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 lifestyle which they used to live and to now live a life following
Christ. (1 Peter 4:1-5) Then he tells them that the end of time 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 this chapter by telling
them that God’s judgment will begin with His people, and he quotes Proverbs
11:30-31 to them. (1 Peter 4:17-19)
APPLICATION
The 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 which they
will receive in heaven. (Matthew 10:42, Colossians 3:24, Hebrews 11:6, Revelation 11:18, and Revelation
22:12) Non-believers will be judged to
show that they had the opportunity to accept Christ, but they chose to deny
Him. (Matthew 10:33, 1 Peter 4:6 and Revelation 20:12-13) Believers need
to be careful and prayerful, loving and forgiving. We need to use the
talents, gifts, and abilities which we have been blessed with to help others,
(Proverbs 11:25) and to show the world that we are faithful stewards of the
grace of God. (Matthew 5:16)
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