Peter Message 16

Faithful till the end

1 Peter 4:7–11 NKJV

7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Intro:

Revelation 22:20 NKJV

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

When John wrote the last of the 12 apostles. He was an old man and a prisoner on the Island of Patmos. He was ready for Jesus to return, he was hoping it would happen in his life time.

1.One day the Lord Jesus is coming back. There are some days that I want to say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

a. It is one of those hurry up and wait deals. We have to wait on the Lords return. But while we waiting we need to be busy doing Gods work.

2.One reason many of us are ready for the Lords return is we seeing more ungodliness now then ever in our life time.

a. There was a time when God was given His rightful place in the affairs of our nation has been replaced with lust, greed, self-confidence, arrogance, and pride.

b. Our society no longer sees the need for God in our midst. He has been removed from our schools, the halls of justice, and many or most parts of our government.

c. It is so sad that God is no longer desired or welcome in the average home in America. We have forgotten the divine providence of Almighty God that brought us to where we are today.

d. America would never have survived without the Lord. I cannot to understand how a people so blessed can be so ungrateful as to even question if God exists! I believe that we must be living in the end times.

e. Peter and those who served the Lord in that day realized the rebellion and indifference of men, the suffering they were going through believing they were living in the end times.

f. We too must be aware of our current situation and determine to abide faithful, even in the midst of adversity. Let’s consider the responsibilities revealed in the text as we think on: Faithful till the End.

We should be looking forward to the Lords return. VS 7a

“But the end of all things is at hand”

The New Testament: An Expanded Translation Chapter 4

But of all things the end has come near

1. Yes, these are troubling times.

a. Peter and the believers in that day were expecting Jesus to return in their lifetime. He may every well come in our lifetime. And when we see the ungodliness, the turning away from God like we do today (there is a push to get “In God we trust” off of money)(1957) God is not allowed in many places today. (So help me God enlistment) (One nation under God)

b. It makes me wonder, how much longer will God allow us (true followers of Jesus go through a ungodly world)

c. When the rapture happens, we will gone the the lost will be left.

2 Also the Bible teaches that there will be a great falling away before the Lord returns. This is very evident in our day. The Christian faith is in steady decline.

a. Churches that were once active have closed their doors. Even here, in the Bible belt, we are surrounded by greater numbers each year who are un-churched, with no desire for salvation.

b. The church has lost its power and influence. The wicked among us no longer view the “conservative Christian” as a threat to their sinful indulgence. (Pres Eisenhower’s prayer) Imagine if a Pres did that today.

We live as if there’s no use to take a stand. May I remind you that we may not be the majority! Rom 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Phil.4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” And we need to realize that Jesus is coming back. We need to live as if we truly believed that.

Hebrews 10:37 NKJV

37 “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.

c. We need to anticipate His return. Because the reality is “But the end of all things is at hand.’

d. I truly believe in the Lords return. But I also now that life is short, and we have to live, serve the Lord with the time we have.

e. We only get one opportunity to live for Jesus. Take a moment and consider the life you’ve lived. Ask yourself – have I given Jesus my best? Have I accomplished all I could have or should have for Him?

f. We may have been faithful to attend church, but much of our lives are lived for self.

2. Our lives may be filled with good intentions, but that alone doesn’t accomplish much. A missionary said, “If I had a thousand lives to live, I’d live them all for Jesus.”

a. What about the life we’ve been given? We are left here for a purpose; God has a plan for each of us. We cannot put off or neglect what we need to do today.

James 4:14 NKJV

14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

a. The older you get, the less time you have to serve Jesus.

We should be busy until the Lord returns VS 7b-10

1 Peter 4:7–10 NKJV

7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Peter 4:7–10

;7 therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1. As we anticipate the end times, we must not sit idly by just waiting on Jesus’ return. Yes, we are eternally secure, but that is no license for laziness. Our text reveals five character traits those anticipating the Lord’s return should possess.

Submission VS 7a

“Therefore be serious” KJV “sober”

1. It means “to have a sound mind, being serious, in control of our lives and actions.” It is fully understanding that Jesus will return and being constantly ready for His return.

a. A sober mind can focus on the eternal, as well as our present needs and those of others. Living soberly is living in light of the Gospel with a proper perspective of how we are to live and the glory that awaits. Soberness sees the “big picture.”

b. Means to have a clear mind. The end is near, but don’t freak out when things get bad. Times are getting bad, the world is getting darker, sray sober, keep a clear mind.

c. Ever time there is an election, no matter who wins, people freak out. Guess what? God is still in control.

