June 8
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WARNING FOR THE END
7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
– 1 Peter 4:7-11
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In this letter, Peter spells out some details about the warning that the end of all things is near. Here are some of his cautionary measures for all the believers to watch out for:
1. Be of sound judgment-we can only have a sound mind if we renew our minds to the mind of Christ. That is the only way we can make sound judgment.
2. Be of sober spirit for the purpose of prayer-Peter reminds us of the importance of prayer. A believer’s life must be about preparing one’s heart for communing with God. If our spirit is so distracted with many things, we won’t be able to pray right.
3. Keep fervent in your love for one another-being eager to serve one another because you love them is an evidence of the Spirit’s fruit in your life as a believer.
4. Be hospitable to one another without complaints- without complaints is the condition of this guideline for showing kindness and hospitality to others.
5. Use your gifts to serve one another -many times, people use their gifts for themselves, so Peter warns us to ensure we are equipping the body of Christ.
6. Be good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God- by ensuring that we are accountable to what was assigned to us, we show God’s grace to others
7. Speak only as one who is speaking actual words of God- let nothing foul come out of your mouth but only what edifies the Lord and what encourages others
8. When you serve, make sure you remember it is God who supplies you the ability to do so – we need to avoid making a performance of how we serve God and others.
9. Glorify God in all things through Jesus Christ- When we abide in Christ and his word, we bring praise to God who is the Maker of all things.
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REFLECTION
• Which one of these warnings resonates loud to your life right now? Explain.