A Note from Michael Gossett
Fear and Fear Not
I remember sitting before a panel of high-ranking fire officials when I was just eighteen, hoping to become a firefighter. The room was filled with brass and scrutiny. To say the least, I walked into the room with a lot of anxiety. As I walked in, I found a silver quarter in the chair that they requested for me to sit in. What was I supposed to do? Should I act like I didn’t see it? Then, they would assume I did not pay attention to details. Should I put it in my pocket? Then, they would assume I lacked integrity. The pressure mounted as I walked to my seat with the quarter glaring back at me. I reached down, picked up the quarter, and placed it on the table. I did not look at it or touch it again. It was clearly a test of integrity under pressure. It was a small test to see how a candidate quickly thinks under pressure. That interview taught me something about judgment, about being evaluated not just for what you say but for who you are.
That kind of pressure can induce fear. But it pales in comparison to the thought of standing before a Holy God. Scripture is clear: we all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). And yet, in 1 John 4:15–21, the Apostle John writes something utterly astonishing and rather refreshing: “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear…” (v. 18)
Does that mean the Christian life should be free from fear? The answer is simple… Fear and fear not. Okay…. Maybe not simple, but it is biblical.
Moving from Anxiety to Assurance
Anxiety is a natural part of life, but it seems to be heightened in our culture today. Recent trends indicate a rise in anxiety levels. The American Psychiatric Association’s 2024 mental health poll revealed that 43% of adults felt more anxious than the previous year, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022. This increase is particularly notable among younger adults aged 18-34.
Many people live under a burden of fear and anxiety. Naturally the thought of divine judgment stirs fear within us. God sees it all. He is omniscient and nothing will ever be hidden and cannot be hidden from the Lord. Every careless word, every hidden motive, every failed attempt at goodness and every secret sin is clearly seen by the Lord. This can be an overwhelming thought.
This is what we might call an attitude of anxiety. Many believers live burdened by this fear, wondering if they’ll be exposed or rejected on that final day. John tells us something very radical. “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment (v. 18).
Fear is not removed because we ignore God’s judgment or a denial of it, but rather it is a clear declaration of Christ’s victory. For those who are in Christ, they do not deny the that the courtroom exists. Instead, the believer enters the room already acquitted. The punishment we deserved has already been placed upon Christ and settled by Christ.
Michael Reeves, in Rejoice and Tremble, helps us understand what kind of fear is being cast out. It is servile fear—the fearful dread of punishment by a slave before a harsh master. But what remains—and must remain—is filial fear—the loving reverence of a child before a good and glorious Father. This fear does not lead to anxiety. It leads to assurance. It’s the awe-filled fear that draws us in, not one that drives us away. It says, “God is holy, just, and full of majesty—and He loves me.”
So what replaces the attitude of anxiety? An attitude of assurance. If you possess the Spirit, confess Christ, and remain in God’s love, you can have confidence in the day of Christ. This does not portray itself as arrogance but rather confidence. This confidence cannot be found in yourself but in the righteousness of Jesus that now covers you.
Confidence in Christ
What makes this confidence possible? The love of God that paid our impossible debt through Christ. Verse 19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” The Christian life is not built on our initiative but God’s. He loved us first, not because we were lovely, but because He is love. That love cost Him everything.
Colossians 2:14 paints the picture: “He erased the certificate of debt… and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.” In Roman crucifixions, a sign was nailed above the condemned listing their crimes. As Jesus hung on the cross, the sign above Him might as well have listed all of our sins. Every offense. Every rebellion. Every shame. Nailed there. Paid in full.
This is why there is now no condemnation for those in Christ (Rom. 8:1). The debt that once condemned us has been replaced with the righteousness that now assures us. And from this debt paid comes our deepest sense of gratitude, reverence, and devotion.
Devotion to Christ
If our eternal destiny is secure, and if our debt has been paid in full by the blood of Jesus, then our present lives ought to bear unmistakable evidence of that reality. That’s where John turns his attention in the final verses of this passage. 1 John 4:20–21 says, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And we have this command from him: The one who loves God must also love his brother and sister.”
John doesn’t mince words. You can profess all the right doctrine, sing all the right songs, and attend all the right services, but if love is absent from your life, your faith is inauthentic. This is why our devotion matters so much. Not simply emotional affection for God but our entire lives must be committed to loving others as He has loved us. John isn’t introducing a new concept here. This command goes back to Jesus Himself. John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This is the type of fear that we must possess. The more we tremble before God’s holiness, the deeper our worship is for Christ. The more we tremble before God’s holiness, the more we are stunned by His mercy. This awe and worship produces a life of devotion not passivity.
