Articles
Peter 32 - Getting Ready
Getting Ready
The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances 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. (1Peter 4:7-11)
Everyone has had to get ready for a big event—it’s important. Peter, writing about “the rest of our time,” adds that the “end of all things is near.” Since the end of all things is near, what do individuals need to do to get ready for that great event? Peter said to live “for the will of God,” but now he reminds us of what it takes for that to occur.
Be of sound judgment
The word translated “sound judgment” or “sober” that is used by Peter is a word which means to “be in the right mind” or “be of a sound [safe] heart].” We know that this is a mind like godly elders must have (1Timothy 3:2; Titus 2:2), but Peter reminds us that is the mind that all Christians preparing for the end must have. This is the mind of one, of whom Paul writes, who has transformed his life and is acceptable in the sight of God. “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith” (Romans 12:1-3). This preparation is needed and timely today and through all generations.
Be of sober spirit for the purpose of prayer
Being of sound judgment also fosters a sober spirit. This word “sober” or “watch” is translated from a word that means “calm, collected, temperate.” It is also used in Scripture to refer to being circumspect regarding circumstance. One of sound mind recognizes the effectuality of prayer. Notice what James writes at the end of James 5:16: “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” Peter reminds us that such a one prays, especially in view of the impending end. Remember the admonition of the old song, “Watch and Pray”? The writer was surely aware of Peter’s letter.
Be fervent in love for one another
Someone has said that love is “the badge of true discipleship.” This is the very thing of which Jesus spoke: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Peter says that this love is to be fervent. This means, “extended, stretched out completely.” True Christians love others, even their enemies (Matthew 5:43-44). However, the admonition here is for Christians to love one another. The reason for this admonition is that love covers a multitude of sins. This is done by the blood of Christ, of course (1John 1:8-10). It also relates directly to the love God has for us. Peter is saying that when Christians love one another, they forgive one another, and so their love covers sin. Isn’t this the very thing that James mentions in the first part of James 5:16? “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” What more important preparation for the end could anyone make?
Be hospitable without complaint
Christians must be hospitable to all. “Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:1-2). However, in our text, the admonition is to practice hospitality among Christians. Since the word “hospitality” actually means “love of strangers,” what does Peter mean? Don’t I know my fellow Christians? Truthfully, you only know the ones you know. There are many of the Lord’s family that I, or you, will never have the opportunity to know on this earth. I know that in my own life, there have been Christians I had never met that were the very definition of hospitable. The reality is that the Lord’s people are supposed to look after each other (Galatians 6:10). If we understand “fervent love,” we know that we treat all Christians, having met them or not, in a loving and caring way expecting nothing in return. If we really believed that the end of all things was at hand, would we practice hospitality?
Be good stewards of the grace of God
The gifts to be used in our text can refer immediately to miraculous gifts. These gifts came about by the grace of God. All who had these were obligated to use them. None have them now, but a principle is established for all time. Peter addresses that principle. God’s grace has done so much for all Christians. That is the idea behind the word “manifold” which means “many colors,” in other words, “a great variety.” He proceeds to tell us how to be a good “steward” or manager of what God’s grace has done: 1) speak as one who speaks the utterances of God, and 2) serve as serving with the strength of God. Manage all of your words and deeds to bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. This is getting ready for the end because to Him “belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen”
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