Proclamation:
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that
you may pray. Above all, love each other
deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without
grumbling. Each of you should use
whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s
grace …” 1 Peter 4:7-10 (NIV)
Explanation:
These words were written by the apostle Peter, under the
influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers who scattered after the
crucifixion of Christ. (1 Peter 1:1-2)
Peter began this fourth chapter by telling them that they should live
for God. They should have the same
attitude that Christ had. They should
not be surprised when men verbally abuse them for walking away from the pagan
life style which they used to live and following Christ. (1 Peter 4:1-5) Then he tells them that the end is near and
that they should be as Christ-like as possible.
They should use their God given gifts to the best of their abilities to serve
others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. (1 Peter 4:7-11) He ends by telling them that judgment will
begin with God’s people, and he quotes Proverbs 11:30-31 to them. (1 Peter
4:17-19)
Application:
Judgment Day is coming and the end of this world is
near. Believers will be judged, not
regarding their salvation, but to determine the rewards that they will receive
in heaven. Non-believers will be judged
to show that they had the opportunity to accept Christ but didn’t. Believers need to be careful and prayerful,
loving and forgiving. We need to use our
talents, gifts, and abilities which we have been blessed with to help others
and to show the world that we are faithful stewards of the grace of God.
(Matthew 5:16)
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