How does 1 John 4:18 connect with Jesus' teachings on love? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “There 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.” – 1 John 4:18 What Perfect Love Means Here •“Perfect” (Greek teleios) speaks of maturity, wholeness, completion •The opposite of fear is not boldness or courage alone—it is love brought to full maturity •Fear here centers on “punishment,” the dread of judgment before God Jesus’ Voice Echoing the Same Truth •John 15:9 – “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love.” •John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” •Luke 12:32 – “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” •Matthew 22:37-40 – Greatest commandments anchor life in love for God and neighbor, dissolving fear of missing the mark •John 13:34-35 – “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another… By this everyone will know that you are My disciples.” How Jesus Drives Out Fear 1.Substitutionary Sacrifice •John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” •His cross removes the very punishment fear anticipates (Isaiah 53:5). 2.Resurrection Assurance •John 14:19 – “Because I live, you also will live.” •Perfect love includes unshakable life beyond death, pushing fear aside. 3.Continual Presence •Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” •Presence replaces isolation; fear cannot coexist with Emmanuel. 4.Spirit-Empowered Love •John 14:16-17 – Spirit abides forever, pouring God’s love into hearts (cf. Romans 5:5). Connecting the Dots •1 John 4:18 simply states the outworking of what Jesus already taught: when we live in the love He supplies, fear evaporates. •Jesus commands love, provides the model, supplies the power, and secures the future—removing every root of fear. Living Out Fearless Love Today •Soak in Gospel certainty—punishment has been borne, judgment satisfied (1 John 2:2). •Remain (abide) in Christ’s love through daily communion (John 15:9-10). •Extend the same self-giving love to others; love grows as it is given away (1 John 4:11). •When fear whispers, answer with truth: “Perfect love drives out fear.” |
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