Lesson 18: How we are apart – in faith

Read 1 Peter 4:1-19- https://www.bible.com/bible/59/1pe.4
 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.


The third way holiness is different from what we might expect is how holiness is gained. We, being human, want to make holiness happen by our efforts, by something we do. We want to believe if we can be holy by our own efforts or standards then people around us will respect us for how hard we work to be holy.

We are reminded in our verses today how suffering for Christ is not something we can choose to avoid and still remain faithful to Him. As we read in a previous lesson, we can only choose the purpose for which we suffer.

To suffer, however, requires great faith from us – faith in Jesus Christ to make our suffering valuable to His kingdom. Faith is required for us to believe Jesus can use our suffering for good (Romans 8:28-29).

What does it mean in Verse 17 where we read that judgment begins with the household of God? Does not Romans 8:1-2 promise us there is never again judgement for us? The answer is yes, and when we study Scripture further, we find in many other places we are told there is coming a judgment of our works, rather than a judgment of our souls (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

When we were of this world, we wanted to be judged for our works rather than for our relationship with Jesus because we thought we could balance out the bad by doing enough good things. But God always judged based on our relationship with Jesus first. Works without relationship have no value at all. Since God has already judged us through our relationship with Jesus (and our eternal life is now secure because of this relationship), He is now able to judge our works as they agree with our relationship with Jesus. Our works must be based on our faith in Him to pass His judgment.

*How ready are your works for His judgment?