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. |
    |