NKJV “serious” We are to take things seriously is to be aware of their real importance and to be ever mindful of their consequences in time and in eternity. It is to approach life, not as a jest, but as a serious matter for which we are answerable.

Supplication VS 7b

“watchful in your prayers” This is the same command the disciples heard in the garden of Gethsemane. Probably why Peter made this statement here.

1. This is genuine prayer that is aware of the needs around us at all times. Prayer is the greatest resource we have, but it often goes unused. We need to be in a constant attitude of prayer.

a. Imagine what we could see right here if those present today would watch unto prayer. I’m not talking about a generic prayer at bedtime, but earnest, heart-felt, God-seeking prayer. )Praying the Bible)

b. Think about the homes and lives that would be forever changed if God’s people would only pray. I firmly believe that prayer makes a difference.

Affection VS 8

1 Peter 4:8 NKJV

8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Fervent GW ektenes Continuously, without ceasing.

Acts 12:5 KJV 1900

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Without ceasing: same Greek word.

1. In these last days, we need fervent (a love without ceasing) for each other. This isn’t referring to shallow love, but the type of love that God has for us. Fervent has the idea of “an athlete stretching, reaching out, and giving all that he has to achieve his goal.” Fervent love is passionate, (not sensual), for those around us.

a. In days were we are in a great spiritual battle, we need to love one another. By loving one another, it will encourage one another.

a. The church needs to rekindle her love for the brethren. With love consuming our hearts, there is no room for jealousy, anger, bitterness, or division. Fervent love will cover a multitude of sins.

b. If we could love as God loves, we wouldn’t see the imperfections of others. If we are to reach the lost, we must love each other. Genuine love will show forth so that the failures and imperfections go unnoticed.

“love will cover a multitude of sins.”

hospitality VS 9

1 Peter 4:9 NKJV

9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

1. In Peter’s day, believers opened their homes to each other. They found refuge, safety, and a bond of fellowship. We need that fellowship today. This world doesn’t understand us. They have nothing to offer that I desire.

a. In these last days we ought to surround ourselves with God’s people. I find strength and encouragement with you. Church fellowship strengthens individual bonds. We learn to feel as others do. We must stand together in support of each other!

2. We also need to show hospitality to strangers. Be nice, show love, be kind, you never who God may put in your path.

Hebrews 13:2 NKJV

2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Cooperation VS 10

1 Peter 4:10 NKJV

10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1.God has given each of us individual gifts. We are to be good stewards of these gifts. It takes each of us working together to fulfill God’s plan for this body of believers. Never let Satan or anyone else tell you that you are not needed in the church.

a. Every gift is important and they complement each other. I can’t exercise a gift that I don’t possess. We are each responsible for the gifts we’ve been given. If we fail to use our gifts, there may be a void in our service. The church must come together in these last days.

“as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”

b. We will be held accountable for our service to God.

Sanctification VS 11

1 Peter 4:11 NKJV

11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1. I would hope that we are closer to the Lord than when we were first saved. A sanctified life is one that has been delivered from the power of sin; we learn to rise above it. Our day needs those who live a sanctified life for Jesus! This involves two areas.

Our Work VS 11a

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;

Some people are gifted at teaching. The words you speak in your teaching are “oracles” of God. (divine utterances)

a. In our everyday words. In our gospel conversations.

Our Witness VS 11b

“ If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ

to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen”

1. Basically, our lives ought to glorify God. Everything we do should show forth a loving Savior who is in complete control of our lives.

a. Wherever we go and whatever we do should be a witness to the change that has taken place in our hearts.

b. The lost world needs to see a genuine witness for Christ. Time is running out; if we don’t live a life to reach them, who will?

Conclusion: I hope we all realization of the importance of living for Jesus today. Our Lord’s return could happen at any moment. Are we doing all we can in these last days to serve the Lord, reaching the lost and benefiting the church?

The Lord will come again as He said, and only those who have placed their faith in the Lord, receiving the glorious gift of salvation will be taken with Him.

Those who have denied Christ will be left to face the horrors of the Tribulation. Are you prepared to meet the Lord should He come today? Do you know for sure that you are saved and will be in that number that is taken up with the Lord when He returns?