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"Judgment to begin at the house of God"

Text: 1 Peter 4:17

THE JUDGMENT OF GOD

The doctrine of “Judgment” was brought up as part of Peter’s attempt to teach believers more about God.

“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 Peter 4:17

1. The judgment of God

a) God as the Judge is clearly taught in the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalms 7, 9; Revelation 20:11-15).

b) The God of Justice would judge all mankind in the final judgment.

2. “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first”

a) “The time has come”

i) God’s judgment is not limited to the Final Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

ii) The Great White Throne judgment is not a reference to judgment of believers.

iii) God’s judgment is already taking place.

b) “To begin at the house of God”

i) The house of God is not spared from judgment.

ii) Nor is the individual spared.

c) Many purposes in God’s judgment of believers (The following may be noted):

i) To convict people of their sins.

ii) To cleanse them.

iii) To chastise them.

iv) To help them emerge stronger and wiser.

d) “Begins with us first”

i) This aspect of God’s judgment tallies with other reasons for suffering.

ii) Believers are not spared from judgment.

iii) But God’s judgment of believers does not lead to condemnation.

iv) His judgment is not vindictive in any way.

3. “What will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

a) Those who do not obey the gospel of God:

i) This is a reference to those who do not believe in God.

ii) They have rejected the gospel of God.

b) What would be their end?

i) Peter did not answer this question.

ii) He feared for all who had rejected the gospel of God.