When G-d shows His kindness to a person, it brings that person closer to G-d, causing his feeling of self-importance to diminish, since "everything is like nothing before G-d".
Therefore, it was precisely due to the fact that G-d had been so kind to Yaakov that he became small in his own eyes - for the kindness brought him closer to G-d, and so he felt that he was not worthy of G-d's promise to be saved.
Source: based on Tanya Igeres Hakodesh ch.2
How could Yaakov the patriarch fear that "perhaps... I have become soiled with sin" [Rashi v. 12] when surely he was aware that he had not sinned?
A tzadik is not static - he constantly grows spiritually from one level to the next. After reaching a higher level, his previous actions are spiritually deficient compared to his current standing. They are thus considered as "sins", metaphorically speaking. [The Hebrew word for sin - chet - can also mean ''deficiency'' [see Kings 11:21] Thus Yaakov was worried that perhaps due to such ''sins'' he was not worthy to be saved.
Source: based on Likutei Sichos Lubavitcher Rebbe
The modesty Yaakov displays in relation to his merits allowed him to receive the benefits of chaya soul, thus obtaining the gift of prophecy. Good example for everyone.
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