READ: 1 Pet. 4:7-11: But the end of all things is at hand … have fervent love for one another … As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified …
Peter now informs us that time is running out; we must be ready for the Lord when He returns (v.7). We need to keep this in mind in our lives and in our prayers. This requires the right focus on Christ and His church: thoughtfulness and sobriety. Not praying for just anything, but focusing on being ready for Him, on the glory of God, on our own sanctification, and on the church-gathering work of Christ.
The call for fervent love for one another also relates to the church as a community of saints (v. 8). With that love, we will need to put aside our own interests and be tolerant of each other’s weaknesses (1 Cor. 13:7).
In our society where it’s every man for himself, Peter’s words about unconditional hospitality are also very important (v. 9). God gives very different gifts and strengths to all members of the church. They are meant to serve His church as good stewards of God’s diverse grace (v.10).
Peter mentions several of these gifts: goods, money, speaking, and serving. These gifts are meant to be used in the midst of the church without self-interest, in a way that fits and pleases God (v.11).
If these instructions are faithfully followed, what a flourishing community of saints we will have! And in all this, God will be glorified through Jesus Christ!
How do you speak ‘as the oracles of God’ (v.11)?
Singing: Ps. 133:1,2