For the time has come for judgment to begin with God's household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? 1 Peter 4:17-18 HCSB
God richly blessed me and my wife with four wonderful children that we are very proud. But I regret to say that all four children disobeyed us at some time. Each child had to suffer the discipline which was a result of him disobeying. Each child had to learn that their bad actions resulted in bad consequences. It was through these experiences that they learned what was right and wrong, what was acceptable behavior and what was unacceptable.
These verses are not referring to the final judgment but to God's discipline in the lives of believers (see Hebrews 12:7). From the beginning of time God has given man the freedom of choice. God allows mankind to choose to do what is right or wrong. When a person makes bad choices and sins against God then there are consequences for those poor choices. God allows the sin to show people the problems of sinning and to encourage them to turn from their evil ways. It also reflects the great mercy and forgiveness of God. It also prepares us to face more difficult challenges and temptations in the future.
Challenge: God allows us to sin because He knows that is what is best for us. It helps us to grow closer to Him and become more like Jesus as we face temptations and overcome them. Ask God to help you face the temptations in your life and when you do sin to have mercy and forgiveness for you.