1 John 4:18
Verse
Context
Love Comes from God
17In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him.18There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. 19We love because He first loved us.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
There is no fear in love - The man who feels that he loves God with all his heart can never dread him as his Judge. As he is now made a partaker of his Spirit, and carries a sense of the Divine approbation in his conscience, he has nothing of that fear that produces terror or brings torment. The perfect love - that fullness of love, which he has received, casteth out fear - removes all terror relative to this day of judgment, for it is of this that the apostle particularly speaks. And as it is inconsistent with the gracious design of God to have his followers miserable, and as he cannot be unhappy whose heart is full of the love of his God, this love must necessarily exclude this fear or terror; because that brings torment, and hence is inconsistent with that happiness which a man must have who continually enjoys the approbation of his God. He that feareth - He who is still uncertain concerning his interest in Christ; who, although he has many heavenly drawings, and often sits with Christ some moments on a throne of love, yet feels from the evils of his heart a dread of the day of judgment; is not made perfect in love - has not yet received the abiding witness of the Spirit that he is begotten of God; nor that fullness of love to God and man which excludes the enmity of the carnal mind, and which it is his privilege to receive. But is the case of such a man desperate? No: it is neither desperate nor deplorable; he is in the way of salvation, and not far from the kingdom of heaven. Let such earnestly seek, and fervently believe on the Son of God; and he will soon give them another baptism of his Spirit, will purge out all the old leaven, and fill their whole souls with that love which is the fulfilling of the law. He who is not yet perfect in love may speedily become so, because God can say in a moment, I will, be thou clean; and immediately his leprosy will depart. Among men we find some that have neither love nor fear; others that have fear without love; others that have love and fear; and others that have love without fear. 1. Profligates, and worldly men in general, have neither the fear nor love of God. 2. Deeply awakened and distressed penitents have the fear or terror of God without his love. 3. Babes in Christ, or young converts, have often distressing fear mixed with their love. 4. Adult Christians have love without this fear; because fear hath torment, and they are ever happy, being filled with God. See Mr. Wesley's note on this place. 1. We must not suppose that the love of God shed abroad in the heart is ever imperfect in itself; it is only so in degree. There may be a less or greater degree of what is perfect in itself; so it is with respect to the love which the followers of God have; they may have measures or degrees of perfect love without its fullness. There is nothing imperfect in the love of God, whether it be considered as existing in himself, or as communicated to his followers. 2. We are not to suppose that the love of God casts out every kind of fear from the soul; it only casts out that which has torment. 1. A filial fear is consistent with the highest degrees of love; and even necessary to the preservation of that grace. This is properly its guardian; and, without this, love would soon degenerate into listlessness, or presumptive boldness. 2. Nor does it cast out that fear which is so necessary to the preservation of life; that fear which leads a man to flee from danger lest his life should be destroyed. 3. Nor does it cast out that fear which may be engendered by sudden alarm. All these are necessary to our well-being. But it destroys, 1. The fear of want; 2. The fear of death; and 3. The fear or terror of judgment. All these fears bring torment, and are inconsistent with this perfect love.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Fear has no place in love. Bold confidence (Jo1 4:17), based on love, cannot coexist with fear. Love, which, when perfected, gives bold confidence, casts out fear (compare Heb 2:14-15). The design of Christ's propitiatory death was to deliver from this bondage of fear. but--"nay" [ALFORD]. fear hath torment--Greek, "punishment." Fear is always revolving in the mind the punishment deserved [ESTIUS]. Fear, by anticipating punishment (through consciousness of deserving it), has it even now, that is, the foretaste of it. Perfect love is incompatible with such a self-punishing fear. Godly fear of offending God is quite distinct from slavish fear of consciously deserved punishment. The latter fear is natural to us all until love casts it out. "Men's states vary: one is without fear and love; another, with fear without love; another, with fear and love; another, without fear with love" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
