1 Peter 4:17-19 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Our time is now. What do I mean by that? Well, let me start by using these illustrations. If a doctor, who is supposed to be a professional in his/her field, is careless and negligent in caring for their patients, should they not be held accountable? Not only held accountable, but also to a higher standard than someone who is not a doctor. If a police officer carelessly and intentionally breaks the law, should they not also be held to a higher standard, and be punished accordingly? That should apply to anyone who represents themselves as professionals and experts in whatever field or career they are in. In these verses, Peter is simply saying that judgment, and accountability needs to begin with God's people. Why? Because we know the Lord, have the Spirit within us, and possess the ability, through the Spirit, to understand God's Word and live by it. Oftentimes, God allows suffering as a way to wake up His people. He sometimes allows suffering to turn a wayward Christian back to Himself. He may even use it to draw an unbeliever to a saving knowledge of Jesus. The fact of the matter is that the believer's time of suffering and correction is now. Another time is coming when this life and this time will end. We, as born again followers of Jesus, will stand before the Lord to give an account for how we lived for Him and His glory; and we will either lose or gain rewards. However, Peter also points out a very important truth. That truth is that a day of judgement is coming for unbelievers, and if God is willing to allow His own children to suffer, for our own good, then the suffering that is coming for those who reject Jesus is going to be unbearable! This should cause us, first, to live a God-honoring life, for the glory of the Lord; but it should also light a fire under us and get us out there telling others of the coming judgment and what Jesus did to save us all from that sad and terrible day. Suffering has its place and purpose in the life of the believer. In the end it is always worth the outcome, if we allow the Lord to use it to grow our faith, trust Him, and walk a more intimate walk with Him.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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