“If the Church Is Judged . . .”, A Living Hope
1 Peter 4:12-19 (NKJV)
Dr. Mike Milburn, Sunday, August 23, 2020

Suffering for God’s Glory
12Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14If you are [e]reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [f]On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a [g]busybody in other people’s matters. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this [h]matter. 17For 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? 18Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:12-19 (NKJV)

Today’s passage presents the theme of the judgment of God in a different light. Judgment is often dismissed as ancient superstition by the secular world. Unbelievers refuse to believe that God will condemn anyone. On the other hand, the Apostle Peter asserts that not only will the unconverted be judged, but the Believing Church will be judged as well.

The Judgment of the Church Is to Be

.

‘do not think it strange’ - Don’t be surprised / amazed.

Everyone experiences pain & suffering.

But Interestingly, Peter isn’t talking about the end-of-time Judgment Seat of Christ that the Apostle Paul references in 2 Corinthians 5. He’s talking about judgment the Church endures

. 3:17

The Judgment of the Church is of a

Reveal Answer

.
1.

Reveal Answer

makes the Church stronger.
‘which is to try you’ – prove you

2.Trials

the Church.
‘Fiery trial’ – word used of smelting process.

3.

keeps the Church on mission.

The Judgment of the Church is

Reveal Answer

for the Unconverted. The end of the unconverted is not pretty.

•

from God.

• Outer

. Matthew 8:12

•

. Luke 16:23

•

&

Reveal Answer

of teeth. Matthew 8:12

• For

. Jude 13; Revelation 20:10

The Point of Commitment.
Have you known God’s judgment in your life?

How?

What impact did it have on you?