There is no fear in love,.... In the love of the brethren; where that is, there is no fear: so far as that prevails and gains ground, fear removes; not the filial fear of God, the new covenant grace of fear, which is the beginning of wisdom, and is consistent with faith, hope, love, and spiritual joy; but either the fear of men, which brings a snare: those that truly love Christ, his Gospel, and his people, they are not afraid of men; the spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind, is opposite to a spirit of fear, nor can they stand together; and such strength there is sometimes in brotherly love, that the saints are not afraid of death itself, but freely lay down their lives for one another; see Jo1 3:16; or it may be rather, that they are not afraid of the day of judgment, and of hell and damnation; where hatred of the brethren has place, there is a fear and dread of these things, as were in Cain; but those that love the brethren, they know they are passed from death to life, and shall not enter into condemnation, and therefore are in no fear of any of these things: but perfect love casteth out fear; when love to the brethren appears to be perfect, that is, genuine and sincere, and a man knows that from the bottom of his heart he sincerely loves the saints, he concludes from hence, as he may, the truth of his faith, which works in this way; and this frees him from the fears of men and devils, and of the future judgment and wrath to come. The Jews have a saying (w), "worthy is his portion that rules over the place of fear, for lo, there is nothing that rules over the degree of "fear" but "love".'' Because fear hath torment: it distresses a man, fills him with anguish, and makes him restless and uneasy, and keeps him in servitude; through the fear of men, of the devil, death, judgment, and hell, he is all his lifetime, or as long as this fear lasts, subject to bondage: or "fear has punishment", as it may be rendered, and is by the Vulgate Latin version; it is a punishment itself to a man; and its being criminal deserves punishment, and is punishable; see Rev 21:8; he that feareth is not made perfect in love; or "by love"; that is, he that is possessed, and under the power of a servile fear of punishment, is one who is not, by the love to the brethren, made to appear to himself to be a sincere lover of God, and true believer in Christ; for was he, he would not be in fear of destruction and death, since whoever truly loves God, and believes in Christ, shall certainly be saved; though such persons, at times, may not be without their doubts and fears. (w) Zohar in Exod. fol. 87. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:18 perfect love expels all fear: As we live with Christ and grow more mature and complete in God’s love, we have confidence in facing the day of judgment, which will be terrifying for those who don’t know God (Acts 24:25; Rom 2:16). • Based on consciousness of guilt, fear anticipates a deserved punishment, producing dread that is itself a foretaste of that punishment. Christ died to set us free from this dread (Heb 2:14-15).
1 John 4:18
Love Comes from God
17In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him.18There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. 19We love because He first loved us.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) God's House - a Three Story Building
By Zac Poonen6.2K49:09God's LoveLaw Of The Holy SpiritBuilding the ChurchPRO 22:15MAT 5:9JHN 17:23ACT 2:42ROM 8:1EPH 6:12COL 3:14HEB 10:241PE 3:71JN 4:18Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of building a godly life, home, and church, illustrating that the foundation of our lives must be rooted in the understanding of God's immense love for us, akin to how He loves Jesus. He shares personal experiences of overcoming feelings of inferiority and the necessity of surrendering every aspect of our lives to God to prevent the devil from gaining a foothold. Poonen stresses that a strong personal relationship with God and a loving home environment are essential before one can effectively contribute to the church. He encourages believers to focus on building a community of faith that reflects unity and love, rather than merely individual holiness. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the church as the body of Christ, where believers work together in harmony to fulfill God's purpose.
2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead
By K.P. Yohannan5.0K00:00Christian MinistryFear Of GodPSA 139:23PRO 1:7ECC 12:13MAT 10:28ROM 14:122CO 5:112CO 5:14HEB 4:131PE 1:171JN 4:18K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. He highlights how Paul was driven by a reverent fear of God, which instilled a sense of responsibility and accountability in his ministry. Yohannan contrasts this with the contemporary view of God as merely a friend, urging believers to recognize the seriousness of their relationship with the Almighty. He shares a personal story about his son to illustrate the weight of disappointment and the importance of honoring God. Ultimately, he calls on ministers and believers alike to live with a deep reverence for God, understanding the gravity of their actions and the impact on their relationship with Him.
The Devil's Twins - Fret and Fear
By David Wilkerson4.9K1:01:18PSA 37:1PSA 46:10MAT 6:33ROM 8:152TI 1:71JN 4:18In this sermon, the speaker expresses his frustration and anger towards a wicked and vile man. He talks about reaching a breaking point and wanting to take action against this person. He mentions a story from the Bible where David planned to kill every man, woman, and child in a city out of anger and revenge. The speaker also discusses a news article about a group of young men who randomly assaulted and terrorized people in Central Park. Despite the anger and frustration, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the souls of those who commit evil acts and encourages prayer for their hearts to be changed.
