Living Purposefully: Love, Service, and God's Glory
Summary
In 1 Peter 4:7-11, we are reminded of the urgency and significance of living with the awareness that "the end of all things is at hand." This isn't a call to panic or predict immediate events but rather a call to live with a sense of purpose and focus on what truly matters. The next great redemptive event is the second coming of Jesus, and this perspective should bring a seriousness to our lives, urging us to be self-controlled and sober-minded, especially in our prayers. This mindset helps us prioritize our spiritual lives and relationships, recognizing that our true home is not here but in the new heavens and new earth.
Peter emphasizes the importance of love within the community of believers, urging us to love one another earnestly, as love covers a multitude of sins. This love is expressed through hospitality and service, recognizing that each of us has received gifts from God. These gifts are not for our own benefit but are to be used to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. Whether our gift is hospitality, teaching, encouragement, or prayer, we are called to employ these gifts for the building up of the body of Christ.
The passage also highlights the responsibility of those who speak and serve. Speaking should be done as if delivering the oracles of God, with a sense of sobriety and dignity. Serving should be done with the strength that God supplies, recognizing that ministry can be challenging and requires divine empowerment. Ultimately, the purpose of all our gifts and service is to glorify God through Jesus Christ. This perspective turns us outward, focusing on God's glory rather than our own, and recognizing that His presence is made manifest in the church through our service and love for one another.
Key Takeaways:
- Living with Purpose: The awareness that "the end of all things is at hand" should not lead to fear but to a purposeful life focused on spiritual priorities. This perspective helps us concentrate on what truly matters, urging us to be self-controlled and sober-minded in our prayers and actions. [05:34]
- The Power of Love: Love within the community of believers is paramount. It covers a multitude of sins and is expressed through genuine hospitality and service. This love is a reflection of our belonging to the family of God and is essential for the health and unity of the church. [06:29]
- Stewardship of Gifts: Each believer has received gifts from God, which are to be used for serving one another. Recognizing and employing these gifts is crucial for the edification of the church. We are stewards of God's varied grace, and our gifts are meant to benefit others, not ourselves. [13:15]
- The Responsibility of Speaking and Serving: Those who speak and serve in the church have a significant responsibility. Speaking should be done with the gravity of delivering God's oracles, and serving should be empowered by God's strength. Both require a deep reliance on God and a commitment to His glory. [16:32]
- Glorifying God in All Things: The ultimate goal of our gifts and service is to glorify God through Jesus Christ. This focus shifts our attention from ourselves to our Creator and Redeemer, recognizing that His presence is made known in the church through our collective service and love. [25:08]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Prayer
- [01:36] - The End of All Things
- [02:42] - Preaching the Gospel to All
- [03:36] - Understanding People Groups
- [04:37] - The Next Redemptive Event
- [05:34] - Living with Seriousness
- [06:29] - Love and Community
- [07:24] - Gifts and Hospitality
- [08:27] - Equipping the Saints
- [09:22] - Involvement in Ministry
- [10:16] - Encouragement and Gifts
- [11:07] - Discovering and Using Gifts
- [12:12] - Serving One Another
- [13:15] - Stewardship of Grace
- [14:16] - Grace in Everyday Life
- [15:16] - Responsibility of Stewardship
- [16:32] - Speaking the Oracles of God
- [17:44] - The Gift of Speaking
- [18:41] - Preaching with Dignity
- [19:51] - Serving with Strength
- [20:59] - Jesus as the Ultimate Servant
- [21:59] - The Servant Songs
- [23:02] - Strength for Ministry
- [24:09] - Glorifying God in Service
- [25:08] - The Chief End of Man
- [26:26] - Displaying God's Glory
- [27:54] - Experiencing God's Presence
- [28:48] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 4:7-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Peter mean when he says, "The end of all things is at hand"? How does this statement set the tone for the rest of the passage? [01:36]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of being "self-controlled and sober-minded" in relation to our prayers? [05:34]
3. How does Peter describe the role of love within the community of believers, and what practical expressions of love does he mention? [06:29]
4. What responsibilities do those who speak and serve in the church have, according to the sermon? [16:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the awareness of "the end of all things" influence a believer's daily life and priorities? Consider how this perspective might affect one's spiritual focus. [05:34]
2. In what ways does love "cover a multitude of sins," and why is this important for the unity and health of the church community? [06:29]
3. Discuss the concept of being "good stewards of God's varied grace." How does this stewardship relate to the use of spiritual gifts within the church? [13:15]
4. What does it mean to speak "as one who speaks oracles of God," and how does this affect the way we approach teaching and preaching in the church? [16:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual priorities. How does the idea that "the end of all things is at hand" challenge or affirm your focus? What changes might you need to make? [05:34]
2. Think of a situation where love could cover a multitude of sins in your life. How can you express earnest love in that situation this week? [06:29]
3. Identify a spiritual gift you believe you have. How can you use this gift more effectively to serve others in your church community? [13:15]
4. Consider the way you speak to others, especially in a teaching or leadership role. How can you ensure that your words reflect the gravity and dignity of delivering God's message? [16:32]
5. How can you practice hospitality in your life, even if it is not your primary gift? What steps can you take to show hospitality without grumbling? [07:24]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt weary in your service to others. How can you rely on God's strength to continue serving faithfully? [23:02]
7. In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking personal recognition to glorifying God through your actions and service? [25:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Living with Eternal Perspective
The awareness that "the end of all things is at hand" is not meant to incite fear or anxiety but to inspire a life of purpose and intentionality. This perspective encourages believers to focus on spiritual priorities, urging them to be self-controlled and sober-minded, especially in their prayers and actions. By living with the understanding that our true home is in the new heavens and new earth, we can prioritize what truly matters and align our lives with God's eternal purposes. This mindset helps us to live with seriousness and dedication, knowing that our time on earth is temporary and that we are called to make a meaningful impact for God's kingdom. [05:34]
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 (ESV): "So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can be more intentional in aligning your actions with the eternal perspective of God's kingdom?