All Love, No Hate
Hatred, in any form, contradicts the gospel we claim to believe. And we must not excuse it by redefining hate only as hostility. Sometimes, hatred looks like cold indifference. Sometimes, it’s jealousy that won’t celebrate another’s success. Sometimes, it’s withholding forgiveness when you’ve received infinite mercy. John’s logic is piercing: If you cannot love the person in front of you—flawed as they may be—how can you claim to love a perfect God whom you’ve never seen?
Love for others is not merely a fruit of our salvation. According to 1 John 3:14, it is proof of salvation: “We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters.” We see that love is not optional, but instead it’s essential. It’s the natural outflow of a heart transformed by grace.
Live with Eternity in Mind
When you realize that your eternal future is secure and your earthly works will be tested by fire (1 Cor. 3:12–15), it reframes how you live today. Your decisions, your relationships, and your priorities must all be shaped by eternity.
- Are you treating your spouse with eternity in mind?
- Are you parenting your children with eternity in mind?
- Are you forgiving, serving, speaking, giving, and loving with eternity in mind?
To live with eternity in view is to live with the fear of the Lord rightly ordered. MichaelReeves tells us, “The fear of the Lord is not the minor key to Christian living—it is the joyful, reverent tone of those who have seen the gospel clearly.” When we rightly fear the Lord, our lives become vessels of His love toward others.
This Is the Road to Revival
Revival does not begin in emotional outbursts or mass gatherings. It begins in hearts that are captivated by God’s holiness, convicted by His love, and committed to living for His glory. It begins when men and women tremble rightly and love sacrificially.
If the Church today would embrace the fear of the Lord—not a fear of punishment, but a reverent awe of grace—we would see revival. Real, lasting, Spirit-filled revival. The kind that breaks down bitterness, mends broken relationships, and heals communities.
So what is God calling you to do today?
Maybe it’s repentance. Maybe it’s reconciliation. Maybe it’s finally surrendering to Christ for the first time, moving from dread of judgment to the confidence of love.
Whatever it is—live in light of eternity. Your destiny is secure. Your debt is paid. Now let your devotion reflect the love you’ve received.
Let us tremble. And let us love.
A Prayer for today:
Thank you, Lord, for the love that casts out fear. Thank you for the cross, where my debt was paid and your wrath was satisfied. Teach me to fear you rightly with holy awe and trembling joy. Root out the servile fear that doubts your love and your grace. Help me to replace it with the reverent assurance of a child loved by the Father.
Help me to live today with eternity in mind. Let my life reflect the confidence you’ve secured for me. Let my love for others confirm the love you’ve poured into my heart. Where bitterness remains, heal me. Where pride festers, humble me. Where fear lingers, remind me of the cross.
I want to love the way you love, live the way you lived, and walk in the confidence that you are returning again.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CALLING ALL MEN: GUYS’ NIGHT 2025!
Men, this is your night—a night of challenge, brotherhood, and real faith. On May 2 from 6:00-9:00 PM, we’re bringing together Dr. Robby Gallaty, and Tim Tebow for one EPIC night that will push you to grow as a man, leader, husband, father, and disciple of Jesus.
This one-night event is your chance to be challenged, sharpened, and strengthened in your walk with Christ. We’re talking bold truth, powerful testimonies, and real encouragement—plus some legit barbecue because, let’s be honest, no guys’ night is complete without it.
WHO’S IT FOR?
✔️ High school & college guys
✔️ Husbands & fathers
✔️ Grandfathers & mentors
✔️ Men who want more than just going through the motions
Cost is $25 per person
Bring your crew, grab your tickets, and get ready for a night that will fuel your faith and challenge you to step up as the man God has called you to be.
Don’t wait. Don’t sit this one out. Step up and be part of something bigger!
THIS SUNDAY: “The Hope of Humanity”
This week, we’re diving into one of the most unexpected places to find deep hope: a genealogy. In Luke 3:23–38, we see more than just a list of names — we see the faithfulness of God, the humanity of Christ, and the unfolding story of redemption that includes you. This text proves The Hope of Humanity.
Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for years or just starting to ask questions — this is a Sunday you won’t want to miss.
Bring a Bible, bring a friend, and come worship the One who is the Hope of Humanity.
This Sunday at 9:30 am or 11:00 am at our Tyler Campus, Español Campus (Crosswalk of Tyler Campus at 11:00 am only) or Flint Campus
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett