Christian Challenge Sermon Ix: As The End Approaches Series

AS THE END APPROACHES, WHAT MUST CHRISTIANS DO?

I Peter 4:7-19

Imagine this headline: The end of all things is near! Peter did not know the date or time; yet, in no uncertain terms, he stated a fact: The end is near - I Peter 4:7a . . .

No one knows exactly what Peter had in mind. If he thought the end of the world was right around the corner, we do not know; the idea that the end was at hand runs throughout the New Testament.

Whatever Peter had in mind, the fact supporting his argument presents to all of us an inescapable and very personal truth: for everyone, the time of departure from this earth is near. “Time marches on.”

I become aware every day that I am not moving toward the beginning of life on this earth; I am moving toward the end; and the old adage applies to me as well as to everyone else, “It’s later than you think.”

In the second part of verse seven into verse eight, Peter zeroes in on that which really matters in the Christian life as we head down the home stretch into eternity. I Peter 4:7b-8 . . . Peter says that we must . . .

Be steady in mind. Another way to say it is that we need to preserve our sanity. The home stretch of life is not a time for Christians to go off on the deep end and become hysterical or fanatical; just steady yourself and stay the course, taking life one day at a time.

Be sober in mind. Another way to say it is that we need to preserve our sobriety. That means to take the things of God seriously as you live out your days. We need to be aware of the importance of living the life that God’s Word teaches us to live; and don’t forget that there are consequences when we go astray – even in our old age.

Be steady and sober to preserve our prayer life. Probably the most important Christian duty that we can perform as we near the end is to pray for one another. Prayer should be more meaningful now than ever. Pray as you start your day; pray during the day; pray at the close of your day.

Be a person known for love that is constant and consistent – not on again, off again; but a love that is as much a part of who we are as are our mannerisms.

An author by the name of Gary Chapman used an unusual phrase in a workbook that I use for marriage counseling. He suggested that, to preserve your marriage, you need to keep your love tank full. As Christians, we need to keep our love tanks full! True love is the answer.

Such love, Peter says, covers a multitude of sins. What that means is: true love overlooks failure and sees potential in an individual; true love is patient; true love is kind; true love endures ridicule - if, by such endurance, our loved helps someone come to know Christ; and, true love forgives!

Peter seems to be saying also that if we love others and forgive them, God will overlook a multitude of our own sins. Love indeed is the answer!

Peter goes on to say that, even though we may be approaching the end, Christians should not withdraw from the world; rather, we need to accept certain responsibilities. I Peter 4:9-10 . . .

You know, the fact of the matter is that without hospitality the early church could not have existed. There were no motels to stay in for those who went about spreading the gospel and starting churches. There were no church buildings to meet in. There were no auditoriums to rent.

In some places in the world today, it is still that way; missionaries go to remote areas of the earth to spread the good news; and, like first century missionaries, some of them have to depend on the hospitality offered in the villages where they go to share the gospel.

The first local churches met in homes; so it is no wonder that, time and time again in the New Testament, Christians were to show hospitality – without complaining. The “ministry of hospitality” gave many a chance to contribute to the cause of Christ. The least we can do is show hospitality.

Not only was it the case then, but also it is important today, that we Christians use whatever gifts God has given us to serve the cause of Christ. Our gifts, of course, vary; but whatever gifts God has bestowed on us we are to use in the ministry of serving.

Serving God by serving others is the essence of the love that Peter was talking about; and most likely, your service – whatever form it may take – may be the answer to your own prayers. “Be careful what you pray for; you may be the instrument God uses to answer your own prayers.”