Verse 17
"If" means "since" here (a first class condition in Greek). We do call on God as our Father because He is our Father (Matthew 6:4; Matthew 6:6; Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). Nevertheless He is also the Judge of all, and He judges impartially, not on the basis of appearances but on the basis of reality. Since we must all stand before God for an evaluation of our works, we should live now accordingly (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
"Each of us will give an account of his works, and each will receive the appropriate reward. This is a ’family judgment,’ the Father dealing with His beloved children. The Greek word translated judgeth carries the meaning ’to judge in order to find something good.’" [Note: Wiersbe, 2:397.]
It is good for us to maintain respect (fear) for God as our Judge since He has this power over us (cf. Hebrews 12:29). Again Peter reminded us that our earthly life of trials and suffering is only a brief sojourn.
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