Fear of Rejection
By Carter Conlon4.6K55:40RejectionPSA 27:1ISA 41:10ISA 43:1MAT 10:31ROM 8:152TI 1:71JN 4:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining our confidence in God, especially during difficult times. He explains that God knows our struggles and will send ministers to deliver a powerful word that cuts deep into our hearts. The speaker also highlights the purpose of the Old Testament, which is to lead us to Jesus Christ and empower us to become the resurrected bride of Christ. He warns that the world will become darker and more distant from God, but the Church will shine brighter and become more like Jesus. The sermon concludes with the anticipation of the Father speaking the word to Jesus to go and gather his beloved bride, and the joyous shout that will follow.
Fear of the Lord
By Winkie Pratney2.4K1:08:57Fear Of The LordReverence for GodEXO 15:11DEU 10:12PSA 86:11PRO 1:7PRO 28:14MAL 1:6MRK 4:36JHN 3:162TI 1:71JN 4:18Winkie Pratney emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the foremost requirement from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12. He explains that while love, service, and obedience are important, they stem from a proper understanding of God's greatness and holiness. Pratney explores the dual nature of fear in the Bible, contrasting the fear of the Lord with the fear that God does not give us, and highlights that true reverence for God leads to wisdom and understanding. He encourages believers to seek a deeper revelation of God's beauty and majesty, which will transform their lives and lead to genuine worship and obedience.
Jackie Pullinger Testimony
By Gareth Evans1.9K07:05ISA 6:8MAT 25:40ACT 1:8ROM 8:311CO 1:272CO 12:9EPH 3:20PHP 4:13JAS 2:141JN 4:18This sermon shares a powerful testimony of encountering Jackie Pullinger, a remarkable individual who fearlessly entered the dangerous Wall City in Hong Kong to bring hope and light to drug addicts, criminals, and prostitutes. Through her selfless actions and unwavering faith, Jackie demonstrated how God can use anyone for His glory, regardless of qualifications or background, showcasing the transformative power of God's anointing in unexpected ways.
Attack of the Devil - Part 4
By Joshua Daniel1.9K09:04NUM 13:301CO 13:8PHP 4:132TI 1:71JN 4:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of overcoming defeatism and having faith in God's power to conquer challenges. It contrasts the defeatist attitude of the majority with the faith-filled perspective of God's people, highlighting the need to trust in God's promises and not look back in fear. The message also addresses the destructive nature of pride and the impact of love in a world filled with terror and hatred.
Maintain the Connection - Part 2
By Hans Peter Royer1.7K46:20MAT 6:33JHN 12:25ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 6:15PHP 1:201JN 4:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of hearing the voice of God and being connected with Christ. He emphasizes the need to renew our thinking patterns and let go of our old ways of life. The speaker highlights how Jesus motivated people with love rather than threats, and challenges the audience to examine their own behavior towards their spouses and children. He also mentions the misconception of thinking that selfishness and greed will bring happiness, when in reality, losing our lives for Christ's sake leads to true fulfillment. The sermon concludes with the reminder that although we are born of God, we still need to continually cleanse ourselves in order to remain receptive to God's voice.
Genuine Love
By Tim Conway1.4K56:13ISA 43:2MAT 10:28ROM 8:12CO 11:25GAL 5:6EPH 3:171JN 4:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine love without hypocrisy, rooted in faith in Christ. It challenges believers to love sacrificially despite real-life challenges, false accusations, disappointments, and personal struggles, highlighting that true faith always produces love. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's promises that all things work together for good, nothing can separate them from Christ's love, and God is always for them, enabling them to love fearlessly and generously.
