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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