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  1 PETER 4:15
  by John Gill
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Summary: John Gill's sermon on 1 Peter 4:15 emphasizes the importance of
suffering righteously and avoiding wrongful actions that tarnish a
Christian's character.

Topics: "Accountability", "Righteous Living"
Scripture References: Genesis 9:6, Exodus 22:1, Proverbs 28:13, Matthew 7:1-2, Galatians 6:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:11, 1 Timothy 5:13, James 4:11, 1 Peter 4:15

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DESCRIPTION
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John Gill emphasizes that Christians should not suffer for wrongdoing,
such as murder, theft, or being a busybody in others' affairs. He
explains that the consequences of such actions are severe, as outlined
in the law of God, and that suffering for these reasons is disgraceful
for a believer. Instead, Christians are called to live righteously and
focus on their own responsibilities rather than meddling in the lives of
others. Gill warns against the dangers of covetousness and the pursuit
of others' goods, which can lead to moral failure. Ultimately, he
encourages believers to uphold their integrity and character in all
circumstances.

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CONTENT
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Ver. 15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer,.... The punishment
for murder was death by the law of God, Ge 9:6

or as a thief; whose fine or mulct, according to the Jewish law, was a
fivefold or fourfold restitution, according to the nature of the thing
that was stolen, Ex 22:1

or as an evildoer; a breaker of any of the laws of God or men, which are
of a moral nature, and for the good of civil society:

or as a busybody in other men's matters; "or as a bishop in another
man's diocese"; that concerns himself in things he has nothing to do
with, and neglects his own affairs, and lives in idleness, and upon the
spoil of others; or takes upon him to manage, direct, order, and command
other men's servants, or persons that do not belong to him, to do his
business, or whatsoever he pleases. The Vulgate Latin version renders
it, "a desirer of other's goods"; and the Ethiopic version, "a covetous
desirer of other's things"; and so is led on by an insatiable thirst for
them, to obtain them in an evil way, either by secret fraud, or open
violence and oppression. To suffer in any such cases is scandalous and
dishonourable, and unbecoming the character of a Christian. This last
clause is left out in the Syriac version.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-gill/1-peter-415/
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