Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 1 Chronicles 27-29
     New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 4

The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:7-11).

Peter was a practical man. Being married helped, as did his profession of being a fisherman. Before following Christ, his life comprised very practical things; boats, nets, fish, supporting a family, hard work, and a host of other realities. Therefore, we should not be surprised that his personality and writing followed suit. Being neither scholarly nor sophisticated, Peter had little interest in theoretical discussions. Life is not meant to be talked about, but lived!

In these five verses, we see pragmatic Peter at his best, as he offers four commandments and one goal. Simple, direct, no beating around the bush.

The First Command: Use Good Judgement and Stay Calm in a Spirit of Prayer!
The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer (v7).
Jesus is returning soon, so we need to be alert and stay calm. The secret of maintaining a balanced and calm life that Peter speaks about is prayer. We are to pray and watch. Prayer sharpens our awareness so that we’ll be more discerning than we would normally be.

The Second Command: Stay Fervent in Love for One Another!
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. v8
If there is ever a time to stretch our love for one another to the limit, it’s during the end times. And what reveals love better than forgiveness? Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses(Pr. 10:12).

The Third Commandment: Be Hospitable Toward One Another!
Be hospitable to one another without complaining (v9).
We are to be open and friendly to one another and generously help those among us who are in need. And the little phrase Peter tacked on to the end is crucial in showing hospitality. We are to do it without complaining!

The fourth Commandment: Keep Serving One Another!
Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides (v10-11a).
The Spiritual Gifts given us are to be used in serving one another. That is how we become good stewards of our gifts. But when we speak, it should not be our own opinions and philosophies about life, but we are to speak God’s words. When we serve, it is not to be in our own strength, let it be from the strength God provides.

The Goal: In Everything God Gets the Glory!
So that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen (v11b).
When we keep His Glory uppermost in our minds, it is amazing how everything else falls into place. Since He gets the glory, we are more comfortable leaving the results with Him. Being motivated to seek God’s glory in all things is a difficult assignment. One thing that helps is understanding that Jesus Is Coming Soon! If we understand that. If we truly understand that, Peter’s four commands are easy to obey and his one goal is a cinch to accomplish.