Living with the End in Mind

1 Peter 4:7–11 (NKJV)

Introduction:

How do you future plans effect our present behavior?

What happened over the pandemic when all plans were cancelled? People got lazy, put on a their Covid 19 (pounds that is), and Netflix stock soared in the midst of a major market correction.

If a teen-ager is left at home and parents say exactly when they will be home then what will happen? Some teen-agers will ran-sack the place

Proposition: As Christians, God has called us to live with the end in mind.

Interrogative: How do Christians accomplish this?

By having the right mindset, motive, and purpose

I. The Right Mindset (4:7)

Serving for God’s Glory

7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

A. The Truth: But the end of all things is at hand

1. The Resurrection and ascension signal the final age.

1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV) 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

1 John 2:18 (NKJV) Deceptions of the Last Hour 18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.2. The Return of Christ as motivation

2. The Motivation for Service

Romans 13:11–12 (NKJV) Put on Christ 11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Philippians 4:5 (NKJV) 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Hebrews 10:23–25 (NKJV) 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

James 5:7–8 (NKJV) Be Patient and Persevering 7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Revelation 1:3 (NKJV) 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Revelation 22:10 (NKJV) 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.

The reason the end is near is that the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ have inaugurated the last days (cf. 1 Cor 10:11; 1 John 2:18). In the New Testament the theme that the end of history is imminent is often sounded (Rom 13:11–12; Phil 4:5; Heb 10:23–25; Jas 5:7–8; Rev 1:3; 22:10).

Eschatology is invariably used to encourage believers to live in a godly way (cf. Matt 24:36–25:46; Rom 13:11–14; 1 Cor 15:58; Phil 4:4–9; 1 Thess 5:1–11; 2 Pet 3:11–16).

B. The Mindset

1. Be of sound judgment: clear-minded

Mark 5:15 (NKJV) 15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.

Luke 8:35 (NKJV) 35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.

Romans 12:3 (NKJV) Serve God with Spiritual Gifts 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:13 (NKJV) 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

Titus 2:6 (NKJV) 6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,

2. Be sober-minded for the sake of your prayers: serious, ready

1 Thessalonians 5:1–8 (NKJV)The Day of the Lord

5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

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. What is striking in the paragraph is how Peter shifted from a focus on relationship with outsiders to how believers should relate to one another.399 Peter summoned his readers to “be clear minded and self-controlled.” The two verbs “be clear minded” (sōphronēsate) and “be self-controlled” (nēpsate) are virtually synonymous and should be understood together. Indeed, the word “pray” (lit., “prayers,” proseuchas) is attached to both verbs

Transition: If our vertical perspective and relationship is right, then so will our horizontal relationships and perspective.

II. The Right Motive (4:8-10)

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.

A. The Priority

1. Above all things

The centrality of love is evident from 1 Cor 13:1–7,

from the teaching of Jesus (Matt 22:34–40),

and from Johannine teaching (e.g., John 13:34–35; 1 John 2:7–11).

In the second half of the verse the reason love should be pursued is explicated, as the word “because” (hoti) indicates. The reason given is that love “covers over a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 1:22 (NKJV)

The Enduring Word

22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

1 Peter 3:8 (NKJV) Called to Blessing 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

1 Peter 3:8 (NKJV) Called to Blessing 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

2. Have fervent love

Translated “constant”

Carries the idea of stretched

3. for one another — this here is talking about brothers and sisters in Christ

“God hates visionary dreaming; it makes the dreamer proud and pretentious. The man who fashions a visionary ideal of community demands that it be realized by God, by others and by himself. He enters the community of Christians with his demands, sets up his own law, and judges the brethren and God Himself accordingly…. When his ideal picture is destroyed, he sees the community going to smash. So he becomes, first an accuser of his brethren, then an accuser of God, and finally the despairing accuser of himself.” - Dietrich Bonhoffer, Life Together

B. The Reason: Love will cover a multitude of sins (cf Prov. 10:12; Rom 5:8; James 5:20)

Fourth, the notion that love overlooks the sins of others is clearly taught elsewhere in the New Testament (Matt 18:21–22; 1 Cor 13:4–7).

