The End Has Drawn Near

1 Peter 4:7 (Recovery Version): ⁷But the end of all things has drawn near. Therefore, be sober-minded and be sober unto prayers. ⁸Above all, have fervent love among yourselves, because love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹Be hospitable to one another without murmuring,

Words of Ministry

All things on which the flesh rests will pass away, and the end of them, the apostle tells us here, has drawn near. This warns us that a life lived in the flesh in the lusts of men (1 Peter 4:2) will soon be ended, for it is related to all things which will shortly pass away. Therefore, we should be sober-minded and be sober unto prayers. Literally, to be sober-minded is to be of a sound mind; it is to have a mind of sobriety, able to understand things properly and thoroughly without being disturbed. Furthermore, to be sober unto prayers is to be sober to watch; hence, vigilant. This is to be on guard; hence, sober unto prayers. This equals the Lord’s word, “Watch and pray” (Matt. 26:41; Luke 21:36). We need to realize that all things will come to an end. Peter says that the end of all things has drawn near. Therefore, instead of loving material things, we should be sober-minded and be sober unto prayers. Do not set your mind on a better home, a better car, or a better education. The end of all such things has drawn near. Verse 8 continues, “Abive all, have fervent love among yourselves, because love covers a multitude of sins.” Love must be first. In verse 9 Peter says, “Be hospitable to one another without murmuring.” Peter wrote this verse according to his experience. He knew that hospitality can be troublesome. Because the saints love the Lord, the church, and the ministry, they are willing to extend hospitality to those visiting from other localities. However, the saints who show hospitality may be hospitable with murmuring. Some may complain about how a saint who once stayed with them conducted himself. This is murmuring. I hope that our hospitality will be without murmuring.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (KJV): And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

The Old Rugged Cross welcomes all. NO one is turned away—no one is rejected. When we ask, we shall receive.

by Robert D. Anderson (and Living Stream Ministry)