1 Peter 4:7-11 – Living in readiness for Christ’s second coming

Peter’s main purpose in verses 7-11 was to prepare his readers to meet the Lord when He returns. Although they were still experiencing fiery trials, He encouraged them to maximize their time to be ready for that meeting. In reading this letter that he had written, we can safely surmise that Peter believed that the return of Christ was imminent.

There are several things that he said that believers ought to do in their preparation. Firstly, Peter encouraged the cultivation of two important mindsets. Be sound in judgment and sober in spirit. It simply meant that they ought to be clear-headed and self-controlled. Why? His reason was: so that they could engage purposefully in prayers. 

Secondly, they ought to exercise mutual love for each other. The word here is “fervent”. His exhortation was for them to go all out in full steam to demonstrate that love. With that kind of love, they would be more than prepared to forgive and overlook any wrong. This kind of love makes one less likely to take offence. Furthermore, he advocated that the best way to demonstrate love was to show hospitality without murmuring or complaining. 

Thirdly, every believer was encouraged to deploy the gift that God had given them to serve the fellowship. God had given everyone at least one gift. In fact the two words “manifold grace” tell us that God had given different gifts in a variety of ways. Therefore, no one can excuse himself or herself, claiming that he or she has no gift and has nothing to offer to the church. The multi-faceted gifts would also help one to meet the different circumstances in trials. In talking about the gifts, Peter seemed to have categorized them into two broad groups – gifts for speaking God’s Word and gifts for serving in God’s work. Wanting to give God the honor, Peter attributed the believers’ gifts as coming from God through Christ. With that, he let out a longing for God.

Be ready for Christ’s second return! What is happening in the world and the signs of the time tell us that this climactic event is near. So let us wait in anticipation for it. It won’t be long when He will return in the clouds!