1 Peter 1:17
Verse
Context
A Call to Holiness
16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”17Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And if ye call on the Father - Seeing ye invoke the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and your Father through Christ, and profess to be obedient children, and sojourners here below for a short time only, see that ye maintain a godly reverence for this Father, walking in all his testimonies blameless. Who without respect of persons - God is said to be no respecter of persons for this reason among many others, that, being infinitely righteous, he must be infinitely impartial. He cannot prefer one to another, because he has nothing to hope or fear from any of his creatures. All partialities among men spring from one or other of these two principles, hope or fear; God can feel neither of them, and therefore God can be no respecter of persons. He approves or disapproves of men according to their moral character. He pities all, and provides salvation for all, but he loves those who resemble him in his holiness; and he loves them in proportion to that resemblance, i.e. the more of his image he sees in any, the more he loves him; and e contra. And every man's work will be the evidence of his conformity or nonconformity to God, and according to this evidence will God judge him. Here, then, is no respect of persons; God's judgment will be according to a man's work, and a man's work or conduct will be according to the moral state of his mind. No favouritism can prevail in the day of judgment; nothing will pass there but holiness of heart and life. A righteousness imputed, and not possessed and practiced, will not avail where God judgeth according to every man's work. It would be well if those sinners and spurious believers who fancy themselves safe and complete in the righteousness of Christ, while impure and unholy in themselves, would think of this testimony of the apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
if ye call on--that is, "seeing that ye call on," for all the regenerate pray as children of God, "Our Father who art in heaven" (Mat 6:9; Luk 11:2). the Father--rather, "Call upon as Father Him who without acceptance of persons (Act 10:34; Rom 2:11; Jam 2:1, not accepting the Jew above the Gentile, Ch2 19:7; Luk 20:21; properly said of a judge not biassed in judgment by respect of persons) judgeth," &c. The Father judgeth by His Son, His Representative, exercising His delegated authority (Joh 5:22). This marks the harmonious and complete unity of the Trinity. work--Each man's work is one complete whole, whether good or bad. The particular works of each are manifestations of the general character of his lifework, whether it was of faith and love whereby alone we can please God and escape condemnation. pass--Greek, "conduct yourselves during." sojourning--The outward state of the Jews in their dispersion is an emblem of the sojourner-like state of all believers in this world, away from our true Fatherland. fear--reverential, not slavish. He who is your Father, is also your Judge--a thought which may well inspire reverential fear. THEOPHYLACT observes, A double fear is mentioned in Scripture: (1) elementary, causing one to become serious; (2) perfective: the latter is here the motive by which Peter urges them as sons of God to be obedient. Fear is not here opposed to assurance, but to carnal security: fear producing vigilant caution lest we offend God and backslide. "Fear and hope flow from the same fountain: fear prevents us from falling away from hope" [BENGEL]. Though love has no fear IN it, yet in our present state of imperfect love, it needs to have fear going ALONG WITH It as a subordinate principle. This fear drowns all other fears. The believer fears God, and so has none else to fear. Not to fear God is the greatest baseness and folly. The martyrs' more than mere human courage flowed from this.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if ye call on the Father,.... Of Christ, and of all the saints; or "seeing" ye do. This is a fresh argument, engaging to holiness of life and conversation. Invocation of God includes the whole worship of him, the performance of every outward duty, and the exercise of every inward grace, particularly it designs prayer; and whoever are concerned in one, or the other, God will be sanctified by all them that draw nigh unto him: or the phrase may here intend an asserting God to be their Father, under the influence of the spirit of adoption; and all such that do claim so near a relation to God ought to honour and obey him, and to be followers of him: whoever call God their Father, and themselves his children, ought to be careful that they do not blaspheme, or cause to be blasphemed, that worthy name by which they are called: who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work. This is another reason why men should be holy, taken from the general judgment; for this God that is a Father, is also a judge. There is a judgment after death, which is sure and certain, and reaches to all persons and things; and though the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son, yet he will judge everyone by that man Christ, whom he has ordained to be the Judge of quick and dead: before his judgment seat all must stand, where they will be impartially, and without respect of persons, tried; no account will be had of what nation and place they are, whether Jews or Gentiles, or of this, or the other country, unless to aggravate or lessen their condemnation; for it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon, for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for such who have been favoured with a Gospel revelation, and believe it not; nor from what parents they have descended, for the soul that sins, that shall die; nor of what age and sex they are, small and great shall stand