Triumphing Over Sinful Fear by John Flavel

Triumphing over Sinful Fear by John Flavel (1628-1691)   

John Flavel was born in Bromsgrove Worcershire, the son of a minister who died of the plague in 1665 while in prison for nonconformity. This is important information when studying Flavel because he was educated by his father. Later, he attended University College, Oxford. In 1650, he was ordained by the presbytery at Salisbury. In 1656, he accepted a call to be minister of Dartmouth, where his ministry thrived. He was later ejected for nonconformity, but continued writing. Flavel was a Godly, humble, and learned man. He spent much of his time studying and praying, which is clear from his writing. 

Flavel was a man who greatly desired godly living for all who read his books. This is made clear, especially in the book now under question. Flavel was a pastor, theologian, author, husband, and father. 

Description of the book 

This is a book that offers guidance on understanding and overcoming sinful fear. It is organized into clear, small sections and subsections, making it very accessible and easy to read. The main argument of the book is that Christians ought to refocus and redirect their fears back to God. Flavel emphasizes that the best cure for sinful fear is "the fear of God," arguing that a strong Christian fears God, not man. The book is rooted in Scripture and every argument made is founded on the Bible. Flavel defines what fear is and provides numerous cures for fear. 

This was an excellent book when it was published and is still a great book to read today because everyone at some point has feared something in a sinful manner. This book guides the reader to recognize the sinful nature of certain types of fear and nearly half of the book provides the cures to fear. 

Three quotes from the book 

“In order to subdue your slavish fear, you must strive to imitate the encouraging examples of those who have trod the path of suffering before you. You must look at the cloud of witnesses that encompass you, a cloud of excellent persons to animate the and encourage you.” - p. 89 

“The sinfulness of fear consists in the distracting influence it has upon the heart, whereby it unfits us for the discharge of our duties.” - p. 17 

“A guilty conscience is a source of fears. But the sin of unbelief is the real and proper cause of most distracting and afflicting fears.” - p. 35 

Where this book is currently published 

This book was recently republished in an updated form by Reformation Heritage Books as part of their Puritan Treasures for Today series.