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.”
Whatever form Christian service takes, we are asked to remember that it’s by God’s grace that we have been gifted to serve; and, therefore, Peter challenges us to be good stewards of the grace of God. Use your gift well and wisely, and in that way, honor God. I Peter 4:11 . . .
What should be the aim of everything we do or say or give in regard to Christian service? Shouldn’t our aim be to glorify God? Can you imagine the difference it would make if all church people stopped doing things for themselves, and did everything for God? I like the prayer that we sometimes pray as a group:
“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
Love ought to be the theme of the Christian life; yet, Peter says that Christians cannot escape the inevitability of persecution. I Peter 4:12-13 . . .
It is never easy to be a Christian. In spite of living a life of love, a Christian can be subjected to loneliness, unpopularity, resentment, ridicule, even hatred. So, it’s a good idea to keep certain principles in mind.
For one thing, our identification with Jesus Christ sets us apart and makes us different; so, we can expect some people to take offense at our high standards of morality.
Another thing is that Peter considered persecution to be a test; and I think we would agree that we are put to the test whenever we have to choose between the Christian way and the world’s way.
Peter wants us to keep in mind that if we are persecuted for the sake of Christ, we shall share in His glory; there is a positive side to persecution.
Remember; the Cross of Jesus led to the crown of glory. God is in the business of turning negatives into positives. Peter says if you remain faithful to Christ, you will be blessed. I Peter 4:14-16 . . .
Up to this point, Peter has said a whole lot about the blessedness of suffering; but it was likely that some folks missed the point; so, he wants to make sure we understand that suffering takes many different forms, and it happens in the lives of good people as well as bad people; so he is not talking about just any kind of suffering.
He is talking about folks who suffer because they dare to name the name of Jesus and be identified as one of His followers. If you suffer for being a Christian, you will be blessed by the radiance of God’s glory. Do not be ashamed of the radiance. Glow for God and glorify Him!
Why is it so important that we glow for God and glorify Him? Peter says, “The time has come . . .” For what? I Peter 4:17-19 . . .
He’s been warning Christians that the end is coming; and every student of the Bible is aware that the end is associated with something we don’t like to talk about – the judgment.
Some folks shrug off the thought of judgment as being something that happens to somebody else, not me.
Not so, says Peter. The fact of the matter is that judgment must begin with the people of God; so, keep that fact in mind and live accordingly, knowing that we shall be judged on the basis of our loyalty to Christ.
Then he expresses a concern for those who are anything but loyal to Christ. He suggests that most of us who have been saved barely made it.
Do you suppose that he is reflecting on his denial of Christ but then was given a chance to redeem himself? There may be some of us who have walked a thin line between devotion to Christ and denial of Him; then we came to our senses and got serious about the business of pleasing God rather than men.
It is not easy to talk the talk and walk the walk day in and day out. There are so many distractions that divert our attention: temptations lure us away from our devotion to the Christian life.
It’s especially hard to walk in the steps of Jesus when there are so many who put stumbling blocks in our paths because they want to see Christians take a fall and fail to measure up to the teachings of Christ.
Yet, in spite of those who may be against us, Peter tells us that, as the end approaches, the best course of action for the Christian to take is: seek to do God’s will, even if you suffer for it . . . entrust your life to the care of your creator . . . continue to do good.
Hear these words of Jesus and take them with you: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32) Take the Name of Jesus With You . . . Amen.