before him; nor of what state and condition, rich or poor, high or low, bond or free; or of what religious sect and denomination, or whether they have conformed to some external things or not; no regard will be had to any outward appearance or profession. The Judge will not judge according to the sight of the eyes, and outward view of things; for he looks on the heart, and knows the secret springs of all actions; and according thereunto will he judge and pass the sentence; and therefore what manner of persons ought men to be, in all holy conversation and godliness? Hence it follows, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear; the people of God in this world are "sojourners", as all their fathers were; they are not natives of the place in, which they are; though they are in the world, they are not of it; they were natives of it by their first birth, but by their second they are born again from above, and so, belong to another place; they are of another country, even an heavenly one; are citizens of another city, a city which, has foundations, whose builder and maker is God, their citizenship is in heaven; and there is their Father's house, which is not made with hands, and is eternal; and there lies their estate, their inheritance; and though they dwell here below, neither their settlement nor their satisfaction are here; they reckon themselves not at home while they are on earth, and are strangers in it, to the men of the world, and they to them; with whom they have not, or at least ought not to have, any fellowship. It is indeed but for a "time", that they are sojourners, not an eternity; which time is fixed, and is very short, and will be quickly gone; it is but a little while, and Christ wilt come and take them home to his Father's house, where they shall be for ever with him; for it is only here on earth that they are pilgrims and strangers: and while they are so they should spend their time "in fear"; not of men nor of devils, nor of death and judgment, hell and eternal damnation; for such a fear is not consistent with the love of God shed abroad in the heart, and is the effect of the law, and not encouraged by the Gospel; is in natural men, yea, in devils themselves; but in the fear of God, and which springs from the grace of God, and is increased by it; is consistent with the strongest acts of faith, and with the greatest expressions of spiritual joy; is opposite to pride and self-confidence, and includes the whole worship of God, external and internal, and a religious conversation, in humility and lowliness of mind.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:17 Christians’ citizenship is in heaven (1:1; see Phil 3:20); they live in this world as “temporary residents” who are uncomfortable with its values and who long for their true home.
1 Peter 1:17
A Call to Holiness
16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”17Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.18For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead
By K.P. Yohannan5.0K00:00Christian MinistryFear Of GodPSA 139:23PRO 1:7ECC 12:13MAT 10:28ROM 14:122CO 5:112CO 5:14HEB 4:131PE 1:171JN 4:18K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. He highlights how Paul was driven by a reverent fear of God, which instilled a sense of responsibility and accountability in his ministry. Yohannan contrasts this with the contemporary view of God as merely a friend, urging believers to recognize the seriousness of their relationship with the Almighty. He shares a personal story about his son to illustrate the weight of disappointment and the importance of honoring God. Ultimately, he calls on ministers and believers alike to live with a deep reverence for God, understanding the gravity of their actions and the impact on their relationship with Him.
The Judgment of God and the Great White Throne!
By Paul Washer3.6K1:03:04PSA 62:12JER 17:10ROM 2:61PE 1:17REV 22:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's revelation and warns about the consequences of its removal. He highlights that on Judgment Day, all the knowledge and understanding of God will be taken away, leaving people in darkness. The absence of a rainbow symbolizes the absence of God's promises and covenants. The preacher also urges Christians to not be proud of worldly accomplishments, as everything that is not eternal will be lost. The sermon serves as a reminder to consider the end of our days and the certainty of standing before God in judgment.
A Reverential Fear of God
By Zac Poonen2.3K1:08:101CO 2:32CO 7:1EPH 5:21PHP 2:12HEB 4:11PE 1:171PE 2:11PE 2:171PE 2:211PE 3:11PE 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverent fear of God in our lives, highlighting the need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, to live in obedience and holiness, and to be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. It addresses the danger of moving from legalism to a state of no covenant, where secret sins and worldliness can creep in, leading to a decline in godliness. The speaker urges a return to a healthy balance, seeking God earnestly, fasting, praying, and evaluating our lives regularly to ensure we are walking in the true grace of God.
The Judgement Seat of Christ, Does It Matter?
By Brian Long1.3K46:58Judgement Seat Of ChristMAT 6:33ROM 14:101CO 3:122CO 5:62CO 5:17EPH 2:101PE 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of opening up the Word of God and proclaiming it. They pray for God to speak directly to their hearts and reveal His truth. The sermon discusses two judgments mentioned in the Bible that have not yet taken place, the judgment seat of Christ and the Great White Throne judgment. The preacher emphasizes that salvation is a free gift from God, but also highlights the importance of the judgment seat of Christ for Christians, where they will receive rewards based on their actions in the body.
