See 1 Peter 4:7. The end of all things is at hand. We can see the signs of the times. When bad things happen we should look up for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is sin in this world and bad things will happen to those who dwell there. There is death and destruction in this word. This pain should give us a longing for Heaven. We are to keep an eye on the sky. See Titus 2:13, Matthew 24:42 & Philippians 3:20.

1 – Living in light of the return of the Lord (1 Peter 4:1-3)

We have a choice. We don’t have to live according to those old lusts. We are to arm ourselves. It is a metaphor of a battle. We are battling against the world. We are to live according to the will of God. This is an offence to some people. We are to respect those who are in government but keep our eyes upon the Lord. Trials will bring out what is on the inside.

2 – Looking in light of the return of the Lord (1 Peter 4:7)

We ought to be looking for the return of Jesus Christ. That which we have been looking for is going to take place. See 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 and 1 John 3:2-3. When you expect a guest to come you keep looking to see if they have arrived. At any time our Lord will return. We are to look and pray.

3 – Loving in light of the return of the Lord (1 Peter 4:8-9)

We are to be fervent in love. We are to give it all that we have to show love. In the light of the imminent return of Christ, there should be less hate and more love. This love has nothing to do with feelings. This love is doing good things. See 1 Corinthians 13. You can cover a person with love. It covers a multitude of sins. Love will be hospitable to those who need hospitality.

4 – Labouring in light of the return of the Lord (1 Peter 4:10-11)

We are working. We have all received gifts from the Holy Spirit. We are to use these gifts as we labour for the Lord. All Christians have received the gift of grace. God wants us to work rather than do nothing while we try to work out what our gift is. We need to work to find out what our gift really is:-

• We are to use our gift with love.
• We are to use our gift with action – The human body was not designed to sit still. It was designed to move. Spiritually we are designed to move.
• We are to use our gift as a blessing to other people. Our gifts are not a toy to enjoy. They are a tool to employ.
• We have got to rise above adversity. We can’t keep our eye on the storm. Don’t stop working for the Lord. We are to work together and keep our eye on the sky.

Categories: 1 Peter