The Only Known Audio Recording of Brengle 1920
By Samuel Logan Brengle1.4K04:07Vintage RecordingMAT 5:5MAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 12:2GAL 5:221TH 5:231JN 4:18In this video, the late Commissioner Samuel Brangle shares his personal testimony of how he experienced sanctification and full salvation. He recounts how he encountered God in his own room and immediately shared the news with others. Encouraged by a friend, he began preaching about his experience and witnessed God's blessings in his own life and in the lives of others. Commissioner Brangle emphasizes that sanctification is a transformative experience that brings every thought into captivity to the Lord Jesus and fills the heart with love for God and others.
Love Will Soon Cast Out All Fear
By Carter Conlon1.2K44:27JHN 10:27HEB 12:61JN 4:18This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of God's love to cast out fear, instill boldness, and bring security for the future. It calls for a deep understanding and reception of God's perfect love, leading to a profound change in perspective and a genuine love for others. The message highlights the importance of opening our hearts to God's love, allowing it to remove fear and empower us to walk in confidence and compassion.
Living for Eternity 2 - Part 3
By Joshua Daniel1.2K09:52MAT 6:6ACT 28:231CO 13:2EPH 6:122TI 1:7JAS 4:71JN 4:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of seizing and holding onto the promises of God with unwavering faith and commitment, contrasting it with a lack of love, holiness, and power that hinders believers. It challenges listeners to testify boldly about the kingdom of God and the Savior, even in the face of challenges like Islamization, urging them to prioritize their relationship with Jesus above all else.
Ministry From 1 John 4
By William MacDonald1.1K45:27MinistryMAT 6:331CO 2:132TI 3:161JN 2:11JN 4:61JN 4:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and giving in the Christian faith. He contrasts love with lust, stating that love is manifested through giving, while lust is focused on getting. The preacher highlights the ultimate act of love by God, who gave His only Son for the salvation of the world. He also addresses the fear of judgment at the moment of death, reassuring believers that if they have faith in Christ, they do not need to fear judgment because His love casts out fear. The sermon concludes with a reminder to test the spirits and discern false prophets, emphasizing the importance of confessing Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh.
The Love of God
By Bill McLeod87351:52Character Of GodJHN 12:21ROM 5:5ROM 8:9ROM 8:141JN 4:161JN 4:18In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of Jack Harls, a man who was desperate for God's power to preach the gospel. After his father's death, Jack made a vow to God that he would not eat or drink until he received this power. On the third day, God touched him and he went on to preach with great success, leading 18 people to conversion. The speaker also reflects on the state of churches today and encourages listeners to actively participate in God's work rather than just observing from a distance.
The Testimony of Pastor Carter Conlon
By Carter Conlon73850:24PRO 3:5MAT 6:14ACT 1:8ROM 8:31EPH 3:20PHP 4:13JAS 5:161PE 4:81JN 4:18This sermon is a powerful testimony of a miraculous journey of faith, highlighting the transformation and redemption experienced through surrendering to God. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, restitution, and faithful service in the Christian walk, showcasing the supernatural work of God in ordinary lives. The speaker shares personal stories of encountering God's love, overcoming fear, and witnessing divine interventions, ultimately pointing to the life-changing impact of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wfd2ncj6eli/hqdefault.jpg
By Zac Poonen65755:43ISA 41:10MAT 3:11MAT 11:11LUK 1:74LUK 1:76JHN 3:30ROM 8:152CO 3:6GAL 5:11JN 4:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing the way for Jesus Christ's second coming, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's ministry before Christ's first coming. It highlights the need to preach a message that delivers people from fear, encourages repentance from seeking earthly things to seeking heavenly things, and focuses on inward righteousness over outward legalism. The speaker challenges listeners to seek a ministry of righteousness that leads to freedom and love for God, rather than one of condemnation and guilt.
Victory Over Fear
By Basilea Schlink50904:30Radio ShowPSA 46:1ISA 41:10MAT 8:26JHN 16:33PHP 2:102TI 1:71JN 4:18In this sermon titled "Victory over Fear" by Basilius Schling, the speaker addresses the prevalent issue of fear in today's world. He acknowledges that fear is a serious sign of the times and that almost everyone has to confront it. However, he emphasizes that there is a way to overcome fear through trust in God. The speaker encourages listeners to come to Jesus with their fears, calling upon His victorious name with faith and prayer. He assures that Jesus understands our fear, bears it with us, and has overcome the world, offering comfort and peace to fearful hearts. The sermon emphasizes the power of Jesus' name and the need for continuous prayer and faith to be set free from fear.
