The website called “deathclock.com” estimates when a person may die based on statistics. Though I know that God is in control of life and death, seeing the statistical average lifespan for a person like myself made me stop and think about the time I have left on earth.

Not only is life short, but the Lord’s return is quickly approaching. In our text today, Peter begins with the words “But the end of all things is at hand.” While the end may include the end of our lives, it more likely refers to the end of this dispensation, the rapture of Christians, and the beginning of the Tribulation. Since the end was near in Peter’s day, we know it is much nearer today.

Transition

Because the end is at hand, Christians need to be prepared. Peter reminds us of four duties that we are to do in these last days.

Our first duty is to

Be Sober and Watch Unto Prayer (v.7)

  1. Since the end is near, we must be sober
    1. The word “sober” means to think clearly and seriously.
      1. Mark used the same word to describe the demon-possessed man after he was healed. “And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.” (Mark 5:15)
      2. Young men especially struggle with this. (Titus 2:6) “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.”
    2. Think clearly and seriously about the future. Remember that today may be your last day. Keep your focus on the Lord. Do not get distracted by the things of this world.
      1. Paul gave a similar warning to the church at Rome. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” (Romans 13:12)
      2. Again we see this in (Titus 2:12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Titus 2:13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
  2. Since the end is near, we must watch unto prayer.
    1. The word translated “watch” means to stay calm and collected in spirit.
    2. Thinking clearly and staying calm should lead us to prayer. God does not want us to panic about the future. He wants us to stay calm and pray instead of worrying. (Philippians 4:6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
      Our second duty is to

Have Fervent Love and be Forgiving (v.8)

  1. Christians are to have fervent love for each other.
    1. “Fervent” means stretched out – covering a large area, like stretching a canvas over a large area.
    2. The word translated “charity” is agape or love.
    3. Agape love broadly covers a multitude of sin.
      1. This does not mean that love ignores sin. True love will confront the sinner and help him do right.
      2. Instead, love covers confessed sin with forgiveness. With God’s help, we must forgive and forget.
  2. Loving forgiveness is to be above all things.
    1. This is a priority because we all sin.
    2. It must be a priority because Christians often struggle to forgive and forget. Unloving and unforgiving Christians are not ready for the Lord to return. (Ephesians 4:32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
      Our third duty is to

Be Hospitable Without Grudging (v.9)

  1. Christians are to be hospitable
    1. To be “hospitable” is to befriend strangers. God wants us to be friendly to Christians we do not know very well. Be friendly to visitors at church. Help needy Christians with food, lodging, and a helping hand. Befriend them even if they are strangers to you.
    2. This may apply to strangers in our church, to persecuted Christians, or to travelling preachers. The writer of Hebrews adds, Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2)
  2. We are to be hospitable without grudging.
    1. The word “grudging” means murmuring or grumbling. The Greek word describes a secret displeasure.
    2. Being hospitable takes work. It may cost you extra time, extra cooking, extra laundry, extra fuel, or extra energy. If you are not doing these things to please the Lord, there may be a temptation to grumble in your heart.
    3. God wants you to be hospitable from the heart. He wants you to sacrifice cheerfully for others. Do it for the Lord.
      Our fourth duty is to

Minister Our Gift as a Good Steward (v.10-11)

  1. God gives every Christian a gift.
    1. At least nine different Greek words for “gift” are used in the NT. This word “gift” is a word that describes special gifts or abilities from God.
      1. Spiritual gifts are special abilities that God gives to Christians, which they do not have naturally.
      2. The gifts differ according to God’s choice. “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;” (Romans 12:6)
    2. Our text says every Christian received a gift from the God with which he can minister for the Lord. The word “minister” refers to serving or doing the work of a servant. God gave you something with which you can serve Him in our local church (1Co 12:7). Gifts are not for individual use. Most of the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 ended during the first century after the Gospel had been proven to be true. However, Romans 12 lists prophesying (preaching), ministering, teaching, exhorting, giving, administrating, and showing mercy. Here in 1 Peter 4, being hospitable and perhaps being loving may be gifts. Are you using your gift in our local church? Are you a member of our church? If not, you need to join.
  2. Each Christian must use his gift as a good steward.
    1. Every Christian is a steward. A steward is a manager of another’s property. The gift or ability you have is God’s. He wants you to manage it carefully. Use it wisely.
    2. Good stewards glorify God by the way they manage the gift God gave them. Peter gives two examples (v.11).
      1. If you are speaking for God – say what God said. That means to preach, teach, or even witness for Christ, you must know the Bible. Be very familiar with it. Know its doctrines. Memorize key verses. Tell it like it is. Don’t change it. Do not add your opinions.
      2. If ministering (serving) for the Lord – do it out of the ability that God generously supplies. Depend on the Lord for help. Remember God gave you the ability. Don’t take the credit yourself. Give God the glory!

Conclusion

Peter has pointed out for us several duties that we are to do, especially since the end is at hand. 1) We are to have clear and calm minds that turn to prayer instead of worry. 2) We are to love one another and forgive. 3) We are to be hospitable without murmuring. And 4) we are to use each of our God-given gifts or abilities as good stewards and for God’s glory.

If you have not been baptised by immersion and joined our church, you need to. God’s plan is for Christians to serve through local churches.

If you are not positive you are going to heaven, that is where you need to begin. I would love to show you from the Bible how you can know.

Song: Have Thine Own Way – 388
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The End is at Hand
20 September 2015 AM – 1 Peter 4:7-11 – 1Pe15 – Scott Childs