1 Peter 4:17 The time of judgment begins with us

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   Today's study, hopefully, will open our eyes and help us to see clearly.  Let us now go to 1 Peter 4: ¹⁷ 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?

  Here comes judgment.  Many times we think of judgment as something from a court that is negative as in a sentence to prison type of action. This 'judgment' begins with God's people, you and me.  At first this may seem pretty scary as we know what we have done in our past.  However, as Christian we should be a cut above the non-Christian, we should be held to a higher standard, and we should take honor that the judgment begin with us. 

   The fear does come, but we have to remember, as in 4:12, we are going through " the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you," and through this fire we will not be extinguished, but purified.  We have to remember for us, Christians, our punishment (or judgment) was settled long ago at the CROSS!   Just remember, the same fire that consumes straw does purify gold. You are gold my friend.

   Now the rest of v. 17 "and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

   Now, if one is not a Christian........well.......let's look. If we, you and I, God's children, Christians, will go through the judgment, the punishment, then what about the non-believer?  The non-Christian? What is going to happen to them? What chance do they have to stand before God, to experience the wrath of God?

   It reminds me of when I was a child and I did something wrong, knew it was wrong, yet did it anyway.  When daddy (in this case God) comes in how quick we are to say "I'm sorry daddy, daddy, I'm sorry" but to no avail.  The punishment still comes and no matter how much I plead and beg, punishment is at hand.  To me, this is where the non-believer, the non-Christian will be.

  A quote from one refernce, "Christians can rejoice that the sufferings they face in this life are the worst they will ever face, throughout all eternity. We have seen the worst; those who reject Jesus Christ have seen the best of life their eternal existence will ever see." Blue Letter Bible

   This, to me really says it all.  Non Christians are living the best of life now. Aren't you glad this is the worst of our life?  Love you all.

Soli Deo Gloria

Johnny