1. Love overlooks sin

Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV)

12 Hatred stirs up strife,

But love covers all sins.+

James 5:20 (NKJV)

20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2. Love forgives (pays their debt internally)

Matthew 18:21–22 (NKJV) Instruction About Forgiveness21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Matthew 5:43–44 (NKJV) 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

3. Love things positively (gives the benefit of the doubt)

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NKJV) 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

C. The Method (There are primarily 2)

1. Hospitality to one another without grumbling

Hospitality was one of the marks of the Christian community (cf. Rom 12:13; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8; Heb 13:2). Hospitality was particularly crucial for the Christian mission in a day when lodging could not be afforded, and hence the advance of the mission depended on the willingness of believers to provide bed and board for those visiting (Matt 10:11, 40; Acts 16:15; 3 John 7–11).412 The early church was aware that such hospitality could be abused (cf. Did. 11:3–6). Furthermore, hospitality was necessary in order for the church to meet in various homes (cf. Rom 16:3–5, 23; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Phlm 2). The words “without grumbling” acknowledge that those who open their homes may grow tired of the service. Hence, they are exhorted to be hospitable gladly, not caving in to the temptation to begrudge their charity to others.

a. Lodging for travelling preachers

b. Housing for Assembly

c. Cost

Financial cost - there is archeological evidence of changing the layout of the home

Risk

Target of Persecution

Application: The main application here is that we our called to use our homes to minister to each other.

Why do we struggle with this today?

We view our homes a fortresses rather than places of ministry.

Our homes isolate us rather than bring us together.

We feel like we have to have our houses perfect. (without grumbling

2. Serve (minister to) on another

a. As each one has recieved a gift

gift=charisma

Romans 12:6 (NKJV) 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;

1 Corinthians 1:7 (NKJV) 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 12:4 (NKJV) 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,

1 Corinthians 12:28 (NKJV) 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:30–31 (NKJV) 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

1 Timothy 4:14 (NKJV) 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV) 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

b. as good stewards of the manifold grace of God

1) Stewards

The word translated “stewards” could also be translated as “managers” (cf. Luke 12:42; 16:1, 3, 8; 1 Cor 4:1–2; cf. Gal 4:2; Titus 1:7), as long as it is clear that believers hold these gifts in trust since they are gifts of God. Spiritual gifts are not fundamentally a privilege but a responsibility, a call to be faithful to what God has bestowed.

2) The manifold grace of God

Parable of the Talents

14 k“For the kingdom of heaven is llike a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, mto each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were nfaithful over a few things, oI will make you ruler over many things. Enter into pthe joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, q‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into rthe joy of your lord.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You swicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 t‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant uinto the outer darkness. vThere will be weeping and wgnashing of teeth.’

How do I steward God’s grace?

The term “serving” can be used in a variety of ways—of providing meals (Matt 8:15; Mark 1:31; Luke 4:39; 10:40; 12:37; 17:8; John 12:2; Acts 6:2), of visiting those in prison (Matt 25:44; 2 Tim 1:18), of providing financial support (Luke 8:3; Rom 15:25; 2 Cor 8:19, 20), and in more general terms as well (Matt 20:28; Mark 10:45; Luke 22:26–27; John 12:26; Acts 19:22; 2 Cor 3:3; 1 Tim 3:10, 13; Phlm 13; Heb 6:10).414

The point is that spiritual gifts are given to serve and to help others, to strengthen others in the faith. They are bestowed for ministry, not to enhance self-esteem. Paul emphasized the same theme, reminding believers that gifts are given to build up and edify others, not to edify oneself (1 Cor 12:7, 25–26; 14:1–19, 26; Eph 4:11–12). When believers use their gifts to strengthen others, they are functioning as “good stewards” (NRSV, kaloi oikonomoi) of God’s grace.

The need for the Gospel

Luke 17:3–5 (NKJV)

3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

D. The Method:

The gifts are divided into two categories, speaking and serving gifts.415 It must be said immediately, from v. 10, that all gifts involve serving and edifying others, and Peter was not denying that emphasis here. Now he examines the gifts functionally, observing that some involve speaking and others serve fellow believers in a variety of ways. In placing the gifts into the two categories of speaking and serving, all the spiritual gifts are included under these two classes. In his listing of the gifts Paul provided more detail, so that we have some idea which gifts would fall under speaking and which would fall under serving. The gifts of apostleship, prophecy, teaching, tongues, and exhortation are comprehended under speaking (Rom 12:6–7; 1 Cor 12:10, 28–30; Eph 4:11), whereas gifts like giving, leading, mercy, helps, healing, and miracles (Rom 12:8; 1 Cor 12:9–10, 28–30) fall under serving. It is not as if Peter did not know about the particular gifts. His purpose was to speak of them generally instead of discussing the gifts in particular.

