There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

The above words seem strange, especially in the light of such passages as 
I Peter 1:17:  “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear”.  One passage seems to imply that one’s conduct is to be motivated by fear.  The other passage seems to teach that the Christian is to have no fear.  How do we resolve this supposed conflict?

The word “fear” (phobos) is a neutral word that can have both a harmful or useful connotation depending upon the context.  Two common uses of phobos in classical Greek are 1) to be stricken with panic or dread, or 2) to have awe or reverence for one who is infinitely superior.

The last use of the word (reverence) certainly applies to one’s life with God.  Between God and man there is intimacy, but not familiarity.  Man is to be lost in wonder and praise with God.  It was the impetus behind the early church:  “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” (Acts 9:31)  Or, Paul says, “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;” (Philippians 2:12)  Thus, God’s child, living in the shadow of eternity,  must stand in awe of the presence of God!

However, when fear turns to phobia it can have a crippling effect.  Thus, John says “perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment”.  The Christian is not to live in constant dread of punishment, but a continual awareness of God’s love and grace.

There can be no perfect walk with God without a sense of awe and reverence.  It can be a great deterrent to sin.  But, when such reverence turns to phobia it can stunt one’s walk, which because it has lost its grace, it has lost its assurance, and because it has lost its assurance, it has lost its glory.

by George Slover
 

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24)

These verses mark the climax of this great letter.  In keeping with the theme, the author provides a contrast between the Mosaic dispensation and the Christian dispensation.  Fiery Mount Sinai is the emblem of the Mosaic law.  The heavenly city of Jerusalem symbolizes privileges and blessings that flow from a new relationship in Christ.

Pictures of God’s people are found throughout the New Testament.  God’s people are the “church” (Ephesians 1:22,23), the “body of Christ” (Ephesians 1:22,23), the “temple of God” (Ephesians 2:19-22), the “living stones” (I Peter 2:5), the “bride of Christ” (Ephesians 5:23-33), and “Christ’s sheep”. (John 1:14-15; 25-30)  In this context we have a seven-fold description of God and his people.

Consider each of these seven descriptions.  First, they had come to “Mount Zion”, the city of God.  They had come into the presence of God, the heavenly Jerusalem.  Second, they were in the presence of an “innumerable company of angels”.  These angels rejoice when just one sinner repents.  Third, they had come to the “church of the firstborn”.  All of the rights of God’s inheritance go to the firstborn.  Fourth, they came to “God, the judge of all”.  They must live out of reverence to Him.  Fifth, they had come to the “spirits of just men made perfect”.  They were in company with saints of old – Abraham, Sarah, David, etc.  Sixth, they had come to “Jesus, the mediator”.  He is the source of all of their hopes and dreams.  Seventh, they had come to “the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel”.  While Abel’s blood cries out “condemnation”,  Christ blood shouts “you are forgiven”!  Each of  these must have filled their souls with excitement!  

What should these truths mean to us?  They should remind us of  things heavenly and eternal!  However, with these great blessings come great responsibilities!  These images should create in our heart a longing for fellowship.  We need God and his  people!  Thus, the Hebrew author commands: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

By George Slover


 

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12)

John’s gospel begins by abruptly announcing that God (vs.1) became flesh (vs. 14) and took up residence among men.  Though many rejected him, some received him.  Those who received him were given the highest honor- the right to be the sons of God.

According to the text, receiving Jesus equals believing in his name.  His name is significant whether it is “Christ” or “Immanuel”.  His name sets before us the object of faith.  One becomes a son of God on the condition of faith in Christ.  (Galatians 3:26,27)  There is no son-ship without this living faith.

Faith in Christ involves more than mere belief of truth, though that is involved.  It involves more than just believing:  “Jesus died for me”.   It is trusting in the person of Christ.  One must believe on Christ for salvation.  They must trust him as the all-sufficient mediator and obey him as Lord.  (Mt. 7:21-23)

Just what is offered to those who receive Jesus?  They are given the right to become children of God.  This exalted position is more than a title.  It involves participation in the greatest blessing a human can receive including the promise of being the heir of an eternal home.  (Rm. 8:17,18)  However, this exalted position comes with responsibilities that accompany this noble relationship. (Eph. 4:1,2)  

Sadly, John tells us (Jn. 1:10,11) the majority, including the educated and influential, rejected him.  It is easy to follow the crowd.  Following Jesus involves independence and a decision of character.  However, the rewards will be well worth it.  It is better to accept the one who was “despised and rejected of men” than to reap the consequences of rejecting him.

By George Slover  
 

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. 
(Psalms 139:23-24)

Psalm 139 is one of my favorites.  This is a passage worth committing to memory, a reminder of God’s constant presence.  A young lady once requested this passage to be read at her wedding.  How appropriate!  Surely God was the most important guest of the day!

The Psalm is easily divided into four sections.  The first section (vs.1-6) tells of the impossibility of concealing anything from God.  The second section (vs.7-12) declares the impossibility of escaping from God’s presence.  Section three (vs.13-18) speaks of God’s great power.  In section four (vs. 19-24) the psalmist enters into supplication to God.  It is on the last two verses I wish to focus.  Here the psalmist enters into reflective self-examination.  Consider below three important lessons.

First, the poet implies his imperfect knowledge of is own character.  Sin creates darkness and deception.  “Who can understand his errors?” (Psalm 19:12)   We are easily subject to a sense of self-importance.  It is easy for us to excuse ourselves or to lessen the guilt of sins to which we are inclined.  Thus, there is wisdom in asking the Searcher of our hearts to try us and cleanse us.

Second, the psalmist plainly states he is willing to know the worst about himself.  Men are generally afraid to be placed under such scrutiny.  If we go to the doctor want to know everything even the worst, but not so with the soul.  The true spirit is a willingness to be tried.  Only when God reveals our true character can we make the needed changes.

The third lesson is the assurance that God is able to lead him in the right way.  “Lead me in the way everlasting”.  “Show me the good way, the way of the righteous, the path that leads to light”.  Only God, through his word, can show us what we are and set us on the right path.
 
By George Slover


 

"Then He also said to him who invited Him, "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. "And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just."  (Luke 14:12-14)

One Sunday morning, when I took my place in the pulpit, I noticed a guest sitting on the back pew.  Our visitor, dressed rather poorly, was slouched in his seat, and had his shirt unbuttoned revealing much of his chest.  I had pretty much sized up the young man deciding he was a typical “church bum”.

When the invitation song was led our guest came to the front and expressed the need to get his life right with God.  While I was still skeptical of his motives, I accepted his confession.  Less than a year later both his wife and 14 year old son were baptized.  He and his family never had much of this world’s goods to offer, but what they did give was far greater than any material thing – it was hearts of gratitude.

The above passage is a rather probing one.  The Lord demands that we examine the motives behind our generosity.  Jesus cuts to the heart of religious profiling.

What is the motive behind your religious work?  Some give out of a sense of duty, others to feel superior, and others because they cannot help it.  It is the later that is the law of the kingdom of Christ.  This is the only way to serve!  This places us in character with God himself.  (Mt. 5:45)  If one gives to gain a reward, he will receive no reward; but if one gives with no thought of the reward, his reward is certain!  Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" 
(Acts 20:35)

By George Slover