What Is a Christian 02 a Child of God
By James K. Boswell38638:40ROM 1:122CO 3:181JN 3:11JN 4:18In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being mistaken for Jesus by a little girl on a train. He emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus and the hope of being transformed to be like Him in the future. The preacher also highlights the joy and fellowship that comes from having the love of God shed abroad in our hearts. He encourages believers to seek out others who share the same love and life in Christ. The sermon concludes with a touching story of a boy whose eyes were opened and his gratitude towards the one who performed the miracle.
Ambassadors for Christ
By Corrie Ten Boom16557:31AmbassadorshipFaith in AdversityMAT 5:14JHN 20:21ACT 1:8ROM 10:142CO 5:172CO 5:20EPH 6:19PHP 4:131PE 2:91JN 4:18Corrie Ten Boom shares her profound experiences of faith during her imprisonment, emphasizing that it was not her wavering faith but Jesus who carried her through the darkest times. She passionately speaks about the call to be ambassadors for Christ, urging young people to embrace their role in spreading the gospel and saving souls. Corrie recounts her experiences of saving lives during the war and highlights the importance of loving one's enemies, showcasing the transformative power of forgiveness through Christ. She encourages her audience to surrender their lives to God, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and actively participate in the mission of reconciliation. Ultimately, she reminds them that every believer is called to be a light in the world, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Fear
By Leonard Ravenhill1591:00:33Overcoming FearFaith and CourageFearPRO 1:7ISA 41:10MAT 25:25ACT 1:8ROM 12:11CO 6:42TI 1:72TI 4:7HEB 11:71JN 4:18Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that fear is the true public enemy number one, overshadowing sin, ignorance, and poverty. He draws from historical and biblical examples to illustrate how fear can paralyze individuals and communities, contrasting it with the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind that God provides. Ravenhill highlights the importance of recognizing fear's reality while also understanding that it can be overcome through faith and the teachings of Scripture. He encourages believers to stir up the gifts within them and to stand firm in their faith, especially in perilous times, as Paul advised Timothy. Ultimately, he calls for a return to a deep, abiding trust in God to combat the fears that plague humanity.
Getting Healed
By Gary Wilkerson11149:59Overcoming PainHealingPSA 34:18ISA 41:10MAT 11:28JHN 14:27ROM 8:372CO 12:9PHP 4:6JAS 5:161PE 5:71JN 4:18Gary Wilkerson addresses the theme of healing in his sermon 'Getting Healed,' emphasizing that many may appear joyful on the outside while harboring deep pain within. He discusses the importance of confronting our struggles, such as anxiety, rejection, loneliness, and shame, before experiencing true freedom through the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Wilkerson likens the church to a 'Holy Ghost Hospital,' where individuals can find healing and support in their journey. He encourages the congregation to embrace their pain, seek community, and rely on God's unconditional love to overcome their struggles. Ultimately, he reassures that healing is a process that begins with honesty and faith in God's transformative power.
Loving God and Loving People
By Gary Wilkerson10552:45God's LoveOvercoming FearLovePSA 139:17JER 29:11MAT 22:37JHN 15:15ACT 10:38ROM 5:5EPH 3:172TI 1:71JN 3:11JN 4:18Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love of God for each individual, encouraging believers to embrace this love as a means to overcome fear and to freely love others. He shares personal experiences of how understanding God's love has transformed his approach to ministry and relationships, moving from a fear-based mindset to one rooted in love and acceptance. Wilkerson highlights that the essence of the New Covenant is God's love, which empowers believers to live authentically and share that love with others, ultimately fostering a community of grace and compassion.
Psalm 23 Series (Session 5)
By Joseph Carroll2540:22Christian LifeLove as DefenseTrust in GodPSA 23:1PSA 42:11ISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 7:37ROM 12:211CO 13:4EPH 6:12PHP 4:191JN 4:18Joseph Carroll emphasizes the profound simplicity of Psalm 23, illustrating how the essence of faith is found in recognizing the Lord as our shepherd. He shares a touching story of a young girl who succinctly captures the essence of the Psalm, stating, 'The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want.' Carroll elaborates on the four conditions necessary for sheep to lie down peacefully, drawing parallels to the Christian life, where freedom from fear, friction, distractions, and hunger is essential for spiritual rest. He stresses that love is the best defense against conflict and emotional turmoil, urging believers to trust in the shepherd's guidance and to find satisfaction in Christ alone. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to accept God's paths for their lives, trusting that He is perfect in all His ways.
