Peter here connects the end times and church practice through a stunning association.

1 Peter 4:7-11 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 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. Amen.

Probably my favorite of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions is the one where he is resolved to act as if he knew it to be the last hour of his life. Indeed there is something powerful in contemplating the inauguration of the new kingdom. One only needs to attend a funeral to be reminded of the incredibly temporal nature of this world. Interestingly, when I have attended funerals and been reminded that I will soon meet the Judge of the living and the dead I am almost always spurred on to obey God. Why is this? I’m not sure, but I think it is for the same reason that Peter is here reminding the recipients of this letter that the end of all things is coming. All of our works will be revealed and they will either be shown to be wood, hay, and stubble; or they will be shown to be treasure in heaven. Therefore, we would do well to remind ourselves this morning of Peter’s encouragement that “the end of all things is at hand.” I’ve often had to go about saying in my head - especially when in a season of temptation - “Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming.” This has been extremely effective for me in fighting against sin and depression.

What are those things that Peter thinks we should be doing in light of this fact that Jesus is coming? The number one action, which seems to be a summary of those that follow is to love each other fervently. Just in case we don’t know what this means, Peter explains: be hospitable, don’t complain, use your God-given gifts to help each other, teach each other, and minister to each other. Why should we do these things? “That in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Let me just close with a few words about the coming of Christ. There are those that say there must be certain signs which take place before we can expect the return of Christ. I think that this sort of reasoning can and does at times contribute to a bit of apathy or carelessness about our love for each other - just as does thinking that we have plenty of time left to live. Let me just say that this is not the message of the Scriptures. The Bible would have us be ready at all times! I understand that many people disagree about the end times and biblical prophecy, but regardless of our interpretation of the end times passages, we must agree that the message is to live in such a way as to be ready. I happen to identify best with a premillennial post-tribulation view, but this should in no way mediate my expectation of meeting Christ. After all, I could die today, as could all of us. Let us run the race and store up treasures in heaven so that no matter what day it is we can meet it with joyous expectation.