A Soul-Tormenting Fear and a Fear-Expelling Love
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.


I. A SOUL-TORMENTING FEAR.

1. This slavish fear is co extensive with the unregenerate race. A slavish fear of —

(1)  Poverty.

(2)  Death.

(3)  Retribution.

(4)  God.

2. This slavish fear is ever associated with mental suffering. It makes the present miserable by its horrid forebodings of the future.

II. A FEAR-EXPELLING LOVE. This includes —

1. A consciousness that God loves us.

2. A settled confidence in God's fatherly regard for us.

3. The influential dwelling of God within us.

4. The extinction by God of all selfishness within us.Conclusion: This subject —

1. Supplies the test of true religion.

2. Indicates the criterion of true preaching.

3. Shows the philosophy of the gospel.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

WEB: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.




The Victory of Love Over Fear
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