Love Wins: Being a People Who Delight in Jesus' Leadership
By Mike Bickle2157:59Jesus' LeadershipLoveMAT 22:37JHN 13:34ROM 13:101CO 13:8GAL 5:22EPH 4:151TI 4:12TI 1:71PE 4:81JN 4:18Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' leadership in the context of love, especially in light of significant cultural shifts such as the legalization of same-sex marriage. He expresses grief over the defiance of God's authority and the institutionalization of sin, while also conveying hope that love ultimately prevails. Bickle calls for the church to respond with empathy and tenderness, recognizing the pain of those in the LGBTQ+ community, and urges believers to uphold biblical truth with a spirit of love. He highlights the need for spiritual preparation in the face of societal changes and encourages unity and righteousness within the body of Christ.
The Revelation of Jesus: Bridegroom, King, and Judge (Rev. 1)
By Mike Bickle1457:00The Majesty of JesusThe Role of the Church in End TimesDAN 7:13MAT 16:18MAT 28:18JHN 14:13ROM 8:37EPH 5:272PE 3:121JN 4:18REV 1:1REV 19:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the revelation of Jesus as the Bridegroom, King, and Judge in Revelation chapter 1, highlighting the importance of understanding His majesty to equip believers for the challenges ahead. He outlines 18 facets of Jesus' majesty that are essential for the church to prepare for His second coming and the end-time events. Bickle stresses that the church is not waiting for Jesus but is called to actively participate in the unfolding of God's action plan, which includes the Great Tribulation and the preparation of the bride. He encourages believers to embrace their role in this divine narrative, recognizing the significance of prayer and unity in hastening the coming of the Lord. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of Jesus' character and His plans for the world.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
There is no fear in love - The man who feels that he loves God with all his heart can never dread him as his Judge. As he is now made a partaker of his Spirit, and carries a sense of the Divine approbation in his conscience, he has nothing of that fear that produces terror or brings torment. The perfect love - that fullness of love, which he has received, casteth out fear - removes all terror relative to this day of judgment, for it is of this that the apostle particularly speaks. And as it is inconsistent with the gracious design of God to have his followers miserable, and as he cannot be unhappy whose heart is full of the love of his God, this love must necessarily exclude this fear or terror; because that brings torment, and hence is inconsistent with that happiness which a man must have who continually enjoys the approbation of his God. He that feareth - He who is still uncertain concerning his interest in Christ; who, although he has many heavenly drawings, and often sits with Christ some moments on a throne of love, yet feels from the evils of his heart a dread of the day of judgment; is not made perfect in love - has not yet received the abiding witness of the Spirit that he is begotten of God; nor that fullness of love to God and man which excludes the enmity of the carnal mind, and which it is his privilege to receive. But is the case of such a man desperate? No: it is neither desperate nor deplorable; he is in the way of salvation, and not far from the kingdom of heaven. Let such earnestly seek, and fervently believe on the Son of God; and he will soon give them another baptism of his Spirit, will purge out all the old leaven, and fill their whole souls with that love which is the fulfilling of the law. He who is not yet perfect in love may speedily become so, because God can say in a moment, I will, be thou clean; and immediately his leprosy will depart. Among men we find some that have neither love nor fear; others that have fear without love; others that have love and fear; and others that have love without fear. 1. Profligates, and worldly men in general, have neither the fear nor love of God. 2. Deeply awakened and distressed penitents have the fear or terror of God without his love. 3. Babes in Christ, or young converts, have often distressing fear mixed with their love. 4. Adult Christians have love without this fear; because fear hath torment, and they are ever happy, being filled with God. See Mr. Wesley's note on this place. 1. We must not suppose that the love of God shed abroad in the heart is ever imperfect in itself; it is only so in degree. There may be a less or greater degree of what is perfect in itself; so it is with respect to the love which the followers of God have; they may have measures or degrees of perfect love without its fullness. There is nothing imperfect in the love of God, whether it be considered as existing in himself, or as communicated to his followers. 