People Who Believe, but Are Not Saved
By Richard Langworthy1.2K56:19False ConversionMAT 6:33ROM 6:19HEB 10:251PE 1:151PE 1:17In this sermon, the speaker expresses a burden on his heart for the state of the church in these days. He emphasizes the urgency and clarity with which he wants to address the congregation. The speaker references Matthew 24, specifically the narrow gate that leads to life and the need to be ready for the unexpected return of the Son of Man. He also highlights the importance of a genuine transformation in one's heart, rather than just a verbal acknowledgement of Jesus' death and resurrection. The sermon includes an illustration involving a cross to further emphasize the message.
Road to Reality - What Distracts Us
By K.P. Yohannan98924:57Road To RealityNEH 6:3MAT 6:33MAT 12:502TI 2:4HEB 4:151PE 1:17REV 13:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced numerous distractions throughout his life on Earth, yet remained focused on his purpose. Brother K.P. also highlights the story of Nehemiah, who stayed on track despite threats and opposition. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing anything to distract us from our calling as disciples of Jesus and living with a sense of urgency in light of eternity.
The Devil's Boomerangs
By Billy Sunday0Moral AccountabilityConsequences of SinPSA 1:6PRO 11:18ECC 11:9MAT 12:36ROM 14:121CO 3:132CO 5:10GAL 6:7JAS 4:171PE 1:17Billy Sunday passionately addresses the consequences of sin and the inevitability of judgment, urging young people to recognize that their actions have repercussions. He emphasizes the biblical truth that 'whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap,' warning against the seductive nature of sin and the destructive paths it leads to, particularly through alcohol and immorality. Sunday shares personal anecdotes from his past and the lives of others to illustrate the devastating effects of a life lived in indulgence and vice. He calls for a single moral standard for both men and women, condemning the hypocrisy in society that allows men to escape accountability for their actions. Ultimately, he challenges his audience to choose righteousness over sin, as the consequences of their choices will be faced in the end.
The Cross and the Holy Spirit
By Watchman Nee0JHN 1:12ACT 7:59ACT 9:141PE 1:171JN 3:1The sermon focuses on the significance of calling upon God, as seen in the Greek word 'epikaleomai,' which means to call upon or invoke deity for aid or support. This concept is highlighted in various instances in the Bible, such as Stephen calling upon the Lord in his final moments and believers being described as those who 'call upon Thy Name.' The sermon emphasizes the dual nature of God as both a loving Father and an impartial Judge, urging believers to live in reverential fear and obedience, knowing that God will judge each person's actions. The ultimate goal is for believers to practice their position as children of God, walking in holiness and acknowledging God as their Father.
1 Peter 1:17
By John Gill0Reverent Fear of GodHolinessPSA 119:19MAT 7:1ROM 14:102CO 5:10PHP 3:20HEB 12:28JAS 2:11PE 1:171PE 2:111JN 3:1John Gill emphasizes the call to holiness in 1 Peter 1:17, urging believers to honor God as their Father and to live in a manner that reflects their relationship with Him. He highlights that God judges impartially, regardless of one's background or status, and that all will stand before Christ's judgment seat. As sojourners in this world, Christians are reminded to live in reverent fear of God, which fosters humility and a genuine worshipful life. Gill encourages believers to recognize their temporary status on earth and to focus on their eternal home in heaven. This fear is not one of dread but a reverent acknowledgment of God's holiness and authority.
He Is the Righteous Father
By C.H. Spurgeon0AtonementGod's JusticePSA 89:14ISA 30:18JHN 8:44JHN 14:6ROM 3:26ROM 5:8GAL 6:7HEB 9:221PE 1:171JN 3:1C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the distinction between the true 'Righteous Father' and the misguided notion of universal fatherhood that lacks justice and accountability for sin. He argues that the world often trivializes sin and its consequences, failing to recognize that a just God must also be a loving God. Spurgeon highlights the importance of understanding God's righteousness and the necessity of atonement through Christ's sacrifice, which is often rejected by modern thinkers. He asserts that true knowledge of God comes from the Holy Spirit, who reveals the righteousness of the Father. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a recognition of God's justice as integral to His love.
Christ in You
By A.B. Simpson0MAT 11:20ACT 10:34ROM 2:12GAL 2:6EPH 6:9COL 3:25JAS 2:11PE 1:17REV 3:15The preacher delves into the concept of partiality, which involves judging based on appearances and showing favoritism without considering a person's true merits or character. This partiality is condemned in the Bible, emphasizing that God is impartial and does not show favoritism based on external factors. The sermon highlights verses like Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, and James 2:1, which warn against holding faith with an attitude of personal favoritism and assure that God judges without partiality. The preacher emphasizes that God's justice is unwavering, and He sees through external appearances to the heart of the matter, judging all by the same measure.
