155. 2CO 7:5. INWARD FEARS

2Co_7:5. Inward Fears

"Within were fears."’972Co_7:5

Let us consider, The Nature’97The Evil’97and, The Remedy, for inward Fears.

I. The Nature of inward Fears.

There is a twofold fear, which forms an essential part of the. Christian character. (1) The fear of God. A filial fear of offending him. A fear arising from a right apprehension of his majesty, purity, and glory A fear which is the beginning in wisdom. A fear to which we are exhorted: "Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long." "Fear the Lord, all ye his saints," &c. Now, this is a holy, affectionate passion, or rather principle, which is highly pleasing to God. (2) A fear, of holy vigilance and circumspection, in reference to ourselves. Which prompts to watchfulness and prayer. To which we are exhorted by the apostle: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." But the fears of the text are of a different description. They are fears which injure and depress the mind. There is,

1. A painful fear and dread of God.

Which never contemplates him except as arrayed in terror, and clothed with wrath. Devils have it, and they tremble. Where it exists, it enslaves the mind. How opposite to Jehovah’s description of himself’97as our benevolent Parent’97unchanging Friend’97constant Benefactor’97great Redeemer’97as one whose delight it is to bless and save to the uttermost all who come unto him by his Son!

2. Fears arising from imperfect views of redeeming love.

That God has not chosen us; Christ not died for us. That the Spirit hath not called us. That we are excluded from the blessings of the covenant. If we are sinners, Christ assuredly came to save us. If we have come to Christ, he will not, cannot cast out. If we believe in him, we shall be saved. Such fears generally arise from reflecting on what we imagine God may have purposed rather than what he hath revealed.

3. Fears arising from uncertainty as to our true state and character.

Fear that we are still in the gall of bitterness, unconverted, unrenewed, &c. Cannot pray, or praise, or serve, or love, as we would wish. These are all indications that our state is good. The impenitent unbeliever has no such doubts; he cares not, nor thinks at all about the matter. We could not be solicitous and concerned, were we not spiritually alive.

4. Fears arising from distrust of Divine Providence.

People of God often poor; often perplexed, and in straits. No doubt for their eternal advantage. God loves them, and cares for them. He is pledged to bless them with all real good, never to leave or forsake them. "Bread shall be given, &c. "Seek ye first" &c. Mat_6:25-33.

5. Fears arising from conscious impel, feet services.

So frail, so infirm, so deficient of spirituality, &c. "God remembers our frame," &c. He expects only in proportion to our ability and circumstances. All would be rejected, but for the Mediator; however imperfect, if sincere, is accepted through his merit and intercession. Heb_14:16.

6. Fears arising from our danger of apostacy and final ruin.

That we shall fall by the hands of our enemies; become castaways, &c. Observe, Christ keeps us. We are saved in him and by him. God will not forsake us, nor cast us off, for his great name’s sake. Rom_8:31, Rom_8:39.

7. Fears arising from a contemplation of death.

Of such the apostle speaks; Heb_2:15. Death cannot destroy us. Death is ours. Death shall usher us into undying life Death shall be eternal gain Let us, then, glance,

II. At the evils arising from inward Fears.

1. They reflect upon the character of God.

The God of our fears, and the God of the Bible, are two different, two opposite beings. Our fears reflect upon his goodness, truth, faithfulness, mercy, compassion, &c. As such, they grieve the Holy Spirit of God, &c.

2. They give our enemies undue advantage over us.

Our fears rob us of strength, and produce in us debility and unfitness for the arduous duties and toils of the spiritual conflict.

3. They greatly impair our comfort and joy, and hinder our growth in the favor and life of God.

Hands hang down’97knees feeble’97hearts sad’97eyes suffused with tears’97soul beclouded, &c.

Let us, then, notice,

III. The Remedy for inward Fears.

1. A clear acquaintance with the divine word.

Especially the directions, gracious statements and direct promises of the Bible. These will enlighten our minds, and establish our hearts in the truth; and we shall be fortified, and find ample resources against all our fears. Psa_119:92; Eph_6:15.

2. Diligently regard the ordinances of God’s house.

These are intended directly to strengthen, and comfort, and encourage us. Here we see our best friends; and "as iron sharpeneth iron," &c. Here we drink of the streams of the river of Zion, &c. Here we renew our strength, &c.

3. Constant communion with God.

Fellowship with him will exalt us above the trifling cares of the world It will increase our confidence and delight in him, and love to him; and we shall be clad with every grace and qualification for duty, conflict, and suffering. God is light, and dwells in light; and by communion with him we shall be raised above all the mists and clouds of distressing fears.

4. Fervent and persevering prayer.

If we pray without ceasing, we shall not find it difficult to rejoice evermore, and in every thing to give thanks. Is any afflicted in any way, either of body or mind, let him pray. "In all things, by prayer," &c.

Application

1. Encourage the timid, yet sincere, inquirer. 2. The thoughtless sinner has every thing to dread. 3. The believer everything great, and blessed, and glorious, to expect.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS