“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?” (1 Peter 4:17)

Most people cannot stand a dirty house. If we cannot stand to see dishes piled up in the sink, trash all over the floor, and dirt and grime everywhere – how do we expect God to put up with one?

The Church of the Living God is the pillar and ground of the truth; and there is no room for fake professors, or those we call hypocrites. The churches in Peter’s day were going through fiery trials; and these trials were to test the true character of those who professed to be followers of Christ. These trials were to test their sincerity to the Gospel, and their dependency upon God, as well as their patience and strength. These fiery trials will weed out those who make a false confession, and strengthen those who are sincere followers of Christ.

I Peter 1:7 says:

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

Why must judgement first begin at the house of God? It starts with the house of God because of Who we represent, and that is Jesus Christ. God’s house is a house of holiness and righteousness; and sin cannot and will not dwell in His house. He will clean house. God requires obedience of those who are called by His Name.

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” (Ephesians 1:4)

Now, although Peter was speaking to the generation of his time, there is still a lesson to be learned in all this: God will not dwell in an unclean temple. If you are one of His, a purging will take place to get you back on the right track and bearing fruit.

Now, verse 18 is something to think about:

“And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:18)

Does that verse send a message to you, whether you are saved or not? 2 Thessalonians 1:7-11 answers this question:

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,” (2 Thessalonians 1:7)

“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (2 Thessalonians 1:8)

“Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” (2 Thessalonians 1:9)

“When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thessalonians 1:10)

“Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:” (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

When our Lord Jesus Christ comes for His People, will He be glorified in you; or will He take vengeance because you have not known God, nor believed the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Now we will look at the last verse of 1 Peter 4:

“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (1 Peter 4:19)

Those who suffer according to the Will of God are suffering for His Name’s sake. 1 Peter 4:14: “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ…”

When we commit the keeping of our soul unto a faithful Creator, we can rest assured in the Protection and Peace of our Creator through our sufferings. If God be for us, who can be against us?