Peter 4:7-11 (NKJV) But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
These verses contain more laws from the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
V7 “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” This is idea of imminency. When is the end of all things? Only God knows, so we must be ready. We mustn’t think, “Well, God will not come for a long time, so I will get serious about living a Christian life later (Luke 12:45-48). Living a Christian life doesn’t mean we cannot have laugher but having our first love to seek fellowship with God (1 John 1:3) and serve Him (Matthew 4:10 and Matthew 6:24) as an ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20), a witness (Acts 1:8), and seeking to live a consistent Christian life (1 Corinthians 15:58). Our time on earth is brief (Psalm 90:5-6). The Greek word for “watchful” is (G3525) νήφω nēphō, which means sober, that is, awareness and readiness. Prayer is active with our minds fully engaged. Let us remember our prayers are to be given with an active, engaged mind and being serious. The Greek word for “serious” is (G4993) σωφρονέω sōphronéō, which means to be sane, alert, and in control. It is used in Mark 5:15 and Luke 8:35 (sound mind), Romans 12:3 (clear mind and thinking), and Titus 2:6 (as in our passage, it means sober thinking in thoughts and actions. This verse could also have the idea of being sober minded along with alertness in prayer.
Other translations:
1 Peter 4:7 (BSB) The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.
1 Peter 4:7 (GNB) The end of all things is near. You must be self-controlled and alert, to be able to pray.
1 Peter 4:7 (GW) The end of everything is near. Therefore, practice self-control, and keep your minds clear so that you can pray.
V8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” The quote is from Proverbs 10:12. Christians are a family, so we show family love. We all sin, but with family love we can overlook a mistake, correct a mistake, or assist as we are able. We seek reconciliation instead of revenge. Christians are to seek for peace and confess our sins as necessary.
V9 “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” If we can assist, then we should. We can always listen and pray for others.
V10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Since God has given each believer a gift (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), we must use it to help, encourage, strengthen, comfort, instruct, assist, etc. We are to build up truth (Ephesians 4:15, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, and 1 Thessalonians 5:14).
V11 “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” All might not be called to be pastors or teachers, but all must speak the Gospel and the Christian life. We must do everything as best possible for we serve the Greatest King–Jesus. We live and do in serving our Lord Jesus, and God gives the grace to accomplish (2 Corinthians 12:9).
We learn:
- More of the laws of Christ
- Encouragement to life a consistent Christian life
- To always be ready in service