1 Peter 4:7-11
Introduction
Peter, as did the early church, expected Jesus to return in his generation. How much closer Christ’s Second Advent must be today! I wonder how many of us say, when we arise in the morning, “Perhaps today”? Perhaps the Lord will return before 2006 reaches its close. How then should such a thought affect our daily lives? Imagine if we were the last generation of Bible-believing Christians this world is ever going to see!
Here are some activities we need to be involved throughout 2006 in preparation for the soon return of our Lord.
Sober and watchful in prayer (:7)
The word “sober” means to be “sensible and serious.” This means that we must stay alert and clear-headed especially in the area of prayer. Sometimes prayer can become a ritualistic, repetitious religious routine. After a while it become easy to pray without giving any serious thought about what we are praying (see Matthew 26:41; Colossians 4:2). Prayer can influence national and international affairs. Daniel in his prayer revealed that he did not have his head in the clouds, but was interested in current events (Daniel 9). Today we have all kinds of new media to assist us in our prayers (TV, radio, newspapers, and the Internet). Even the local free newspaper can be used as a prayer guide. Whatever our political leanings the leaders of our nation need our prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Prayer needs to be from the heart, but it has to be sensible and serious too.
Fervent love for the brethren (:8)
“Fervent” indicates that we must wholeheartedly reach out and love our fellow believers, especially those of our own fellowship. This means that we must go beyond the norm by loving God’s people with supernatural love. This kind of love helps us see passed the wrongs done to us. We need unity based upon strong, secure and stable relationships if the church is to survive 2006. We continually need to walk in the love the apostle Paul described in 1 Corinthians 13.
Christian hospitality (:9)
This does not mean that our homes should be open-houses to anyone who wants to use and abuse our kindness. Wisdom is needed here as in all areas of our Christian life. We ought not to separate ourselves from other believers; instead we need to be ready to assist them whenever a problem comes about. We have to be careful that nothing is done, no matter how helpful, with a grudging or bitter spirit. Christian hospitality is seen in those who are open-hearted and open-handed. The Lord should be allowed to guide us in this, otherwise all we will have is humanitarianism, which is a demonstration of artificial love which pats itself on the back when its duty is done.
Ministering to others (:10-11)
There are two types of ministry mentioned in these verses. Both reveal that God has a purpose for each of His children. They show that God can use us to reach out to others in a variety of ways.
Ministry of the word – basically this means that God has enabled some to minister to others through the spoken word, be it teaching, preaching and Biblical counselling. God’s intention here is to use the speaker as His mouthpiece to minister directly into the hearts and situations of the listener. Those who have been enabled by the Holy Spirit have the responsibility of only speaking what God says.
Ministry of service – How many have failed because they desired to be preachers or church leaders when God had chosen them to serve! The Lord enables us to serve others in the strength that He provides. The whole spirit, soul and body needs to be employed in the serving ministry. It is vital that we are Christ’s servants, but remember, to serve His we must obey Him, and He commanded us to serve others (Mark 10:43-44). Serving others is much more difficult than preaching or teaching.
Conclusion
Did you notice one of the themes that ran through this message? Wholeheartedness in all that we do for the Lord is very important as we prepare for His return. 2006 could see His return, but are we prepared for the possibility? We need to be committed in prayer, love, hospitality and service as we await His arrival. Let us do everything for His glory and honour (:11). This year? Perhaps!
Page 31 December 2005