Post by poetsunshine on Nov 29, 2010 13:11:55 GMT -6
HAVE A SERVANT’S HEART
I PETER 4 7-9...BUT THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND; BE YE THEREFORE SOBER, AND WATCH UNTO PRAYER. AND ABOVE ALL THINGS HAVE FERVENT CHARITY AMONG YOURSELVES; FOR CHARITY SHALL COVER THE MULTITUDE OF SINS. USE HOSPITALITY ONE TO ANOTHER WITHOUT GRUDGING.
I. WATCH AND PRAY
To give perspective to the many losses they had suffered. Peter’s readers were encouraged to anticipate Christ promise return.
In the first chapter of this letter, Peter referred to the last time (v 5) and the revelation of Jesus Christ (v 13). Now the referred to that time with the words the end of all things is at hand (v 7), which summarizes the Christians’s anticipation concerning the future.
Christian responsibility is indeed a serious matter, especially in view of the end time. So Christians are urged to be sober which here means to be free from the influence of intoxicants.
The sober person is self-controlled and clear minded instead of being under the mastery of anything devilish or worldly.
The Christian is also to watch unto prayer. It is call to remain alert and in full possession of one’s thoughts and emotions, and giving oneself to prayer.
More than once Jesus commanded His disciples to watch and pray. If they did not commit themselves to prayer, temptation would over power them. The same is true for us.
Jesus command to watch and to pray reminds us that obedience is necessary if we are to over come our human weaknesses. In prayer we turn our eyes away from ourselves and our situation to focus our attention on the Lord. We acknowledge our dependence and call on Him for strength
I PETER 4 7-9...BUT THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND; BE YE THEREFORE SOBER, AND WATCH UNTO PRAYER. AND ABOVE ALL THINGS HAVE FERVENT CHARITY AMONG YOURSELVES; FOR CHARITY SHALL COVER THE MULTITUDE OF SINS. USE HOSPITALITY ONE TO ANOTHER WITHOUT GRUDGING.
I. WATCH AND PRAY
To give perspective to the many losses they had suffered. Peter’s readers were encouraged to anticipate Christ promise return.
In the first chapter of this letter, Peter referred to the last time (v 5) and the revelation of Jesus Christ (v 13). Now the referred to that time with the words the end of all things is at hand (v 7), which summarizes the Christians’s anticipation concerning the future.
Christian responsibility is indeed a serious matter, especially in view of the end time. So Christians are urged to be sober which here means to be free from the influence of intoxicants.
The sober person is self-controlled and clear minded instead of being under the mastery of anything devilish or worldly.
The Christian is also to watch unto prayer. It is call to remain alert and in full possession of one’s thoughts and emotions, and giving oneself to prayer.
More than once Jesus commanded His disciples to watch and pray. If they did not commit themselves to prayer, temptation would over power them. The same is true for us.
Jesus command to watch and to pray reminds us that obedience is necessary if we are to over come our human weaknesses. In prayer we turn our eyes away from ourselves and our situation to focus our attention on the Lord. We acknowledge our dependence and call on Him for strength
