IF SO – WHAT THEN?
1 Peter 4:17-19
INTRO: Scarcely saved points out the difficulty of Salvation. Some think it is easy to begin by believing, but the prophet cries, "Who hath believed", and Jesus asks, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on earth?"
Some also think that it is easy to remain faithful unto the end, but Christians have a hard time being faithful.
I. THE RIGHTEOUS SCARCELY ARE SAVED.
A. They are saved with difficulty, because of the
strictness of the Divine rule.
1. The time is come that judgment must begin at God’s
house.
a. When God brings judgments, he begins with his own.
b. Such a judgment is now at hand in our country
(Matthew 24:9-10).
c. Our troubles still are light compared to the
judgment of the lost.
2. The sufferings of good people in this life are signs
of the torments that the lost will suffer in Hell.
B. We find it hard to be faithful.
1. There are so many temptations, we find it easy to be
drawn astray.
2. We must keep our soul well and not worry so much about
our physical health.
3. From those who came out of the great tribulation
(Revelation 7:14).
II. WHERE SHALL THE UNGODLY AND SINNER APPEAR?
A. If the true coin is tested so severely, what about
the "Reprobate silver?"
B. If the saints scarcely reach heaven, what about the
ungodly?
1. What can they do, who have no God?
2. No Savior?
3. No Bible?
4. Without prayer?
C. If the saints are so sorely judged, what will be the
judgment of the defiant sinner hold in store.
III. WHERE WILL THE MERE PROFESSOR APPEAR?
A. If the truly godly have a hard fight for it:
1. The false professor will be ruined by his hypocrisy.
2. The bold will find their daring pride a poor help.
3. Height of office will do not more than increase the
responsibility.
IV. THEN THE TEMPTED SOUL MAY BE SAVED.
A. If the saints are saved with difficulty, then we may
be saved with a struggle.
1. Uprising corruption makes us stagger.
2. Strong temptations make us waiver.
3. Failure in Holy efforts test our faith.
