Living in Light of the Lord's Return: 1 Peter 4:7-11

We tend to forget that Jesus is coming back again (just like in the Days of Noah, Matthew 24:37-39). One out of every 30 verses in the Bible mentions the subject of Christ's return. Of the 260 chapters in the New Testament, there are over 300 references to the return of Christ. Only 4 out of the 27 N.T. books fail to mention Christ's return (Adapted from Ryan Rice).

When Peter says, “The end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7), he was essentially saying there is nothing keeping Christ back from returning at any moment. This was the early church's blessed hope that enabled them to endure the sufferings they were experiencing in the world, and it is the same hope that can encourage us during times of trial.

According to Peter, here are 4 characteristics that should define those who are living with a view towards the coming of Christ:

1. Keep a focused prayer life (1 Peter 4:7). The word, translated “sound judgment,” literally means to be “clear minded.” A mind that is full of Scripture is the only way that we can be clear minded. The second virtue needed to have a focused prayer life is a “sober spirit.” This word can be translated, “self-controlled” which means to be free of intoxicants and distractions, which can be of both a spiritual or physical nature. How is your prayer life? Is it focused?
   
2. Love each other deeply (1 Peter 4:8). When people go through suffering, it is very common for it to cause discord. If a husband has a bad day at work, it often affects his relationship with his family—those he loves the most. Peter used the word “fervently” to describe the depth of the believer's love for one another. “Fervent” is an athletic word used of muscles stretching to give the maximum effort. Where love abounds in a fellowship of Christians, minor offenses, and even some large ones, are readily overlooked, forgiven and forgotten. But where love is lacking, every work is viewed with suspicion, every action is liable to misunderstanding, and conflicts abound—to Satan's perverse delight. God's love is not like that. Paul says love “keeps no account of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5). We can love others intensely, “because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5). Do you love others?
   
3. Share with each other cheerfully (1 Peter 4:9). Verse 9 gives us a practical way to live out this fervent kind of love: “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” The word, ”hospitality” literally means to be friendly, welcoming and generous to guests, especially to strangers. It carries with it the idea of giving practical help to anyone in need. This practice was absolutely necessary for the growth of the church because there were no Motel 6's for traveling missionaries and Christians. When we do open our homes, we must do so “without grumbling.” We shouldn't resent the time or the expense involved. When was the last time you invited someone to your home who isn't a friend or family member?
   
4. Serve each other faithfully (1 Peter 4:10-11). The final attribute that helps us prepare for the Lord's return is the use of our spiritual gifts. Each person has been given gifts by the Holy Spirit to serve Christ and the Church. These gifts, according to 1 Peter 4:11, involve speaking and serving. Speaking gifts include such things as the ability to encourage others, exhort others, teaching, singing, evangelism prophecy, etc. Serving gifts include gifts like leadership, helps, mercy, administration, etc. All these gifts are accomplished by God's strength and for his glory. Do you know, and are you exercising your spiritual gifts? Are there any of the above 4 characteristics that you need to work on? Are you ready for the Lord's return?