Glory at Last (1 Peter 4:7-11)

Glory at Last 1 Peter 4:7-11 Introduction • Peter has been preparing his readers for the reality of trying times: governing powers, slanderous people, and jealous sinners all make life difficult for Christians. • He will resume the theme in 4:12, “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial … as though something strange were happening to you.” • These trials are characteristic of life in the last days. How should believers live during trying times? That’s the focus of 4:7-11. Structure 1. Governing Principle: “The end of all things is hand” • • Almost every New Testament writer says the exact same phrase: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, James 5:8-9, 1 John 2:18, Hebrews 1:2, Matthew 24:14. In my opinion, Peter is not referring here to the imminent return of Christ (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), but that the final, Messianic age has dawned (Isaiah 2, Malachi 4). 2. Two Commands – Three Supplements • • Be Self Controlled – Be Sober Minded Having Love; Showing Hospitality; Serving Structure 3. Four Unto’s – In the final days, Christians should on God and Christians. • • • Unto Prayer Unto “One Another” 3x Unto the Glory of God 4. One Great Purpose – Unto the Glory of God in Jesus Christ Self Control and Sobriety (4:7) • Clear, serious-minded thinking is one of Peter’s favorite themes – see 1:13 (grace will be brought to you at the revelation of Christ) and 5:8 (there’s a devil prowling about) • Clear thinking has a purpose – Focused prayer. Peter refers both to the fact of prayer an its focus. Earnest Love (4:8) • Peter intensifies this command in three ways: 1. Above all 2. Present tense 3. “Earnestly” implies strenuous, continual love • Love covers a multitude of sins: 1. Common Old Testament idea – Proverbs 10:12; 17:9 2. Peter is not talking about sweeping major sins under the rug (see Acts 5). Even when major sins are confessed and forgiven, hurts can remain for a long time. Hospitality and Service (4:9-11a) • Hospitality generally refers to kindness to strangers but implies friendliness to all and assistance to all in need. 1. Requirement for New Testament leadership – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8 2. No grumbling over the inconveniences of hospitality • Serve One Another in God’s Strength 1. Each person has received at least one gift of grace. 2. God’s gifts are varied and for the benefit of the body. 3. God’s gifts are for God’s glory and not for the recipient of the gift. Conclusions • Peter’s recipe for Christian living in the last days precludes distractions so common in Christianity today. • Peter’s recipe for Christian living in the last days are unanimously selfless. • Peter’s recipe for Christian living demands proactive, purposeful thinking. Prayer, earnest love, hospitality, and selfless service do not happen by accident.