1 Peter 4:7-11 KJV: Living with the End in Mind
The End of All Things is at Hand
7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
In 1 Peter 4:7-11, the apostle Peter reminds us that the end of all things is near. This truth should motivate us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. We are called to be sober, or serious-minded, and to watch unto prayer.
Using Our Gifts to Serve Others
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Instead of focusing on our own interests, Peter encourages us to use our gifts to serve others. We are to show fervent charity, or love, towards one another, which covers a multitude of sins. We are also called to practice hospitality without grudging, and to minister to one another according to the gifts we have received.
Speaking as Oracles of God
11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Finally, Peter reminds us that our speech and ministry should be a reflection of God's character. We are to speak as the oracles of God, and minister according to the ability that God gives us. Our ultimate goal is to glorify God in all things, and to bring praise and dominion to Jesus Christ.
