The End Is Near, So... - 1 Peter 4:4-7 Series

1 Peter 4:1-7 Therefore, since Christ suffered in flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in flesh is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not run with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that even though they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, they might also live according to God in regard to the spirit. 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

Introduction

In our culture, if you want to convey the idea of a religious kook, it's very easy. Just draw a picture of a guy holding a sign saying, "The end of the world is near." That is the quintessential image of a religious nut. Now, if you think the end of the world is near because of incandescent light bulbs, or because we are using the petroleum we found in the ground, or because the cell phones are going to kill off all the bees – that is a different story. Then you are not a kook; you are a scientist. It is perfectly acceptable to think the end of the world is near because of Styrofoam cups or hair spray, but if you think the end is near for religious reason - if you think God is actually going to come and judge this world - you are a world-class nut job. I don't know about you, but I would rather be called a nut-job by the world than try to argue with the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus promised He would return and judge this world, and the Apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says in verse 7 -

1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near.

So I think I will side with God on this one. The problem with the sign on the street corner that says, "The end of the world is near," is not that it is wrong or kooky. The problem is it is incomplete. The end is near, therefore what? Therefore eat drink and be merry? The end is near, therefore get your affairs in order? Why are you telling me this information about the end being near? Verse 7 does not end with the statement that the end is near. The very next word is therefore. Peter is going to tell us exactly how to prepare. But that is the end of this sermon. Let's back up to the beginning.

Their Judgment

We left off last week with Peter listing all the sins that result from the attitude that would rather escape suffering than be in God's will. He lists all those sins and then says, "Haven't you spent enough time in that sewage already?" The devil has had a lot of years of our lives, shouldn't God get what is left? The devil should not have gotten any. But since he has, isn't that enough?

That is the attitude of the Christian, and as a result, we no longer join with the world in their headlong plunge into debauchery and dissipation. And that bothers them.

4 They are surprised that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation

That word translated plunge in verse 4 is literally run with. They want you to run with them.

Don't Run with Them

But if you are a Christian, Peter says, you are not running with them anymore. That means if you are running with them - if most of your friends are unbelievers, you prefer the company of nonchristians over Christians, you fit in better with them than in the church, you go to them for counsel, you have more in common with them - those are all signs that you are probably not saved. When you are truly saved, God gives you a new heart that hates that lifestyle, and that is not compatible with it at all. However, even though we have an aversion to it, it is still a temptation because of the pressure they put on us.

The World's Eagerness to Sin (and to bring you along)

They are sprinting into a flood of sin. They cannot wait to dive in. And they are offended that you do not join them. Why is that? They obviously don't like you - so why do they want you to join them? They want you to join in because when you don't, it exposes their evil. I have always found it interesting how those who are drinking to get drunk always want the people around them to join them. You go to a party where there is a lot of drinking, and there is pressure to drink alcohol. Sometimes people go to family events and drink alcohol even though they don't want to, just so they will not offend the family. I have always found that fascinating, because people don't pressure you to drink anything else. If you are at a place where everyone is drinking pop, and they ask you if you want some, it is no big deal to just say, "No thank you." They don't keep pushing, "Aw, come on - just one can. Just a few sips of Dr. Pepper - what's it going to hurt?" They don't get offended if you pass on a lemonade. You do not even have to offer a reason. If you turn down alcohol it is always, "No, I can't because I'm driving," or "I'm on duty" or "I'm abstaining right now" or whatever. But if you turn down an iced tea you can just say, "No thanks - I'm good" - and they will be satisfied.