Fear and Hope (3)

As we have been looking at this book, we see that we are just like those believers. Though we are separated by almost 2000 years, we are very much the same, and this letter applies to us just as much as it did to them.

In this letter, Peter wants us to see that the good news about God saving us is something that concerns our everyday lives. In this letter we will see how this should effect our personal relationships, our marriages, our friendships, our working lives, and our political lives.

To start out, Peter wants us to focus on the right facts.

You are God's elect!

Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father

through the sanctifying work of the Spirit

to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood.

You were given new birth into a living hope!

You have an inheritance waiting for you!

You rejoice in this hough for now you have all kinds of trials

And remember, the trials are not meant for you to fail. They are meant for you to succeed and your faith to be shown to be genuine

So, knowing all that God has done for you, and the inheritance and hope that is yours...

Set your hope fully on the grace being brought to you when Jesus comes.

Do not conform to your old evil desires, but be holy. Be like your Father who is holy.

And... for the passage we have been working through for the past few weeks...

1 Peter 1:17 NIV

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

After all the talk about God's grace and peace. After talking about this great inheritance, the glory that is coming, the praise and honor that they will receive... Peter writes, your Father will judge you. Live in Reverent fear.

What is reverent fear?

What does he mean by living in reverent fear? What is that fear?

Some people fear death, or rather what comes after death. There has been a belief among many Christians that after death you enter a place of purification, a place of punishment for sins that were committed and not dealt with properly. So, some people say living in reverent fear means fearing punishment after you die if you do not live properly.

Actually, this teaching is not in the Bible, but came from Origen who was nearly 200 years after Christ was here on the Earth. Someone accurately pointed out to me that Origen was declared a heretic about 300 years after his death. This was due largely to what some had done with some of his teachings, but other teachings of his remained influential, like the teaching of purgatory.

So, do we live in reverent fear because God will make us suffer after death to purify us from sin?

To answer that, last week we looked at what the Bible says happens after death.

Someone asked me to review that briefly, so here we go quickly.

What happens when you die?

First, we need to understand that we are created as living beings with a physical body, and a living soul. Physical death is when the living soul is separated from the physical body.

The body is buried to decay, and the living soul goes… where? The Bible tells us.

Three Important words:

Sheol (Hebrew)

Hades (Greek)

Hell (English)

Last week, we saw that these all refer to “the Place of the Dead”

Now, Sheol, the Place of the dead is always referred to as being down, in the depths of the Earth.

Everyone who died went literally ‘down’ to the place of the dead.

Now, Jesus, in Luke 16 described it for us in the story of Lazarus and the Rich man. In that account, Jesus related that Sheol was divided into two compartments.

I picture Sheol like this.

The upper part, a place of peace, refreshment, comfort was also known as Abraham’s bosom/side, or Paradise.

The lower part, was a place of torment.

Those who like Abraham, heard God’s word and believed were in the upper part. Those who did not hear and believe were in torment.

Jesus when dying on the cross said,

Luke 23:43 NIV

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus died on the cross, and went down to the depths, to Paradise which was in the place of the dead.

However, Jesus did not stay dead. As was foretold in Psalm 16:10

Psalm 16:10 NIV

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

God raised Jesus.

When God raised Jesus, Jesus took all those who had died in faith, waiting for Him to pay for sins as God had promised with Him as he now moved Paradise up to Heaven to be with Him.

Paul mentions this in Ephesians 4:8-10, which is also a of Psalm 68:18.

Ephesians 4:8–10 NIV

This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

Paradise to Heaven

Paradise held all those who died in faith, waiting for the day when God’s promised deliverer would die to pay for our sins. So, once Jesus died and made the payment for sin, he then took Paradise and those held there to heaven with Him.

So now, for those who die in faith--that is, for those who believe God who has declared that He will forgive and save anyone who believes that Jesus died for their sins, and rose again—they will go to Paradise. Their soul immediately leaves their body behind and goes to be with Jesus.

For those who do not believe, they still go to the fire and torment of Hades.

So, if it is not because of fear of punishment after death,

Why should we live in reverent fear? Because God will judge us impartially

I believe it has to do with the fact that God judges us. Peter said, since your Father judges you impartially, live in reverent fear.

Wait, first we said there would not be a time of punishment after death, but now we are talking about judgment. Doesn’t that show some kind of punishment?

