The Apostle Peter was convinced that the end of the world was close at hand (I Peter 4: 7). This belief was also seen in James 5: 7-8 and I John 2: 18. Then, as now, many spoke of the end of the world being imminent. Few of the apostles realized that time is rather meaningless to God. What seems like an enormity of time to us is actually the present to God. He sees all of time because as the Bible says He is ageless.
Serious And Watchful
What is our response to the idea that the end of the world is near? Should we panic, be filled with fear, isolate ourselves from the world or give up and join the world in seeking only pleasure? What are we told to do if we believe the end of the age is close? Although we don't know when that time will come, we are given directives, things we must do. I Peter 4: 7 says that we must be "serious and watchful in your prayers".
Live Out The Will Of God
Earlier in the chapter Peter says we must live out the will of God (I Peter 4:2). In verse three of chapter four Peter says before we knew our Savior we lived in "lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries." In other words we lived like the world. We weren't serious about our life and we weren't watchful to do the things of God. Peter says the world will think it strange that you don't participate in these things any longer.
Love Each Other
Next Peter says, if we believe this world will soon end, that besides being serious and watchful in prayer, we should have a fervent love for each other, a passionate intense love for each other. We should also build up our neighbors and be hospitable to one another. And finally any gift that God has given us we should be willing to share with others.
A Vessel For Honor
In 2 Timothy 2: 21 Paul says,
"Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. "
To be this "vessel for honor" that Paul describes we must empty ourselves of our will and put on the will of God. Our purpose in these last days is to be sanctified (purified from sin) so that our Lord can use us for the good works that He has prepared us for.
Pursue Righteousness
Paul tells Timothy that we should "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22) Paul continues saying we should avoid quarreling and be gentle and patient. When we correct people who oppose us it should be done humbly. In chapter three Paul continues and says that in the last days people will have a form of godliness but "will deny its power." They will look religious or spiritual or good, but they will have no true understanding of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Praying The Will Of God
Prayer is what joins us to the will of God. Prayer is a way we can partner with God to see His will fulfilled on earth. If we are truly a vessel of honor, we will pray only for God's will to be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. By studying His word and prayer we can discover God's will and then pray according to it. In everything we must be patient and faithful just as God is with us.
How Will He Find Us?
In Isaiah 46: 11 (b) God tells Isaiah,
"Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it."
The Lord will come again. Will He find us to be vessels for honor when He returns? Or will He find us cowering and afraid, not knowing the power of prayer?
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