What is my Calling for?

1 Peter 4:7–11 CSB

7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

I. God has shaped your history, personality, strengths , and gifts for his glory

A. We should use our calling like the end is near

verse 7 :The reason the end is near is that the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ have started the last days

Use your calling to be sober-minded, alert, for prayer not in a panic

Ill: The most stereotypical response to a tornado moo moo smoking a pall mall talking about how the twister sounded like a freight train

(Sober-minded/alert synonymous tied to prayer) Its an expectation that God will act through prayer that will cause us to be sober-minded and alert

Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

a. We are to be sojourners and exiles that are galvanized to make our lives and callings count.

1, 2 Peter, Jude (4) Living in Light of the End (4:7–11)

We are reminded of what Martin Luther said when asked what he would do if the end would come today. He replied that he would plant a tree and pay his taxes. What Luther meant, of course, was that he lived every day in light of the end, and hence he would do the appointed task of that day

2. Maintain constant love for one another (agapēn ektenē) Constant agape :This kind of love (agape) can be commanded because it is primarily a decision of the mind, not a feeling into which a person falls. The goal of agape love is always to seek the good of the other person. The evidence of agape love is action, not words. The extent of agape love is sacrifice. Thus, believers are to love each other “deeply.” This word means “to be stretched.” True agape love is constantly being stretched to the limit by the demands made on it. This is precisely where agape love shines, because it is not exhausted when it becomes difficult or inconvenient.

Your calling is not about you or your “time to shine” its about God and its expressed by your agape love.

verse 8 : 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.

ILL: Love covers a multitude of sins (Kids) (overlook)