2 Corinthians 8 - 10
By John Nelson Darby0DeathJudgmentJHN 5:24ROM 8:11CO 3:132CO 5:82CO 5:10PHP 1:212TI 4:7HEB 9:271PE 1:171JN 4:17John Nelson Darby emphasizes the believer's perspective on death and judgment, asserting that for those in Christ, death is merely a transition to being with the Lord, thus it is gain. He contrasts this with the judgment, which brings a sense of terror for those outside of Christ, but for believers, it is a call to recognize their righteousness in Him. Darby encourages self-examination in light of the coming judgment, urging believers to live in a way that reflects their identity as righteous in Christ. He highlights the importance of preaching to others, motivated by the reality of judgment and the desire to see souls saved. Ultimately, he presents a life spent in the balance of understanding both death and judgment as a means to glorify God and serve others.
Accountability to God
By A.W. Tozer0IntegrityAccountabilityECC 12:14MAT 12:36ROM 14:122CO 5:10GAL 6:7COL 3:23HEB 9:27JAS 4:171PE 1:17REV 20:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound concept of accountability to God, reflecting on how this belief shaped the character of early American leaders like Daniel Webster. He recounts Webster's assertion that the most serious thought he ever had was his accountability to his maker, highlighting the integrity and nobility that stemmed from such a conviction. Tozer argues that true character is forged in the understanding that we will ultimately answer to God for our lives. He encourages believers to live in a manner that would leave them unashamed before God at the time of judgment. The sermon serves as a reminder of the weight of our actions and the importance of living righteously.
On Godly Fear
By Thomas Reade0PSA 19:9PSA 34:9PSA 111:10PRO 1:7PRO 3:7PRO 14:27PRO 16:6HEB 12:281PE 1:17Thomas Reade preaches about the power of fear in the human heart, emphasizing how people often fear earthly dangers more than the wrath of God and approaching death and judgment. He highlights the role of unbelief in our indifference to eternal matters and the need for a stronger faith to grasp the grace and wrath of God. Reade discusses the distinction between a slavish fear that leads to bondage and a godly fear that harmonizes with love and joy, citing biblical promises and exhortations to walk in reverential fear of God.
Let Her Make No Distinction of Persons in the Monastery
By St. Benedict of Nursia0ROM 2:11GAL 3:28COL 3:25JAS 2:11PE 1:17St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of not showing favoritism or making distinctions based on worldly status within the monastery. He encourages equal treatment and love for all, regardless of background or social standing, unless there are valid reasons for differentiation. St. Benedict reminds the community that in Christ, there is unity and equality, and that God does not show partiality. The focus should be on good works, obedience, and humility as criteria for any preferential treatment, with the Abbess tasked to maintain fairness and discipline for all.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And if ye call on the Father - Seeing ye invoke the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and your Father through Christ, and profess to be obedient children, and sojourners here below for a short time only, see that ye maintain a godly reverence for this Father, walking in all his testimonies blameless. Who without respect of persons - God is said to be no respecter of persons for this reason among many others, that, being infinitely righteous, he must be infinitely impartial. He cannot prefer one to another, because he has nothing to hope or fear from any of his creatures. All partialities among men spring from one or other of these two principles, hope or fear; God can feel neither of them, and therefore God can be no respecter of persons. He approves or disapproves of men according to their moral character. He pities all, and provides salvation for all, but he loves those who resemble him in his holiness; and he loves them in proportion to that resemblance, i.e. the more of his image he sees in any, the more he loves him; and e contra. And every man's work will be the evidence of his conformity or nonconformity to God, and according to this evidence will God judge him. Here, then, is no respect of persons; God's judgment will be according to a man's work, and a man's work or conduct will be according to the moral state of his mind. No favouritism can prevail in the day of judgment; nothing will pass there but holiness of heart and life. A righteousness imputed, and not possessed and practiced, will not avail where God judgeth according to every man's work. It would be well if those sinners and spurious believers who fancy themselves safe and complete in the righteousness of Christ, while impure and unholy in themselves, would think of this testimony of the apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
