1Peter 1:17-19 And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay [upon earth]; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, [the blood] of Christ.
Who or what you follow will determine the motivation of your thoughts and actions. Where do you go for advice? What is the purpose of your decisions? Do you ask yourself what you are hoping to accomplish?
As Christians we call upon God. We are to pray; we are to seek Him. The first words in verse 17 say, and if you address as Father … this means, knowing that you call upon God, or when you call upon His name – there is something important to keep in mind –
God is an impartial judge.
God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe (Deuteronomy 10:17)
God is not one to show partiality (Acts 10:34)
There is no partiality with God (Romans 2:11)
God needs nothing from us. He has no bias or opinions of anyone. He knows that which is perfectly true and approves men because of Christ’s blood. He sees our inner heart and knows our motivation in doing good things. God has no difficulty recognizing if we are genuine. There is no ‘pulling the wool” over His eyes, and no outward acts that will cause God to show favorites. Education, position, wealth, beauty, and possessions are of no regard to God. The words we say, if not born out of a heart yielded to Him, are meaningless.
Consider who Peter is addressing – those who were chosen of God, now residing as aliens. There was no distinction if they were Jews or Gentiles, what they had or did not have, or how important they might have been. This thinking is quite different than what they had known. The Law was a regimen of works performed and there were those who were recognized as more important than others. Peter reminded these Christians that regardless of their earthly affinity, who they once had been or what their lineage was, or what religious belief they adhered to, they were now sojourners in a foreign land with their true identity belonging to God. It was important to be reminded of the condition of their heart before God. According to His choosing and the sanctifying work of His Spirit, they were born again. In Christ, we are all equal – the playing field is leveled – each of God’s children are saved by Christ’s blood.
In the society we live, perhaps a parallel may be someone who has ‘always been a Christian’ because they grew up in a believing home. It is dangerous to lean on any association you have because of others or what you have been taught, or what you have done in the past. Phrases like ‘I have always gone to church’, ‘I was baptized when I was younger’, and even, ‘I prayed once to receive Christ’, are all actions and do not by themselves speak of a heart condition. Christ alone saves. You may have ‘always’ gone to church, but this is an outward work. You must ask yourself what your motivation is for doing good. If you are doing good to gain Jesus, this is not the gospel. If you act in a certain way so that others might see and think highly of you, this is not an indication of your salvation. First, you believe the gospel because of God’s work in your heart, then, you live in a manner honoring to God out of gratitude for your salvation. You may be able to explain the gospel, but this alone does not mean you are saved. Many have knowledge without having a transformed heart.
How has your heart changed, what is the testimony of God’s work in your life? Do you see ongoing growth in your understanding and trust in God’s plan?
Whom do you serve?
What do you seek? What promises do you treasure?
How would you describe your life without Christ?
“They should not therefore suppose that any name or form would avail them, or that God would approve of any man because he had been a Jew, or was now called a Christian; for he would certainly judge of every man’s profession and character by his works, appoint hypocrites their portion with unbelievers and finally condemn every worker of iniquity”, Thomas Scott.
William Burkitt New Testament notes says, “Learn, that he whom we call Father, is and will be our Judge, not a short-sighted, but a sharp-sighted, Judge, impartial in judgment, judging all persons according to their works, judging all works as they really are, and not as they outwardly appear to be”.
The 2nd half of 1 Peter 1:17 reads, Conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay [upon earth].
We are to pass our time on earth in holy reverence – fear – of God.
2Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
1 Peter 1:17 in the KJV reads, “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear”.
Fear <phobos> means to be put in fear; alarm or fright: be afraid, fear exceedingly, terror. Think of fearing God as giving reverence to Him – loving Him and His law without question; to respect, to stand in awe of, to exalt. Consider the beginning of verse 17 which speaks of God as an impartial judge. This truth leads us to a great respect to follow His commands with keen effort to obedience. An obedient child fears grieving their parents because they love them and do not want to cause them disappointment. Also, they have a good idea that purposeful disobedience will invoke some form of punishment or discipline. This is called respecting authority – out of fear and love. God is the ultimate authority. His power is far reaching and demands our utmost respect.
God will judge – we should fear His judgement if we are guilty. This is no slight hand slap, or time-out; your eternal rest or unrest lies solely in your relationship with Christ. Our time upon this earth is only for a specific period. Is your perspective short-sighted, looking only to the things on earth? Or is it far-sighted, looking to your future in heaven?
Does your reverence for God lead you to avoid sin and obey His commands?
Read the words of Moses to Israel in Deuteronomy 6:1-2, "Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the LORD your God has commanded [me] to teach you, that you might do [them] in the land where you are going over to possess it, so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.
If you are saved, you will call upon God readily. This will affect your actions because you comprehend the value of a relationship with God, and Christ’s redeeming work in your life.
Salvation can only be purchased with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus’ death.
1Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, [the blood] of Christ.
Christ alone redeems a soul. Without Jesus we are lost in a world of sin. The dispersed Christians, Jews and Gentiles alike, had become entrenched in their practice of tradition and idolatry. These practices were futile. A vain or futile life is empty, profitless. There was an empty dependence on traditions that had been passed down. These traditions, ceremonies and worship of other gods had no value, promising benefits which they could not execute. Peter’s audience was reminded that their lives were redeemed with the perfect sacrifice, not to be compared with anything perishable. Confidence in their former practices were vain and unprofitable and there was danger in continuing to rely upon them. Silver and gold were greatly valued but even these precious metals are corruptible and can free no one of spiritual death. Peter’s message - only true faith in Christ is lasting.
Acts 14:13-15 And the priest of Zeus, whose [temple] was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, WHO MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM.
The British Family Bible says this, “The verb, rendered “redeemed”, signifies to ransom, to deliver by paying a price. Particularly, it signifies to ransom a captive from the enemy. The price paid for our redemption was the blood of the Son of God: the captivity, from which we were redeemed, was the bondage and slavery of sin”.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace,
1Peter 1:4 to [obtain] an inheritance [which is] imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Peter 1:7 that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
The price to save us from the penalty of our sin is Jesus’ blood. Without His death and resurrection, we are condemned to a life ruled by evil. Without Jesus, the power of sin reigns in us, taking over every aspect of our life. Sin destroys. But we have been purchased, our penalty has been paid. Therefore, we can live a life ruled by Christ, no longer condemned but free from slavery to sin. We are instead slaves to Christ and His righteousness, and heaven is our inheritance.
What is the motivation of your actions – gain or gratitude?
Are you able to claim with certainty the inheritance of heaven?
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
In conclusion, who or what you follow will determine the motive of your thoughts and actions.
God is an impartial judge.
We are to pass our time on earth in holy reverence – fear – of God.
Salvation can only be purchased with the perfect sacrifice of Jesus’ death.
Apply these truths to your life. Consider where God is growing you, changing you and challenging you. Be willing to accept the need to change through His power.
Here are some thoughts you might want to consider.
God is an impartial judge.
He knows your true heart. Are you are resting in your works which only builds false security, rather than trusting in Christ alone?
What is the testimony of your changed life in Christ?
We are to fear God.
Most of us want to be accepted or liked. Do you make decisions solely based on God’s truths or are you swayed by other’s thoughts of you or your thoughts of others?
Think upon Christ’s death for your benefit.
How does keeping this focus affect your thoughts and actions?
What happens when you do not keep this focus?
