Triumphing Over Sinful Fear, John Flavel
updated language by J. Stephen Yuille
Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2011. Pgs. 124.
Summary: Originally, published as A Practical Treaties of Fear in 1682. The original language but not orthography can be found here:
“A Practical Treatise of Fear” It is also available on Audible, read passably by AI.
Flavel makes the biblical argument that all fear besides the fear of God is sinful fear. He then explains how fear is used as the grounds of sin and as the way to heaven. Fear is distinguished into natural, sinful, and religious. We share natural fear with the animals and with the human nature of Jesus. Such is shunning pain and suffering. The second fear is sinful—here is the fear of death which empowers Satan and the fear of man. The last distinction is religious fear—the clean fear of Psalm 19:9. He then provides spiritual disciplines and teaching to overcome sinful fear. Framed by a Reformed understanding of God’s Word.
Exemplar Quotes:
There is a holy and laudable fear, which our treasure, not our torment. It is the chief ornament of the soul—its beauty and perfection, not its unhappiness or sin. (19)
A clear understanding of the covenant’s nature, extent, and stability, along with our interesting in it will go a long way to cure our sinful and slavish fear. (63)
In all our fear and distress, the committing act of faith rests upon this supposition. “I trust in Thee, Lord. Thou are my God. My times are in Thy hands. Deliver me from the hands of my enemies.” (81)
The believer’s living time is his fighting time, but his dying time is his conquering and triumphing time (1 Cor. 15:55-56).
It is also a great mistake to think that natural tenderness and weakness, when divinely assisted, cannot bear the heaviest burden that God ever laid on a Christian’s shoulders. Our ability to bear suffering does not come from nature, but grace. (114)
Benefits/Detriments:
Triumphing over Sinful Fear will be a sweet encouragement to the fearful and an edifying challenge. Suggested for all.