if ye call on--that is, "seeing that ye call on," for all the regenerate pray as children of God, "Our Father who art in heaven" (Mat 6:9; Luk 11:2). the Father--rather, "Call upon as Father Him who without acceptance of persons (Act 10:34; Rom 2:11; Jam 2:1, not accepting the Jew above the Gentile, Ch2 19:7; Luk 20:21; properly said of a judge not biassed in judgment by respect of persons) judgeth," &c. The Father judgeth by His Son, His Representative, exercising His delegated authority (Joh 5:22). This marks the harmonious and complete unity of the Trinity. work--Each man's work is one complete whole, whether good or bad. The particular works of each are manifestations of the general character of his lifework, whether it was of faith and love whereby alone we can please God and escape condemnation. pass--Greek, "conduct yourselves during." sojourning--The outward state of the Jews in their dispersion is an emblem of the sojourner-like state of all believers in this world, away from our true Fatherland. fear--reverential, not slavish. He who is your Father, is also your Judge--a thought which may well inspire reverential fear. THEOPHYLACT observes, A double fear is mentioned in Scripture: (1) elementary, causing one to become serious; (2) perfective: the latter is here the motive by which Peter urges them as sons of God to be obedient. Fear is not here opposed to assurance, but to carnal security: fear producing vigilant caution lest we offend God and backslide. "Fear and hope flow from the same fountain: fear prevents us from falling away from hope" [BENGEL]. Though love has no fear IN it, yet in our present state of imperfect love, it needs to have fear going ALONG WITH It as a subordinate principle. This fear drowns all other fears. The believer fears God, and so has none else to fear. Not to fear God is the greatest baseness and folly. The martyrs' more than mere human courage flowed from this.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if ye call on the Father,.... Of Christ, and of all the saints; or "seeing" ye do. This is a fresh argument, engaging to holiness of life and conversation. Invocation of God includes the whole worship of him, the performance of every outward duty, and the exercise of every inward grace, particularly it designs prayer; and whoever are concerned in one, or the other, God will be sanctified by all them that draw nigh unto him: or the phrase may here intend an asserting God to be their Father, under the influence of the spirit of adoption; and all such that do claim so near a relation to God ought to honour and obey him, and to be followers of him: whoever call God their Father, and themselves his children, ought to be careful that they do not blaspheme, or cause to be blasphemed, that worthy name by which they are called: who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work. This is another reason why men should be holy, taken from the general judgment; for this God that is a Father, is also a judge. There is a judgment after death, which is sure and certain, and reaches to all persons and things; and though the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son, yet he will judge everyone by that man Christ, whom he has ordained to be the Judge of quick and dead: before his judgment seat all must stand, where they will be impartially, and without respect of persons, tried; no account will be had of what nation and place they are, whether Jews or Gentiles, or of this, or the other country, unless to aggravate or lessen their condemnation; for it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon, for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for such who have been favoured with a Gospel revelation, and believe it not; nor from what parents they have descended, for the soul that sins, that shall die; nor of what age and sex they are, small and great shall stand before him; nor of what state and condition, rich or poor, high or low, bond or free; or of what religious sect and denomination, or whether they have conformed to some external things or not; no regard will be had to any outward appearance or profession. The Judge will not judge according to the sight of the eyes, and outward view of things; for he looks on the heart, and knows the secret springs of all actions; and according thereunto will he judge and pass the sentence; and therefore what manner of persons ought men to be, in all holy conversation and godliness? Hence it follows, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear; the people of God in this world are "sojourners", as all their fathers were; they are not natives of the place in, which they are; though they are in the world, they are not of it; they were natives of it by their first birth, but by their second they are born again from above, and so, belong to another place; they are of another country, even an heavenly one; are citizens of another city, a city which, has foundations, whose builder and maker is God, their citizenship is in heaven; and there is their Father's house, which is not made with hands, and is eternal; and there lies their estate, their inheritance; and though they dwell here below, neither their settlement nor their satisfaction are here; they reckon themselves not at home while they are on earth, and are strangers in it, to the men of the world, and they to them; with whom they have not, or at least ought not to have, any fellowship. It is indeed but for a "time", that they are sojourners, not an eternity; which time is fixed, and is very short, and will be quickly gone; it is but a little while, and Christ wilt come and take them home to his Father's house, where they shall be for ever with him; for it is only here on earth that they are pilgrims and strangers: and while they are so they should spend their time "in fear"; not of men nor of devils, nor of death and judgment, hell and eternal damnation; for such a fear is not consistent with the love of God shed abroad in the heart, and is the effect of the law, and not encouraged by the Gospel; is in natural men, yea, in devils themselves; but in the fear of God, and which springs from the grace of God, and is increased by it; is consistent with the strongest acts of faith, and with the greatest expressions of spiritual joy; is opposite to pride and self-confidence, and includes the whole worship of God, external and internal, and a religious conversation, in humility and lowliness of mind.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:17 Christians’ citizenship is in heaven (1:1; see Phil 3:20); they live in this world as “temporary residents” who are uncomfortable with its values and who long for their true home.