For those who suffer according to the will of God

For those who suffer according to the will of God.

1 Pet 4: 17 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?

1 Pet 4: 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

1 Pet 4: 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Peter says, a number of things in these three verses, all of which are related to the sufferings that his readers were going through.

1. He makes a statement, and asks a question. The statement is, that the time had come for judgement to begin at the house of God. Or the purging. Trials, fiery and difficult as they are, do bring the benefit of purging, or purifying our lives, and our faith. The question then is, "if it begins with us, who belong to God, what will happen to those who have not obeyed the gospel and come to faith in Christ.? He is speaking of course of the final judgement upon the lost. And, is implying the severity of what is coming upon those who have not obeyed the gospel.

2. Another question is asked.  If the righteous are scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear?. This is a loose quote from Proverbs 11:31, which basically states that God's people do receive some rewards in this life. So, if God is attending to them, what will happen to the sinner when they appear before the Lord in judgement? If God deals with us, how will He deal with them is the idea. If God is rewarding us now, then what will be brought upon the sinner when they appear before the throne of God's judgement. 

3. Some direction or application are given.  Here's what to do if your suffering, and it's according to the will of God. That is, you have not brought the suffering on by your sinful actions, but rather it's for other reasons, ( in the will of God ) that these sufferings have come into your life. Then, here's what to do......Commit your soul to Him in doing good. The word commit means, to set before, to commit the keeping of, to place beside or near, to place down, ( from one's self ) and to deposit, and to intrust, to commit to one's charge )

Remember, He is a faithful and dependable creator. You can depend on God. So, keep doing good, God is faithful is the idea. 

Peter will actually have more to say about this subject in the next chapter. And, Lord willing we will get to that this next week. But, what an encouragement this letter from Peter has been. It reminds me of the truth, that "we are able to comfort others with the same comfort that we have received from God" 2nd Cor 1. 

Maybe today, you are comforting others, or maybe today, others are comforting you. Ultimately, that comfort has come from God. May He bless you and encourage you. 

Application/Promise

1. Comfort is from God.

2. He gives it to us in our trials.

3. We are able to share it with others later.

4. If you need comfort, ask the Lord, He will help you.

5. Be patient, God is faithful, He will help you.

6. Re-read 1st Peter. It's designed to help those suffering.