1 Peter 4:19
When suffering according to God's will, we should patiently endure and commit our souls to Him, continuing to do good and blessing those who persecute us.
John Gill emphasizes that believers suffering according to God's will should not be surprised or complain about their trials, as these are part of God's divine plan for their good and His glory. He encourages them to patiently endure suffering, committing their souls to God, who is both their Creator and the righteous Judge. Gill draws parallels to the example of Stephen, the first martyr, who entrusted his spirit to Christ, highlighting that even in death, believers can find hope in God's promise of resurrection and eternal life. The sermon calls for a response of well-doing, urging believers to bless their enemies and continue to act righteously despite their suffering.
Text
Ver. 19. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God,....
This is the conclusion made from the foregoing premises; that seeing the state and condition of the saints in this world, at worst, and which is but for a time, is infinitely preferable to the dreadful state and condition of disobedient persons, ungodly men, and sinners, and which will endure to all eternity; they should not think strange of their sufferings, or complain of them, but patiently endure them; and especially when they consider that these are not the effects of chance, or merely owing to the malice and wickedness of men, or to any second cause only; but they are the will of God, are by his appointment, under his direction, and by his order, and for their good, and his own glory; and therefore it becomes them to
commit the keeping of their souls [to him], in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator: and which is not only their duty, but their privilege: and the sense is, that when they are called to suffer for Christ, they should commit their cause to God, who, as he is the Creator, is the Governor of the universe, and will judge righteously; and when they are even called to lay down their lives for his sake, they shall not lose them; though their bodies are killed, they may and should commit their souls, when departing from their bodies, into the hands of God; as Stephen, the first martyr, committed his into the hands of Christ, in imitation of him; where he that made them, as he is able to keep them, will faithfully preserve them in happiness and glory, till the resurrection morn, when their bodies shall be raised and reunited to them: and this is to be performed, in "well doing"; for which they suffer, and in which they should continue to the last; not rendering evil for evil, but blessing; and in imitation of Christ, and his servant Stephen, pray for their worst enemies, and wish them all the good, and do them all the acts of kindness that lie in their power.
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Suffering
- The Duty of Well Doing
- The Assurance of Eternal Life
- The Will of God in Suffering
- The Privilege of Committing to God
- Rendering Good for Evil
- Imitating Christ and Stephen
- God's Faithfulness in Preserving Souls
- The Resurrection and Reunion of Bodies and Souls
Key Quotes
“Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls unto him, in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” — John Gill
“And which is not only their duty, but their privilege:” — John Gill
“For which they suffer, and in which they should continue to the last; not rendering evil for evil, but blessing;” — John Gill
Application Points
- When facing suffering, remember that it's for your good and God's glory, and patiently endure it.
- Respond to persecution by praying for those who are against you and wishing them good.
- Commit your soul to God, who will faithfully preserve it in happiness and glory, when you're called to lay down your life for Christ.