1 Peter 4:17-19 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us… The way to come to salvation is full of difficulties — 1. Because there is much ado to get Lot out of Sodom, to get Israel out of Egypt. 2. Again, it is hard in regard of the sin that continually cleaves to them in this world, which doth, as it were, shackle them, and compass them about in all their performances. 3. Besides, it is a hard matter in regard of Satan; for he is a great enemy to the peace of God's children. Pharaoh after the Israelites. 4. Then, by reason of great discouragements and ill-usage which they find in the world from wicked men. 5. Besides this, scandal makes it a hard matter to be saved; to see evil courses and evil persons flourish and countenanced in the world. 6. This, likewise, makes the way difficult; we are too apt to offend God daily, giving Him just cause to withdraw His Spirit of comfort from us, which makes us go mourning all the day long; wanting those sweet refreshments of spiritual joy and peace we had before. When Christ wanted the sweet solace of His Father upon the Cross, how did it trouble Him? (R. Sibbes.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? |
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