Fear vs. Love
Posted by Colston | | Posted On Thursday, October 9, 2008
I have been going through the book of 1 John with our students. I have to say that I LOVE this book of the Bible! I love studying this book for a few reasons. First, John is black or white with his statements. In a world where there is so much "gray" area John hits home. I really enjoy this book and if you get a chance to study it you will find that John seems to repeat himself on things but I think repition is the best teacher.
Anyway, as I was doing my studing today I came across something that I think we have all heard but never truly understood. 1 John 4:7-20 is an amazing section of this chapter and I wont explain the details of it but I will pose this question.
Do we obey out of love or out of fear?
Do we follow God because we know that there are consequences for our actions or do we follow him because we are in love with him?
If im honest with myself, I have to admit that I do many things, I dont do many things because I dont want to be punished. I dont want to reap bad things on my life. However after studying this passage I have to say that my motives are completely wrong many times.
Failure to take note of: Obey out of love. John says that love drives out fear. I should love God so much I desire to obey.
Ask yourself do you obey out of love or fear?
P.S. I have just changed my mind and feel that I have biblical support on divorce. SO if you would like to know my "new" views on divorce and Pastors being divorced let me know! I think this will challenge you in how you view divorce too!
P.S.S. Its opposite of what BBC would say!
Anyway, as I was doing my studing today I came across something that I think we have all heard but never truly understood. 1 John 4:7-20 is an amazing section of this chapter and I wont explain the details of it but I will pose this question.
Do we obey out of love or out of fear?
Do we follow God because we know that there are consequences for our actions or do we follow him because we are in love with him?
If im honest with myself, I have to admit that I do many things, I dont do many things because I dont want to be punished. I dont want to reap bad things on my life. However after studying this passage I have to say that my motives are completely wrong many times.
Failure to take note of: Obey out of love. John says that love drives out fear. I should love God so much I desire to obey.
Ask yourself do you obey out of love or fear?
P.S. I have just changed my mind and feel that I have biblical support on divorce. SO if you would like to know my "new" views on divorce and Pastors being divorced let me know! I think this will challenge you in how you view divorce too!
P.S.S. Its opposite of what BBC would say!
hey buddy, hope all is well in cali. bring on the controversial divorce topic, it will be like the good ole days of class with blakeslee lol. just be sure to give me all the scriptures so i know where your coming from!
I want to hear your newfound views. I have my own non bbc approved view. But I am intrigued to hear yours.