The End of All Things is Near 1 Peter 4: 7-11
The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
The apostle Peter's words in 1 Peter 4:7-11 resonate with a sense of urgency. He tells us that "the end of all things is near," a message that is echoed throughout the New Testament. In a time when many question the relevance of these ancient texts, it's essential to recognize that the concept of the approaching end is not exclusive to Peter's era. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the imminence of this momentous event:
Romans 13:12: "The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore, let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."
Philippians 4:5: "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near."
James 5:8: "You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near."
1 John 2:18: "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this, we know that it is the last hour."
Revelation 1:3: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near."
Revelation 22:20: "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."
In light of these verses, we must acknowledge that the biblical authors were not mistaken about the imminence of the end. In one sense, the end has already come in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the consummation of all things. This perspective is affirmed in passages like 1 Corinthians 10:11 and Acts 2:16-21, where the ends of the ages are spoken of as having arrived.
Yet, the reality is that the end is near for all of us. Life is short, and the urgency of these words remains as pertinent as ever. Given the proximity of this momentous event, we are called to have a passionate commitment to service. But what should characterize our service in these last days?
Sane Service (v. 7)
Peter admonishes us to "be of sound judgment and sober spirit." Our service is not to be fanatical. Instead, it should be characterized by a sense of preserving our sanity. We are to serve in a sensible and composed manner, even amidst a world that seems to be falling apart. This call for sanity must be a hallmark of our service in these last days.
Sober Service (v. 7)
Being of "sober spirit" is the opposite of being drunk. It conveys the idea that we should be serious about the impending destruction of the world, not treating it lightly or ignoring its significance. Our service should reflect this solemn awareness, making sobriety a distinguishing feature of our actions.
Prayerful Service (v. 7)
Peter reminds us that the purpose of maintaining sound judgment and sobriety is to enable us to pray correctly. In these challenging times, characterized by instability and uncertainty, we need prayer more than ever. Prayer is a vital component of our service, allowing us to seek God's guidance and align our actions with His will.
Loving Service (v. 8)
"Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another." The word "fervent" here, ektenes, implies a love that is stretched out, consistent, and constant. It is the selfless, agape love that should characterize our interactions in these last days. We are to love one another with a passion, demonstrating a commitment that is unwavering and steadfast.
Forgiving Service (v. 8)
Peter emphasizes that our love for one another should lead us to forgive each other's sins. Just as God forgives us when we forgive others, our love should cover a multitude of sins. This forgiveness is at the heart of the Lord's Prayer, and it should be a defining feature of our service.
Hospitable Service (v. 9)
Peter urges us to "be hospitable to one another without complaint." Hospitality played a crucial role in the early church, with missionaries depending on the kindness of others. We are reminded through various passages in the Bible that practicing hospitality is not optional but a vital aspect of Christian service.
Gifted Service (v. 10)
Peter instructs us that each one has received a special gift from God. This gift is to be employed in serving one another as good stewards of God's manifold grace. The variety and richness of these gifts create a beautiful tapestry that represents God's grace in our lives.
Proclaiming Service (v. 11)
"Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God." Our service is not about promoting personal opinions but proclaiming the Word of God. In these last days, our primary purpose is to proclaim the Gospel to the world.
Empowered Service (v. 11)
Peter emphasizes that the strength to serve comes from God. Our gifts and the power to wield them are divine provisions. It is not something we can boast about but a reminder of our dependence on God. In these last days, the power to serve may become scarce, making it crucial to rely on God's strength (2 Timothy 3:5).
Glorifying Service (v. 11)
Our service should ultimately glorify God. Extraordinary service that is characterized by sanity, sobriety, prayer, love, forgiveness, hospitality, giftedness, proclamation, power, and glory is what brings glory to God. In these last days, we are called to serve with excellence, glorifying the One to whom all dominion belongs forever and ever.
As we contemplate the character of our service, we must ask ourselves if it is marked by these qualities. Do we serve with passion, driven by a sense of urgency in these last days? The end is near, and we are called to serve in a way that reflects our love for one another, our commitment to prayer, and our dedication to glorifying God. In a world filled with uncertainty, let our service shine as a beacon of hope and truth.
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