gospel; this could not but be remembered by them, since it was not a year ago they were with them: for labouring night and day; at our handicraft, or "at the work of our hands", as the Syriac version renders it; which the”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 5: Augustine — Anti-Pelagian — CHAP. 24.--EVEN THE SINS OF THE ELECT ARE TURNED BY GOD TO THEIR ADVANTAGE. (part 1): To such as love Him, God co-worketh with all things for good; so absolutely all things, that even if any of them go astray, and break out of the way, even this itself He makes to avail them for good, so that they return more lowly and more instructed. For they learn that in the right way[7] itself they ought to rejoice with trembling; not with arrogation to themselves of confidence of abiding as if by their own strength; not with saying, in their abundance, "We shall n”