11. Message In 1 Peter – Number 11 – Closing The Letter With A Fond Farewell (1 Peter 5:12-14) Series

11. Message in 1 Peter – Number 11 – CLOSING THE LETTER WITH A FOND FAREWELL (1 Peter 5:12-14)

[A]. AND A FOND FAREWELL

It is sometimes claimed that a person’s last words are their most significant. At times there have been those bizarre incidents of reading out in public, a deceased’s final comments to family members often to embarrass them. How often do we hear someone ask, “What was the last thing he said?” In interviews one might be asked, “And any final comment?” as if there was a conclusion of significance.

There are so many collections from dying people and Christians as to what were their last words of farewell. I have 4 here –

(a). DAVID BRAINERD (1718-1747) Missionary American Indians: “I am going into eternity; and it is sweet to me to think of eternity; the endlessness of it makes it sweet. But oh! What shall I say of the future of the wicked! The thought is too dreadful!”

(b). WILLIAM WILBERFORCE (1759 – 1833) Philanthropist and Worker against the Slave Trade: “My affections are so much in heaven that I can leave you all without a regret; yet I do not love you less, but God more.”

(c). CATHERINE BOOTH (1829-1890) Founder Salvation Army: “The waters are rising, but so am I. I am not going under, but over. Do not be concerned about dying; go on living well, the dying will be right.”

(d). CHARLES WESLEY (1707-1788), Methodist Hymn Writer: “I shall be satisfied with Thy likeness. Satisfied!”

The Bible contains quite significant final comments. We recall Jacob who dispensed his blessings and comments about his sons in Genesis 49, and Moses in Deuteronomy 33, and David in 2 Samuel 23. There were only seven sayings from the cross but how significant was the last one to show that the work of full restoration for the sinner was complete. {{John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, “IT IS FINISHED!” and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.}}

[B]. THE END OF ANY LETTER – BUT HERE, THE THIRD LAST VERSE

When we write a letter and reach the end, we may close in a number of ways. - lightheartedly; with some significant comment like a punch line; a repeat or reminder of some important point in the letter; or we can just finish it abruptly. We shall look at the points Peter chose with which to end his letter. This will examine the last three verses of the letter.

{{1 Peter 5:12 “Through Silvanus, our FAITHFUL brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD. Stand firm in it!”}}

People have helped me in life and I mean non-Christians, people who have been kind (God has taken note of that in the “deeds” at the great white throne for the unsaved.). Personally, I do believe it will make some difference. However, when one Christians helps a needy brother or sister in the Lord, their reward will not be absent – {{Matthew 10:42 “Whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”}}

In verse 12 above there is one word that is significant, the word “faithful”. Two great requirements for the Christian – faithfulness and commitment – are honouring to God. It distresses me to see too many non-committed people in churches today. Too many go for entertainment, especially from the prosperity teachers leading to supposed riches, but leading them to hell.

This was written about Timothy – {{1 Corinthians 4:17 “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy who is my beloved AND FAITHFUL CHILD in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.”}} The highlight that set Timothy apart was his faithfulness to the Lord, and that had a corresponding playing out in his faithfulness to Paul.

The same was said of Tychicus – {{Colossians 4:7 “As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and FAITHFUL SERVANT and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.”}}. What the Lord desires to say to all His children is this – {{Matthew 25:23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SLAVE. You were faithful with a few things so I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’}}

(a). FIRSTLY, in Peter’s closing remarks in verse 12 we have Silvanus. This brother reminds us of assistance. To Peter he was a faithful helper in the writing of the letter. Peter used an amanuensis as did Paul a good deal of the time.