New? February 22 Devotional
February 22, 2025
1 PETER 4:17-18 | 17 For the time has come for judgement to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?’
God’s judgement aims at justice and truth. Peter insists that Christian suffering for the faith is not a punishment but it is a revealing kind of judgement even for the “household of God.” Greater knowledge of God’s will and ways implies greater responsibility for obedience and faithfulness. Moreover when faith encounters struggle and suffering, its character and strength are revealed. Shallow faith collapses, mature faith endures.
Peter adds a quote from Proverbs 11:31, that the suffering of God’s people, under his protection and care, should be a warning to those outside his family. Notice that the prosperity gospel is here
reversed—its is righteous suffering and not success that serves as a sign to the ungodly.
When has suffering revealed the depth of your faith?
Gracious God,
You judge your people to purify their hearts and demonstrate their spiritual state. Judge me so that my faith may grow and endure.
Amen.
