“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:7-11
1. The End (v. 7a)
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...is GOOD news
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...is near
“I have two days in my calendar. This day and that Day.” Martin Luther
2.
…So Keep Your Head (v. 7b)
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...for prayer
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...in pleasure
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...in pain
“It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian than the refining pot of prosperity. Oh, what leanness of soul and neglect of spiritual things have been brought on through the very mercies and bounties of God! It needs more than human skill to carry the brimming cup of mortal joy with a steady hand … We are full and we forget God: satisfied with earth, we are content to do without heaven. Rest assured it is harder to know how to be full than it is to know how to be hungry--so desperate is the tendency of human nature to pride and forgetfulness of God.” Charles Spurgeon
3.
…And Love God’s People (vv. 8-11)
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...before anything else (v. 8a)
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...intensely and sacrificially (vv. 8b-9)
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...with your God-given gifts (vv. 10-11)
“Most middle class Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship.” Gordon Dahl