1 Peter 4:17-19 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us… I. AFFLICTIONS MUST BEGIN WITH GOD'S SERVANTS. Jacob's house first, afterwards the Egyptians, felt the famine; first the Israelites were oppressed, afterwards the Egyptians; the Jews were first carried into captivity, but afterwards the Assyrians were destroyed by the Medes and Persians. 1. In respect of their sins, they are full of terror ere they can get any comfort, and when they have obtained it, it is often eclipsed, and they go mourning. 2. They are subject to many sicknesses, grievous pains, diseases, losses, crosses, disgrace, persecution at the hand of the wicked, etc. (1) To humble them for sin past. (2) To fetch them into the way from wandering, and teach them obedience. (3) To humble them. (4) To mortify their lusts, wean them from the world, and quicken them to duty. (5) Hereby also God showeth that He will not bear with sin in His dearest servants. (6) To confute the devil, and show that God's people serve Him not for wages. (7) To show them their happiness is to come, and that if God thus school His servants, that then He will deal severely with the wicked, so that this may be a looking glass to them. II. IT IS OF NECESSITY THAT GOD'S SERVANTS MUST HERE SUFFER TROUBLES. 1. In respect of God's will. He hath appointed us thereunto. 2. In respect of our necessity. Sin is so riveted into us, and in our very nature, as it must be no easy thing to pluck it out from us. (John Rogers.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? |
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