20th June 2024

20th June 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (1 John 4v18-21)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


There was once an American Confederate General called Stonewall Jackson. His real name wasn't "Stonewall", in reality he was Thomas Jackson a descendant of his Coleraine born grandfather. Why did he get the name "Stonewall"? Because in the face of one particular assault he stood firm like a "stone wall". Why was "Stonewall" so resolute and fearless? Some suggested it was his fear of God which made him so fearless of anything else.


Jackson was a Christian and therefore he lived his life in the fear of God. What do we mean by this? The true fear of God loves the Lord and seeks to honour and obey Him rightly. The false fear of God believes God to be a tyrant who is just itching and waiting to punish. John understood this difference and stated that "there is no fear in love" (v18). If you love God and He you, then you do not need to shrink back from him as if he were a monster. Any incorrect fear has been cast out by the perfect love of God and so the Christian fears God rightly not fearing Him due to any future punishment (v18b).


The fear of God loves the Lord and seeks to obey Him. Therefore, if we fear the Lord rightly then we are to love our brothers and sisters. If we claim to love God but harbour hatred for a brother then we are liars (v20). Instead if we love the Lord then we must also love our brother (v21), there can simply be no justification for us to despise a fellow Christian. Why not? In light of the fact that God loved us first (v19). If we have been loved in such a grace filled and generous manner, then we are to love others freely and liberally in return.


Brothers and sisters, we do not fear God out of a dread for any punishment that He might bring. We fear Him because we love Him and because we fear Him, we obey Him, not least by loving our fellow Christians. I think Solomon said it best "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. " (Ecclesiastes 12v13-14)


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q70 What is the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
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