Like we did last week, let’s look to the Bible to find the answers. God has told us, we just need to look it up.

As Micah read this morning, everyone will face judgment.

Hebrews 9:27 NIV

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,

Everyone will face a judgment. We who die in faith, believing in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins will be judged. Peter mentions it here in 1 Peter 1:17.

Paul also mentions it in Romans 14:10-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Romans 14:10–12 NIV

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

This judgment of believers is often called the Bema Judgment, because the Greek word for the Judgment seat is ‘Βημαʼ.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 describes this judgment.

1 Corinthians 3:10–15 NIV

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

This takes place in heaven after our resurrection. Last week we read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, and saw how Jesus is going to come in the air for those of us who believe in Him. Those who died, well their souls will come with Him in the air. Their bodies will be restored, resurrected and changed. Then, any believer who is alive will also be ‘caught-up’ together with them in the air. Why in the air? Because Jesus said he was going to come and take us to be with him.

John 14:1–4 NIV

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

When Jesus comes back for us in the air, we will go to be with Jesus in Heaven. There, we will stand before His judgment seat as Paul describes here, and we will give an account.

However, what is the outcome of this judgment? REWARD!

A judgment for prizes and rewards

This is not a judgment like in a criminal court where guilt is determined and punishment is meted out. No, this is like the science or craft fair where the judge examines the work, and gives out prizes/rewards based upon what was done. Everyone is going to be saved. Everyone will come through this judgment, saved. But some will get the rewards, and others will not.

You know, it only makes sense that this judgment is not for punishment, but more like the fair, where the judging is for rewards. Why?

Because of Romans 8.

Romans 8:1 NIV

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:31–34 NIV

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Jesus died for our sins, once for all time. We looked at a few of those verses last week. Since our sins are forgiven when we receive Christ, we cannot possibly be condemned. That is why this judgment is not for punishment.

John 5:22, and Acts 10:42 tell us plainly Jesus is the judge. If the judge paid for your sin, and if the judge is your advocate who is interceding for you, how could you possibly be convicted? No matter the charge, He says forgiven! Washed in the blood! Forever clean and holy!

Wow! No more fear of punishment! Just the hope of reward!

What is the basis for these rewards? Let’s look back in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 again.

1 Corinthians 3:10–15 NIV

The foundation was Jesus, and His work in our lives. We will be judged for what we do based upon Jesus work in our lives. Do we do what He says we should do, the way we should do it? Do we persevere? Do we love others? Do we serve Him? Do we set our hope fully on Him and the glory He is bringing us when He comes, or do we seek glory here in this world? Do we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, or do we seek first money, clothing, fame, possessions? If we seek first His kingdom, if we love God, if we love our neighbor, if we have the mind of Christ, and act properly we will be rewarded. And, God is honest enough to let us know, some will get rewards, and others will not.

Now, just so you do not get the wrong idea, when it says some will not get reward, but suffer loss, it is not like only a select few can get a prize. No, Jesus mentions a few times, that whoever does right will get the prize. We are not competing against one another for a set number of prizes. No, we are competing for approval, and cheering each other on as we go so we can all get the reward. For your homework you will look up some of those passages.

Why live in fear?

So, if this judgment is more like the judging of the science fair where there is no punishment, just rewards, or missing out on rewards, why live in fear?

I remember a time in junior high when my history teacher required us to do projects every quarter. When you did a history project, you could boost your grade. I did it, but I was passing the class well, and did not really need the extra credit. So, one quarter, I waited until the last minute and drew a viking ship. Now, I think it looked pretty good. But, it was far from my best. It was simply an outline of the sail, the mast, and the ship. there was no color. No detail (other than the dragon head on the bow). Nothing. Because I did not put effort into it. I did it just to say I had done it. Well, I didn’t get credit. And, my teacher talked to me about it.

I’ll be honest. I didn’t really care about the extra credit. But, when Mr. Miller talked to me and expressed his disappointment because he knew I could do better, that hurt. It hurt because he was a friend. Mr. Miller went to my church, and was a family friend. When he told me of his disappointment it hurt. It was like I let him down. I did not want to do that again.

This actually is why I think Peter did not just say live in fear. Rather, he said,

1 Peter 1:17 NIV

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

Reverent fear. Reverence is taking into consideration the person with whom we are dealing. In this case considering our judge and wanting to give him proper honor and respect.

