1 Peter 1:17

“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”

Context:The Apostle Peter wrote the first letter of Peter to the Christians scattered throughout various regions, encouraging and instructing them in their faith. In this particular verse, Peter emphasizes the importance of living in reverence and fear of God, recognizing His impartial judgment of every person’s work.

Key Points:

• Calling on the Father:Peter starts by urging believers to call on God as their Father. This implies a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Through prayer and communion, Christians can approach God with confidence, seeking His guidance, strength, and provision.
• God’s impartial judgment:Peter highlights that God judges “without respect of persons.” This means that God does not show favoritism based on external factors such as wealth, social status, or earthly distinctions. Instead, His judgment is based on righteousness, truth, and the motives of the heart. This reassures believers that they can rely on God’s justice and trust in His fair judgment.
• Judgment according to every man’s work:Peter emphasizes that God’s judgment is not arbitrary but based on each person’s actions and deeds. This echoes the biblical principle of reaping what one sows (Galatians 6:7). God assesses the motives, intentions, and works of every individual, taking into account their obedience to His commands, their love for others, and their faithfulness in serving Him.
• Living in fear during our sojourn:The phrase “pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” indicates that as believers, we are temporary residents or sojourners in this world. While we are on earth, we are to live in reverence and godly fear. This fear is not a terrified or anxious fear, but a deep respect, awe, and awareness of God’s holiness and authority. It prompts us to live in accordance with His will, avoiding sin and seeking to honor Him in all areas of life.

Application:

• Relationship with God:As believers, we are encouraged to cultivate a personal relationship with God, approaching Him as our loving Father. Through prayer and seeking His guidance, we can experience His presence and receive the help and provision we need.
• Pursuing righteousness:Knowing that God judges impartially, we should strive to live in obedience to His commands, pursuing righteousness, and seeking to do His will. Our actions, attitudes, and motives matter to God, and we should align them with His standards of holiness and love.
• Reverence and godly fear:Recognizing God’s holiness and His right to judge, we should live with a sense of awe and reverence for Him. This fear of the Lord should lead us to avoid sin, pursue holiness, and honor Him in all aspects of our lives.
• Eternal perspective:Understanding that our time on earth is temporary reminds us to focus on the eternal and invest in things of lasting value. We should not be entangled in worldly pursuits that distract us from our primary purpose of knowing and serving God.