Lesson 21
A Practical Guide To The Christian Life In Light Of The Coming Of Christ
I Peter 4:7-11
First century Christians fully expected Christ to return in their lifetime. Paul wrote (Romans 13:12a) "The night is far spent, the day is at hand." John said (I John 2:18) "Little children, it is the last time." James said (James 5:8) "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh." And in our text for today, we learn that Peter also was expecting Christ's return at any moment. I Peter 4:7 "But the end of all things is at hand."
We have learned, that Peter's epistle was written during the early days of a great persecution against Christians. Much of this letter tells us how to have the right attitude during difficult times of rejection and persecution. And often during days of suffering we become intensely aware of the end.
Some people would use their expectancy of Christ's return, as a reason to ridicule them or the Bible or even the doctrine of the second coming. In his second epistle Peter spoke of this (read II Peter 3:3-4,8-10). The fact that Christ has not yet returned does not invalidate the doctrine. Rather it teaches us that every Christian should live with the anticipation and expectancy that Christ will return during their lifetime. Indeed, I truly believe that Jesus is coming again and fully expect it to be during my life.
But the question is, expecting Christ's return how should we live? In I Peter 4:7-11, Peter issues 5 commands and concludes with one goal which tell us in a very practical way how to live.
I get the sense that Peter was a very practical man. He was a married man. He was a working man whose early life had consisted of very tangible, practical things - boats, nets, fish. Being neither particularly scholarly nor sophisticated, Peter did not approach the subject of Christ's return with a lot of theoretical discussions. And so, Peter gives us a very balanced and practical guide to the Christian life in light of Christ's imminent return.
Perhaps this is the best approach to prophecy. Listen to what one well-known Bible teacher and commentator has written (WWW - Be Hopeful, p. 107.)
That's exactly where Peter begins. The end is near - therefore ... There are 5 commands from verses 7-11. The very first one calls us to keeping our balance about the second coming.
Command #1 - Stay Cool, 4:7.
This word has nothing to do with abstinence from alcohol. It has to do with having a sound mind, with clear thinking. It is the ancient equivalent of "Keep your cool." It is the opposite of the Greek word "mania" which has made its way into the English language and has to do with being in a frenzy or as my mama would say have a tizzy fit. The truth is that a prophetic emphasis can lead to an unbalanced life. It led some of the Thessalonians to be lazy dreamers who wouldn't work and provide for their families, II Thessalonians 3:11-12. it may lead others to be impulsive and frenzied fanatics without the proper restraint. And so, Peter begins by saying, "Be sober, think clearly, keep your cool, don't lose your balance." The nearness of Christ's return is not a reason to quit your job, put on your pajamas and wait on the roof for the rapture. Just stay faithful and steadfast in your service to Christ.
Command #2 - Maintain An Alert Prayer Life, 4:7c.
Verse 7 also says "watch unto prayer." This word for "watch" has to do with being watchful and alert and showing self-control. It is the opposite of being drunk or asleep.
Isn't it interesting that the imminent return of Christ is supposed to elicit from Christians a better prayer life? So how is your prayer life these days? Are you committed to a steadfast prayer life? Are you faithful in your prayer life? Are you obeying this command?
Command #3 - Intensify Your Love For Christians, 4:8.
Peter says that among Christians there must be "fervent charity" (agape - love). The word "fervent" comes from the athletic world and has to do with effort and the strain that an athlete has in order to perform at his best. Just as an athlete strains to put forth his maximum effort in competition, Christians are to put forth a fervent effort at loving each other. This is especially necessary during times of persecution.. Pressure from the outside can sometimes strain relationships with those love the most. We must put forth that extra effort to love one another. This love is the badge of believers. John 13:34- 35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Peter reminds us that this must be a priority. It must be "above (before) all things." Being practical, Peter tells us just what Christian love looks like. "Love shall cover the multitude of sins." This is a allusion to Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins." When you show malice toward the failure and sin of another Christian, when you spread the news of his sin, when you gossip and slander another Christian, when you expose a Christian's sins for all to see, it is not love. It is hatred. Love covers sin. Not just a couple of sins but a multitude of sins. Love does not condone sin but love does cover sin. Like two of Noah's sons, who, upon encountering their father's drunken nakedness, quickly and quietly covered his sins so that they were not exposed for all to see, so we must show a forgiving spirit that covers sin.
Command #4 - Be Hospitable Without Grumbling, 4:9.
Perhaps this is another expression of our love to one another. Not only do we cover sins, but we also open our homes (our lives) up to each other.
Hospitality is a virtue that is commanded and commended throughout the Scriptures. Moses included it in the law. Jesus enjoyed it when He was on the earth, and so did the apostles in their ministry. Hospitality is a qualification for Christian leaders. And, here in I Peter, it is commanded for all Christians.
I suspect that the hardest part of this command is expressed in those last two words of verse 9 - "without grudging" (grumbling; complaining). Why might we complain? Because hospitality can be hard - trouble, time, expense are all part of opening your home, as well as surrendering some part of your privacy.
But again, I find it very interesting that hospitality is associated with the second coming of Christ. It is another way of expressing the balanced living of Christian even as they expect the end to be near.
Command #5 - Exercise Your Spiritual Gift(s) To Each Other, 4:10-11a.
Verse 10 begins by expressing a wonderful truth. Every Christian person has received at least one spiritual gifted. As Christians, we are all in the gifted class!
Christianity is not intended to be something for you to spectate. God intends you to be a player. You have been given gifts by the Spirit and it now your responsibility to exercise those gifts for the good of other Christians. Gifts, you see, are not toys to play with or weapons to fight with, they are tools to work with. And God expects you to be a good steward of the diversity of His grace that He was expressed to you. Specifically, some gifts are of the speaking variety and some of the serving variety according to verse 11. Some gifts are of a public nature and others are more of a private nature. Not all of us have the same gifts but we all have at least one and the best way to live in expectancy of Christ's return is to use your gifts to help each other.
There are five commands in these five verses.
* Stay cool.
* Maintain an alert prayer life.
* Intensify your love for each other.
* Open up your home to others.
* Exercise your spiritual gifts for each other.
Five commands but they all have one goal which is stated at the end of verse 11. We obey these commands, as we see the end approaching so "that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."