◆“Preparing for the End Times and the Second Coming III” (1 Peter 4:7–12) October 13, 2024

We’ve been listening to messages under the theme “Preparing for the End Times and the Second Coming,” and today marks the final part of this series. The end times and the return of Jesus Christ are real events that will take place within God’s plan. Although no one knows the exact time, God calls us to be prepared.

So, how should we live our lives of faith in order to be ready? In the First Letter of Peter, four key points are emphasized:

1. Be devoted to prayer.
2. Love one another.
3. Practice hospitality.
4. Use your spiritual gifts to serve one another.

Let us explore each of these.

First, “Be devoted to prayer.”
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are told to “pray without ceasing.” Prayer is the lifeline of a Christian; it should be continual. While the Thessalonian letter emphasizes praying in all circumstances, Peter focuses on the posture of the heart: “Be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” A more direct rendering would be, “Bring thoughtfulness and sobriety into your prayers.”

The Thessalonian passage speaks to praying amidst external situations, while Peter highlights internal readiness.

What does it mean to be “sober-minded”? The original word means “not drunk.” When intoxicated, one loses proper judgment—either overestimating or underestimating one’s own ability.

I recall a bitter memory from my childhood. When I was in early elementary school, I desperately wanted a dog. One night, my father—feeling bold under the influence of alcohol—promised, “Let’s get a German Shepherd.” But our small yard and financial limitations made that unrealistic. The next morning, when I asked, “When are we getting the Shepherd?” he denied ever saying it. I was deeply disappointed—and I’ve never forgotten it.

Being sober-minded in prayer doesn’t mean calculating what’s reasonable before God. It means praying based on His promises. The word translated “sober” is the same as “clear-minded,” emphasizing its importance.

To pray based on God’s promises, we must first know those promises. In this context, it means taking the promise of Christ’s return seriously—not as metaphor or symbolism, but as an actual future event.

Second, “Love one another deeply.”
This and the next two points—hospitality and service—are all about mutual relationships within the church. The original expressions are “among you,” indicating that these actions should first be seen within the body of Christ.

That doesn’t mean we don’t love outsiders. But unless love and service are practiced inside the church, how can we expect to extend them outside?

The love mentioned here is “agape”—unconditional love. It’s not based on appearance, usefulness, or compatibility. God loved us not because we were lovable, but simply because He is love. We are to love one another in that same way.

This is not a love that originates from human effort. In 2 Corinthians 5:14, Paul says, “The love of Christ compels us.” This love doesn’t let go; it holds us fast. It’s poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. It’s not something we find or train ourselves to produce—it’s already been given. Believing that is essential.

Third, “Practice hospitality to one another without complaining.”
This is love made tangible. It’s interesting that Peter adds “without complaining.” Even with agape love from God, we may still grumble when offering hospitality. That reveals how deeply we are prone to separation from God. Therefore, we are forgiven by grace and empowered by grace to live out this love.

That’s why verse 11 says, “So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” Our achievements have no place here. Everything is done by God, so all glory belongs to Him.

Fourth, “Use your gifts to serve one another.”
Again, this applies within the church. No one is without spiritual gifts. As Peter says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received.” Some may simply not have recognized their gifts yet. Pray, “Lord, help me recognize my gift.” And even if a service opportunity doesn’t feel like a perfect fit, try saying yes. Sometimes, that’s how surprising gifts are discovered.

What’s most unfortunate is when someone decides from the outset, “I can’t do this. I’m not gifted.” That may be true in human terms. But if it’s something you can do on your own, then it reveals your glory, not God’s. Only when we go beyond ourselves can we truly say, as in verse 11, “So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

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Sermon script modified based on proofreading and translation with ChatGPT.