Text:I Peter 4:1-8

This passage continues with verse 7 telling us that the end of all things is at hand.  This seems to be the message throughout the New Testament and sometimes critics scruff at the Bible because they do not understand true time nor what this actually mean.  The end of course means just that, the point aimed at as a limit.   There is a very specific time when the King shall return and He is unstoppable for sure.  

All things means again just that.  It means all, everything, or the whole.  One day when the King returns, He will destroy the old and set up the New.  I believe this is where evil gets the idea of the great reset.  Again, Satan can only imitate and never create.  

The phrase at hand is the one that causes some to question.  It simply means to make near.  Every day that closes is a day closer to the end of all things.  Every day that closes is a day closer to you and I being in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  None of us know when that day will be so there should be a sense of urgency about our lives.  Not fear but expected urgency that promotes action and love in us. 

So the question is, what will you do.  Will you continue to live to the flesh or will you truly live in the Spirit.  This word means to breath or to be active or lively, John 14:6; II Cor. 3:17. We accomplish this by taking on three characteristics. First, is to be sober.  This means to owe in the right mind, to be sound or sane, I Pet. 5:8; 1:13.  There are so many distractions in today’s world and it is difficult to be sound and sane.  However, through the power of Christ it can be accomplished for it is a choice.  

Second, we are to watch unto prayer.  This is a very similar word but means to have a collected spirit or to be tempered or dispassionate, I Thess. 5:6-8. Do not let emotions direct your life but may Truth guide us to our expected end with the Lord.

           Then, we are to have agape-love for each other, John 13:34, 35; I John 4:7. We are to love the world by sharing the gospel with them, but we are to agape-love fellow believers.  How well do you agape-love the family of God?  May we unite in Christ Jesus!