Hi Eileen,
Php 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, 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;
I think this verse in 2 Corinthians is saying the same thing, a second witness.
2Co 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.
We are taught over and over in Scripture to "fear God."
1Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear5399 God. Honor the king.
G5399 Fear - phobeō
to frighten, that is, (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy to be in awe of, that is, revere: - be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.
We read in the OT that to "fear God" is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear3372 God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
H3372 fear - yârê'
A primitive root; to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten: - affright, be (make) afraid, dread (-ful), (put in) fear (-ful, -fully, -ing). (be had in) reverence (-end), X see, terrible (act, -ness, thing).
And here is why we should fear God.
Psa 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.
Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Pro 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Pro 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility.
Pro 2:1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,
v. 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;
v. 3 yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,
v. 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures;
v. 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
And back to the original Scripture to sum it up.
Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
I hope this is helpful.
mercy, peace and love
Kat