Day 2: Love as a Transformative Force
Love within the community of believers is a powerful force that covers a multitude of sins and fosters unity and health within the church. This love is not merely an emotion but is expressed through genuine hospitality and service, reflecting our belonging to the family of God. By loving one another earnestly, believers can create an environment where grace abounds, and relationships are strengthened. This love is essential for the church's unity and is a testament to the transformative power of God's love working through His people. [06:29]
1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who may need encouragement or support. How can you express genuine love and hospitality to them this week?
Day 3: Stewardship of Divine Gifts
Each believer has received unique gifts from God, intended for serving one another and building up the body of Christ. Recognizing and employing these gifts is crucial for the church's edification, as believers are stewards of God's varied grace. These gifts are not for personal gain but are meant to benefit others and glorify God. By using our gifts in service to others, we fulfill our role as stewards and contribute to the church's growth and unity. [13:15]
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Reflection: What is one gift or talent you have that you can use to serve others in your church community this week?
Day 4: Speaking and Serving with Responsibility
Those who speak and serve in the church carry a significant responsibility to do so with the gravity of delivering God's oracles and with the strength that God supplies. Speaking should be done with sobriety and dignity, while serving requires divine empowerment and a deep reliance on God. This responsibility calls for a commitment to God's glory, recognizing that ministry can be challenging and requires His strength and guidance. By focusing on God's glory rather than our own, we can serve effectively and honorably. [16:32]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on God's strength and guidance in your current ministry or service role?
Day 5: Glorifying God in All Aspects of Life
The ultimate goal of our gifts and service is to glorify God through Jesus Christ. This focus shifts our attention from ourselves to our Creator and Redeemer, recognizing that His presence is made known in the church through our collective service and love. By prioritizing God's glory in all aspects of life, believers can experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that their actions contribute to the manifestation of God's presence in the world. This perspective encourages believers to live outwardly, focusing on God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. [25:08]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: How can you intentionally glorify God in your daily routines and interactions with others this week?
Quotes
"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." [00:00:40]
"Now, Peter begins this section by telling us that the end of all things is at hand. Now, I don't think that Peter means that in the sense that there is a war in Israel, Jesus is coming soon within the next few days. I don't believe in the 'any moment return of Jesus,' and you may disagree." [00:01:56]
"When Peter is saying that the end of all things is at hand, I think he means it in this way, that the next great redemptive event is the second coming of the Lord Jesus. And when you have your eye on that redemptive event, when that redemptive event is on the horizon, you can say the end of all things is at hand." [00:05:02]
"It is a way of concentrating the mind on what is important and what is not important. It is a way of bringing seriousness to the task at hand; 'Therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers,' that when you remind yourself that here we have no continuing city, this is not our home." [00:05:45]
"Everyone has received a gift. It is what Paul is saying in Ephesians 4 and verse 11, 'He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, the teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.' Now, there is some disagreement about the exact translation of that verse." [00:08:27]
"It is very important in preaching to convey the idea that the entire church is involved in ministry. It is not just what the preacher does. It is not just the office of a teaching elder. Every member is involved in ministry. Now, it is my observation, especially in larger churches, that it is very easy, far too easy to attend on a Sunday morning." [00:09:22]
"How can you be an encouragement to the rest of the church? What gifts do you have that can be employed? And some have gifts of teaching. Some have diaconal gifts. Some have gifts of hospitality. Some have gifts of just being a Barnabas, a 'son of encouragement.' Some people have gifts to stand by the door and welcome people as they come in." [00:10:45]
"There isn’t a Christian to whom God has not given a gift, a charisma. God has given some ten gifts. Perhaps, He has only given you one gift. What is that gift and how are you using it? How are you employing it? How are you nourishing it, growing it? Maybe you have gifts and you don’t know you have gifts." [00:11:16]
"Discerning the gift: 'As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,' to serve the people of God, to serve the church. That is my business. That is my task. All of you belong to a church somewhere. I suspect you do. Maybe you just wandered in and you don’t even know where you are." [00:12:52]
"Stewardship is a word in Greek that suggests the idea of responsibility, that God has given you something, but you are a steward of it. It is not really yours. It is yours to use for the benefit of others, and you are accountable as a good steward. And then in verse 11, he talks about the gift of speaking." [00:15:54]
"Preachers when you speak, you are to speak like Moses spoke, delivering the oracles of God. You take the very Word of God in your hands and in your heart and in your mind and in your mouth and you speak as though they were the oracles of God. Now, I don’t think that Peter intends here to say that—and there is a debate in Reformed circles." [00:19:12]
"What is the purpose of God's gifting, whether it is the gifting of every Christian or whether it is a specific gift of speaking? What is the goal of it? 'In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.' Peter knew the Shorter Catechism: 'What is the chief end of man? To glorify God.'" [00:25:08]
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