1 Peter 4:5
They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
Truth to Learn
When we are slandered by others for doing what God wants, we need to remember that He will judge them some day.
Behind the Words
The words “will give” are translated from the verb apodidōmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “away” or “from” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” The Complete Word Study Dictionary defines this word as, “To give or to do something necessary in fulfillment of an obligation or expectation.” The word is used here in the future tense, active voice, and indicative mood. This implies future action that will (not might) take place.
“Ready” is translated from etoimos, which is an adverb indicating “readiness, having made all the necessary preparations.”
Meaning Explained
Those with whom you used to charge headlong into sin, those who are now railing on you for leaving such practices, will have to give account of themselves to the Great Judge some day. Peter is reiterating the fact that there is but one righteous judge, and as he previously said of Christ:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him who judges righteously. (1 Peter 2:23)
Likewise, we need to be prepared to receive such slanderous accusations at the hands of others from whom we have separated ourselves.
If we are being obedient to God, there will be times when we are asked to cease doing things that are glorifying man instead of God (for this truly is idolatry). Those from whom we separate will not understand why we have done such a thing. They may very well slander us and our Lord, whether we’re aware of it or not, and we are to expect it. We are to suffer patiently for having done the right thing, knowing that it is they who will have to give account of such slander to the Righteous One who will judge all mankind one day. And, that judge will be none other than Jesus Christ Himself:
And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He [Jesus of Nazareth] who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42)
I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: (2Timothy 4:1)
So let us suffer patiently and humble ourselves before the One who has said:
“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Hebrews 10:30)
Application
Can you think of a time when you were obedient to God and then suffered due to the words of others who felt injured by your obedience? If so, you have suffered for righteousness sake, and you are blessed, as Peter told us in 1Peter 3:14.
You are pleasing to God.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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