2. We are not to suppose that the love of God casts out every kind of fear from the soul; it only casts out that which has torment. 1. A filial fear is consistent with the highest degrees of love; and even necessary to the preservation of that grace. This is properly its guardian; and, without this, love would soon degenerate into listlessness, or presumptive boldness. 2. Nor does it cast out that fear which is so necessary to the preservation of life; that fear which leads a man to flee from danger lest his life should be destroyed. 3. Nor does it cast out that fear which may be engendered by sudden alarm. All these are necessary to our well-being. But it destroys, 1. The fear of want; 2. The fear of death; and 3. The fear or terror of judgment. All these fears bring torment, and are inconsistent with this perfect love.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Fear has no place in love. Bold confidence (Jo1 4:17), based on love, cannot coexist with fear. Love, which, when perfected, gives bold confidence, casts out fear (compare Heb 2:14-15). The design of Christ's propitiatory death was to deliver from this bondage of fear. but--"nay" [ALFORD]. fear hath torment--Greek, "punishment." Fear is always revolving in the mind the punishment deserved [ESTIUS]. Fear, by anticipating punishment (through consciousness of deserving it), has it even now, that is, the foretaste of it. Perfect love is incompatible with such a self-punishing fear. Godly fear of offending God is quite distinct from slavish fear of consciously deserved punishment. The latter fear is natural to us all until love casts it out. "Men's states vary: one is without fear and love; another, with fear without love; another, with fear and love; another, without fear with love" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
There is no fear in love,.... In the love of the brethren; where that is, there is no fear: so far as that prevails and gains ground, fear removes; not the filial fear of God, the new covenant grace of fear, which is the beginning of wisdom, and is consistent with faith, hope, love, and spiritual joy; but either the fear of men, which brings a snare: those that truly love Christ, his Gospel, and his people, they are not afraid of men; the spirit of power, love, and of a sound mind, is opposite to a spirit of fear, nor can they stand together; and such strength there is sometimes in brotherly love, that the saints are not afraid of death itself, but freely lay down their lives for one another; see Jo1 3:16; or it may be rather, that they are not afraid of the day of judgment, and of hell and damnation; where hatred of the brethren has place, there is a fear and dread of these things, as were in Cain; but those that love the brethren, they know they are passed from death to life, and shall not enter into condemnation, and therefore are in no fear of any of these things: but perfect love casteth out fear; when love to the brethren appears to be perfect, that is, genuine and sincere, and a man knows that from the bottom of his heart he sincerely loves the saints, he concludes from hence, as he may, the truth of his faith, which works in this way; and this frees him from the fears of men and devils, and of the future judgment and wrath to come. The Jews have a saying (w), "worthy is his portion that rules over the place of fear, for lo, there is nothing that rules over the degree of "fear" but "love".'' Because fear hath torment: it distresses a man, fills him with anguish, and makes him restless and uneasy, and keeps him in servitude; through the fear of men, of the devil, death, judgment, and hell, he is all his lifetime, or as long as this fear lasts, subject to bondage: or "fear has punishment", as it may be rendered, and is by the Vulgate Latin version; it is a punishment itself to a man; and its being criminal deserves punishment, and is punishable; see Rev 21:8; he that feareth is not made perfect in love; or "by love"; that is, he that is possessed, and under the power of a servile fear of punishment, is one who is not, by the love to the brethren, made to appear to himself to be a sincere lover of God, and true believer in Christ; for was he, he would not be in fear of destruction and death, since whoever truly loves God, and believes in Christ, shall certainly be saved; though such persons, at times, may not be without their doubts and fears. (w) Zohar in Exod. fol. 87. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:18 perfect love expels all fear: As we live with Christ and grow more mature and complete in God’s love, we have confidence in facing the day of judgment, which will be terrifying for those who don’t know God (Acts 24:25; Rom 2:16). • Based on consciousness of guilt, fear anticipates a deserved punishment, producing dread that is itself a foretaste of that punishment. Christ died to set us free from this dread (Heb 2:14-15).