1 Peter 4:5

1 Peter 4:5 ‘but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.'

‘but they' -Those who are spreading slander against Christians.

‘shall give account to Him' -(2 Corinthians 5:10). Even Christians can at times fall into the trap of trying to downplay the false accusations brought against them. We might say, ‘That former friend is just upset, they really didn't mean what they were saying.' But God doesn't ignore such things. People, yes even hurting people, and people in miserable situations will answer to God for the evil things that they chose to speak (Judges 1:15). The fact that our former friends might be frustrated, depressed or just plain miserable, doesn't give them the moral right to speak against God's people. All men are accountable to God.

‘Him who is ready to judge' -‘Him'-Jesus (John 5:22-23;28-29; Acts 17:30). ‘Ready to judge'-‘suggests the possibility that judgment could come suddenly, without warning.' (Grudem p. 170)

‘the living and the dead' -‘a statement which clearly implies that death will not enable anyone to escape judgment, but that all people will consciously stand before God on that day.' (Grudem p. 170) Points to Note: 1. It also infers that man survives the death of the body, that man does have. soul. If the dead will be judged, then obviously the dead haven't been annihilated. 2. This also infers that Jesus will judge all men. The presently living and the presently dead (2 Corinthians 5:10). Whether alive or in the tomb, all will answer to God.

Point to Note: Especially for our young people, these verses should give them strength and comfort. Those who pick on them at school will answer to God. Hence, don't feel sorry for yourself-feel sorry for them! They must answer, not to their parents, the teacher or the principal, but rather, they must answer to God. You don't have to retaliate, because God is keeping track of all the hurtful things which are being said about you. Learn to entrust the whole situation to God (1 Peter 2:23). And ask yourself, if you find yourself tempted to envy them. In view of 1 Peter 4:5, would you rather be in your shoes or their shoes?