Seeds for 06/24/2024 - 1 Peter 4:17-19
Scripture:
For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Observation:
The context for these verses is important to remember…
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Peter is considering the suffering that he and his audience are contending with in the context of God’s judgment. Suffering isn’t always an indication of judgment. It seems both unwise to rule it out and to jump to that conclusion. But any and every suffering we may endure can become an opportunity for sanctification, or spiritual maturity. Like a sword that is put through the fire to burn out impurities, sufferings that we face, whether from God or not, may be commandeered for His purpose of maturing us spiritually.
Judgment is something that comes for all people, whether within the household of God or outside it. The Gospel addresses this, in that through Jesus we have the hope of eternal life. But there is an ongoing response that is called for. In other words, salvation isn’t a one-time statement, but a lifelong transformational relationship.
The last verse is what most speaks to me in a practical sense.
First, “those who suffer according to God’s will.” What could that mean? Well, probably more than I can understand, but at the very least, someone who suffers due to their faithfulness to God is suffering according to God’s will. It is God’s will that they are faithful to Him above all else. So when they suffer for that, Peter has a word for them. This bring us to…
Second, “should commit themselves to their faithful Creator.” Suffering for one’s faith in God can drive a wedge between someone and the Lord. Peter addresses this head on. Rather than being driven away from God, commit to going deeper. He is faithful and He calls for faithfulness. Suffering for our faith is not the sign to back off but to double-down.
Third, “and continue to do good.” This flows from the point above. Suffering for one’s faith can make a person loosen up their convictions about what is truly good biblically and weaken their motivation to do good if it will cause them so much trouble. But this must not happen. Peter exhorts them to “continue to do good.” Don’t give up. Press on.
I am reminded of Paul’s word to the Galatian Christians…
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
I think Peter agrees with this perspective. Keep holding onto the Lord. Keep on living for Him. Come what may, He will be faithful.
Application:
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, when I am tempted to loosen up in my faith and slack in my faithfulness to you, hold me close. Use the challenges and hard times I face to draw me deeper into your heart. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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