The Grace Of Service.

THE GRACE OF SERVICE.

1 Peter 4:7-11.

Peter has already told us the ‘last days’ began at Pentecost (cf. Acts 2:16-18). Now he tells us that “the end of all things is at hand” (1 PETER 4:7a). Although he wrote those words nearly two millennia ago, that sense of imminence remains. The question is: How should we live as we wait in these in-between times between the ascension and return of Jesus?

Peter’s answer is clear: “Be sober-minded, and watchful unto prayers” (1 PETER 4:7b). Peter goes on to call us to sober watchfulness because ‘the devil, as a roaring lion’ is ‘seeking whom he may devour’ (cf. 1 Peter 5:8).

If we have indeed tasted of the good things of the Lord (cf. Hebrews 6:5), then we shall live in joyful hope, and not in despair, as we wait for the end (cf. 1 Peter 1:13). The return of Jesus is good news, after all, for His own people. It is joyous news: which is why the expression ‘miserable Christians’ is such an oxymoron!

Sober-mindedness equips us for prayer. Not only are we not to fall prey to the demon drink, but we are called to watchful waiting for the return of the Lord. Jesus Himself warned His servants against letting our guards down because of the supposed ‘delay’ in His coming (cf. Luke 12:45-46).

“But before all things,” Peter calls us to fervent love for one another within the church (1 PETER 4:8a; cf. 1 Peter 1:22). This is a deep love, a constant love. We love God ‘because He first loved us’ (cf. 1 John 4:19); and Jesus instructs us to ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (cf. John 13:34-35). Paul tells us that ‘love never fails’ (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:8).

Peter tells us that “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 PETER 4:8b; cf. Proverbs 10:12). This answers Peter’s own question to the Lord, ‘How many times must I forgive my brother?’ (cf. Matthew 18:21-22). “A multitude” is innumerable. It is inappropriate to count how many times!

Peter continues, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 PETER 4:9). On one occasion Jesus upbraided a Pharisee for his lack of hospitality: ‘You gave me no water to wash my feet &c.’ (cf. Luke 7:44-48).

But Jesus stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet in the Upper Room (cf. John 13:4-5). Jesus then said, ‘If I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet’ (cf. John 13:14). It is a picture of service, from the One who ‘came not to be ministered unto, but to minister’ (cf. Mark 10:45).

Jesus speaks of hospitality to those on His right hand: ‘I was a stranger, and you took me in’ (Matthew 25:35). He continues, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done in unto me’ (cf. Matthew 25:40).

If we love the brethren, we will minister to them as we are able, in accordance with the “gift” that we have received (1 PETER 4:10a). As each one has received the gift, so are they to serve. This is our stewardship, our service arising from “the manifold (variegated) grace of God” (1 PETER 4:10b).

Peter speaks here of just two foundational categories of ministry: “speaking,” and “ministering” (or ‘serving’: the Greek word gives us our English word ‘deacon’) (1 PETER 4:11a).

(i). If we are called by God to speak, it must be “the very oracles of God.” This is how to preach the Scriptures of the Word of God (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:17). While Peter spoke the words of God at the house of Cornelius, ‘the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word’ (cf. Acts 10:44). The elders in particular are exhorted to ‘feed the flock of God’ (cf. 1 Peter 5:2), which is done by the preaching and teaching of God’s word.

(ii). If we are called to serve, we are discouraged from trying to undergo our tasks in our own strength. All things must be done in the strength of the One who calls us to service.

All such speaking and service is exercised with a view to ‘the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ’ (cf. Ephesians 4:12).

And ultimately, for bringing glory to the Lord: “that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (1 PETER 4:11b).