• 1 Peter 4:7-11 But the end of all things is at hand: be you therefore sober, and watch to prayer.  8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  10As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  11If 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 gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

What does this mean?• The end of all things is near• John made this statement about the

kingdom Matt 3:1-2 “is at hand”• Some thought it was about judgment

but it has been almost 2000 years since then

• Maybe the end of Jerusalem AD 70• Before the end of time we need to

consider certain things

Christians are to “BE SOBER”• Sound mind – temperate- self controlled

• Serving to please God Rom 12:1-3

• Opposite of self serving

• 2 Corinthians 5:13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

• Preparation is of the essence regardless of the date of the final event

Christians are to “Watch & Pray”• Sound minds know this – Jam 5:16• Prayer is of great importance to the

Christian and can help every day • Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all

prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

• Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Christians have “Fervent Love”

• Peter places “love” before all things in importance

• Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection.

• John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  35By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.

Christians have “Fervent Love”

• It must be fervent – Why • 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have

fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

• Not a failure to recognize sin and label it• It is forgiving sins of our brothers• 1 Cor 13:5, benefit of doubt• Gal 6:1 remember you can sin also

Practices Hospitality without Grudging

• Must be hospitable to all – Heb 13:1

• Lord’s people are to look out for each other Gal 6:10

• I was a stranger and ye took me in Matt 25:35

• Given to hospitality Rom 12:13

• Not grudging – murmur – unwillingly or stingingly – “a muttering voice”

Fervent love in Ministry• 1 Peter 4:10-11 As every man has received

the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  11If 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 gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

• Ministers by what he has• Ministers by his opportunities

Why? “That God In All Things is Glorified”

• Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house.  16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Why? “That God In All Things is Glorified”

• John 17:1-3 These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you:  2As you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him.  3And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Why? “That God In All Things is Glorified”

• 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

• Ephesians 3:21 To him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

• Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Conclusion• In a world without a great deal

of love, let us above all else, put on fervent love