The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
1 Peter 4:1-11
Peter points out to his readers (that would be us today) that Christ suffered “in the flesh.” Christians, in all ages, must be ready to suffer as Christ did, in the flesh. The future of the Christian is NOT in the flesh one currently inhabits but, in the glorious beauty and holiness of Heaven where Christians will be given bodies just like the body of the risen Lord Jesus. Jesus is called the “firstfruits” of the resurrection and all Christians, from the first to the last in this creation, will be given an immortal body fully able to do all things which Christ demonstrated after His Resurrection to the Disciples and more! In the meantime, Peter says that we are to expect suffering as Jesus suffered in His earthly life. Christians are not to live for themselves but for the “will of God.” Friends and family with whom Christians used to do Gentile sins, will think the Christian has “lost his mind” and will ridicule and revile the Christian for their “new way of living.” Peter assures that “the end of all things is at hand,” meaning that the return of Christ could be at any minute which no one knows! So, Christians must be “self-controlled and sober-minded…loving one another earnestly…showing hospitality to all…and using the gift(s) that God has given to serve one another.” Christians are to do these things “in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Heaven is REAL! Why not celebrate a little of what is ours, already, right here on earth today!?
Source: S C Ball September 27, 2023
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