1. Speaking Gifts: 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,

Those who speak should endeavor to speak “the very words of God.” The expression used is “oracles of God” (RSV, logia theou). The “oracles of God” refer to the words God has given his people (cf. Acts 7:38; Rom 3:2; Heb 5:12). The phrase is rooted in the Old Testament, where we have both “oracles of God” (LXX Num 24:4, 16; Ps 106:11 and “oracles of the Lord,” logia kyriou, LXX Pss 11:7; 17:31) and “your oracles” (LXX Pss 118:11, 103, 148, 158, 162; cf. Wis 16:11). Using speaking gifts to minister to others means that the one speaking endeavors to speak God’s words.416 How easy it is to think that we can assist others with our own wisdom, but those who are entrusted with the ministry of speaking should be careful to speak God’s words, to be faithful to the gospel (cf. 1 Cor 4:1–2; 2 Tim 4:1–5). Goppelt correctly argues that the injunction to speak God’s words constitutes an exhortation to the speaker.

2. Serving Gifts: As each one recieved a gift, let him do it with the ability which God supplies

Similarly, those who minister and serve others must not rely on their own strength. They must minister “with the strength God provides,” relying on his power to carry out their tasks. Presumably they rely on his power through prayer. When those who speak utter God’s words rather than their own and those who serve do so in God’s strength rather than their own, God through Jesus Christ receives the glory. God receives the glory because he is the one who has provided the wisdom and strength for ministry. The provider is always the one who is praised. If human beings are the source of wisdom and strength for ministry, they deserve to be complimented. But if understanding and energy come from the Lord, he gets the glory as the one who empowers his people. We should note that God receives the glory “through Jesus Christ,” for the glory that redounds to God comes through the gospel the Petrine readers received (1:3, 10–12, 18–19; 2:21–25; 3:18). This gospel focuses on Jesus Christ as the crucified and risen Lord, and hence God is praised for what he has done in and through Jesus the Christ.

Transition: Why is it so important that we do at as a vessel of God’s use to others? Because it fulfills our purpose.

III. The Right Purpose (4:11b)

that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

A. The Purpose: That in ALL Things God May be Glorified through Jesus Christ

B. The Perspective: To whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever

Peter concluded this section with a doxology, which some have seen as an indication that the letter ends here. Many letters, however, have doxologies before the conclusion (Rom 11:36; Gal 1:5; Eph 3:21; Phil 4:20; cf. Rev 1:6; 5:13; 7:12), though letters may indeed conclude with a doxology (Rom 16:25–27; 2 Pet 3:18; Jude 24–25). There is no basis, therefore, for thinking a doxology demonstrates that the letter concludes here. Instead the doxology signals the end of this major section of the letter, from 2:11–4:11. It is difficult to determine whether the doxology is addressed to God the Father or Jesus Christ. Supporting the latter is the fact that Jesus Christ is the nearest antecedent to “him.”418 On the other hand, most doxologies are addressed to the Father,419 and God is said to be the one who receives the glory earlier in the verse.420 Further, it seems strange to some to say that the glory is both “through” Christ and also “for” him (cf. 1 Clem. 20:12; 50:7). But we probably should understand the last phrase to refer to Jesus Christ, for Christ is the nearest antecedent. Further, since the preceding clause speaks of glory belonging to God, it seems likely that here we have a reference to Jesus Christ. Nor is it difficult to think of the glory being effected “through” Jesus Christ and also being intended “for” him. We can think here of Rom 11:36, where “all things” are “through” God but they are also “for” him. The goal of the Christian faith is that glory belongs to God and Christ, and here Peter also added “power” (kratos; cf. also Rev 1:6). The word “amen” signifies an affirmation, indicating that the writer agreed with the sentiment expressed, here in the doxology (cf. also Rom 11:36; 16:27; Gal 1:5; Phil 4:20; 1 Tim 1:17; 6:16; 2 Tim 4:8; Heb 13:21; 1 Pet 5:11; 2 Pet 3:18; Jude 25; Rev 1:6; 5:14; 7:12; 19:4).

Concluding Applications:

1. Are we living with the end in mind?

2. Are we loving in a way that forgives those who are in Christ readily, and covers sin quickly?

3. Are we loving through hospitality and ministering with our gifts?