I Pt 4.12-19 is another difficult passage. God doesn’t want us to be caught off-guard when bad things happen to us because of our faith. We shouldn’t think that we’ve been intentionally singled-out. If we’re going to suffer, it should be because we’re doing what God wants. The process of judgment began for the world, and it started with the church. If we live for God, we’re going to be ok. But we have to avoid living like the world because they won’t be saved at the end.
Chapter 5 is addressed to elders in the first four verses. Elders who are proactive in watching out for peoples’ souls will get a huge reward at the end. Jesus will personally give out that reward. Verse 5 reminds the rest of us that we should submit to the authority God gave elders, because God is against pride but will lift up people who practice humility. 6-11 is Peter’s parting encouragement to these Christians facing imminent death. Be confident in God! No matter what happens to us here, everything will be alright in the end. God will personally ensure that everything we go through in this life will be worth it!
The Preacher Pollard Blog 