Reverent fear considers Him, and does not want to disappoint Him

Considering who it is, our loving Father who chose to adopt us even though we were so dirty and undeserving. Considering He has given us a living hope. Considering He has an inheritance He longs to give us. Considering He wants to give us praise, honor and glory. We do not want to let Him down. We do not want to disappoint our Father.

Also, Peter goes on to say,

1 Peter 1:18–21 NIV

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Remember what it cost Jesus to save you? His blood. And it wasn’t like He went and donated blood to save you. Now when we donate blood it hardly hurts. And, you get free cookies and orange juice!

He didn’t just donating blood. He suffered wrath for our sin on our behalf. He was beaten. He was whipped. His flesh was shredded and yanked from his body. He was pierced by the nails. He bled and died on a cross to take our place, and pay for our sin.

However, Peter says something significant here.

Redeemed.

Redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors.

Jesus did not just taking the penalty, but redeemed us. Redeemed means He bought us out of slavery to sin.

If that is what He went through to buy you out from sin, the empty way of life handed down by your forefathers. We have been given a way of life that is empty. That is what Ecclesiastes is all about. Check out the Sunday School class. Why do we just live the way we do? We get up, go to work, and how fun is that? Both getting up early and the work environment? We make money, to give it away to others through our taxes. We pay for food, but it never ends, we have to work to get more money to get more food. We have to buy clothing. We spend money for a house that is in a constant state of breaking down.

To escape the drudgery of life, we sin. We give in to our own selfish desires. We look at things we should not. We watch shows and entertainment we should not so we can get some sexual gratification. We drink alcohol to numb the pain. But when you get sober, there is more pain for yourself, and everyone around you that you are destroying with the way you are choosing to live. The EMPTY way of life handed down by your forefathers. Why would we want to continue in this?

Jesus redeemed us out of that way of life! That empty way of life! He has give us new life through a new birth with new purpose to live in obedience to Him. And there is everlasting reward for that!

He has given us new hope! Hope because He promises to be with us now, and take us to an eternal future! He redeemed us, so considering this, live in reverent fear. Don’t disappoint Him, when he did so much for you.

Think about it.

Living in reverent fear is not:

Fear of punishment after death to be able to enter heaven, eventually (Purgatory)

Fear of punishment after judgment, possible loss of salvation

Living in reverent fear is not because we fear punishment. We do not fear a time of punishment after death so we can get into heaven. Purgatory is not in the Bible. It was made up by Origen. The Bible is clear that our sins were paid for, once for all, by Jesus when He died, once for all, 2000 years ago on the cross. He does not have to die again and again to keep paying for new sins. He died once for all. Hebrews 7:27 and Hebrews 9:12 make this clear.

Hebrews 7:27 NIV

Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

Hebrews 9:12 NIV

He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

He died once for all to make eternal redemption. Not partial. Not temporary. But full and eternal redemption.

Living in Reverent Fear is not living in fear of punishment when God judges us. Know, he will judge believers for what rewards we will receive, or not receive. He cannot condemn us for sins Jesus already paid for, once for all.

1 Peter 1:18–19 NIV

Living in reverent fear is knowing how precious our salvation is, and not wanting to let Him down.

How do you want to live this week? Do you want to let Him down?

Let’s consider that each day. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and decide how to build on what He started when He saved us, so that we will please Him, and gain that reward He has waiting to give us!

Homework

Read 1 Peter in one sitting. Then, reread 1 Peter 1:17-21.

Memorize 1 Peter 1:17-19.

Look up the passages we studied this week, and study them out for yourself. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. What will this judgment be for? Is there anyone in this judgment who will ‘lose their salvation’? Is there anyone in this judgment who will not be saved. What does it mean to ‘suffer loss’? What does ‘escaping the flames’ mean?

Last week, we looked at verses in Hebrews and Romans 8 about how we cannot be condemned for sin because Jesus paid for them once for all. This week, read John 5:21-30. What do these verses say about judgment for sin? Who will be condemned? What is the righteous work God requires so that we will not be condemned? What does John 6:29 say?

Rewards and Crowns. Look up the following passages: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10. Who will receive these rewards? What is the requirement for receiving these rewards?

Related Media

Related Sermons