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LIVING IN THE END TIME 1 Peter 4: 7-11
Sunday AM, December 31, 2023
Introduction:
Notice in verse 7a “But the end of all things is at hand”.
Peter was expecting Jesus to come back at any time. Now, a lot of time has passed, but Jesus is coming.
Now, we don’t know the exact minute, but we should know we are living in the end time. Turn to 2 Timothy 3: 1-6 Don’t make this sound like you are reading the daily newspaper?
Question: What was Peter’s objective in bringing this up?
Answer: It should make a difference in how we live.
These inspired words should counsel us about how we should live in the end time. I – KEEP OUR HEAD ON STRAIGHT – v.7 A. BE SOBER – v.7a “But the end of all things is at hand: by ye therefore sober," Notice the words “be ye therefore sober”. Be sober in Greek “nepho”. In New Testament “nepho” is used only figuratively means to be free from every form of mental and spiritual intoxication. In the physical sense “nepho” literally was used to refer to either complete abstinence or in a relative sense to refer to temperance. It calls for one to behave with restraint and moderation, not permitting excess. Peter is speaking of the idea to be calm, collected in spirit, circumspect, self-controlled, sensible, sane behavior, well-balanced, clear headed. Believers would be Spirit controlled or Spirit enabled under all circumstances.
The opposite of being sober is to panic, fear, or have impulsive behavior.
The word “sober” or “nepho” is used 6 times in 6 verses (3 of them is used by Peter) 1 Thessalonians 5:6, I Thessalonians 5:8; II Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13; I Peter 4:7; I Peter 5:8.
As believers of Christ, we need to take things seriously and be aware of their real importance and be mindful of their consequences in time and in eternity. The Believer who is soberly minded approaches life, not as a joke, but as a serious matter for which he is answerable and accountable to God. Let us not become drunk by Satan’s three antique old wines (the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and or the boastful pride of life) that deceived the first created man and woman (I John 2:15-16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”).
As we expect the return coming of Jesus Christ, we have to be serious with a balanced mind and alertness what is going on around us and be awake in our prayer life. Listen, the test and proof of our commitment to the doctrine of the return of Christ is not our ability to draw charts or discern signs but it is our thinking and praying. If our thinking and praying are right, our living should be right.
We must have an attitude of a person with self-discipline that avoids the extreme of being irresponsible of self-indulgence on one hand and of full of energy and excitement religiously on the other. We must be calm with fixed state of mind that evaluates things correctly, so that it is not easily and badly affected by new and alluring ideas of the flesh and the world. Such level of sober mindedness is what a Christian constantly need.
B. BE WATCHFUL AND PRAYERFUL – v.7b “and watch unto prayer.”
Peter mentions two things:
1. Perception
I Peter 4:7b “and watch.”
Peter says we need to watch.
Question: How are we to watch?
Answer: Not by going around and looking up, but by tying in what is happening in the world to the end time.
We should know what God says about the last days. When we see something on T.V. or the newspaper, our minds should be saying, the Lord said this would happen in the end time.
2. Prayer
I Peter 4:7b “unto prayer.”
When we see things going on based upon the word of God about the end time being near, it should cause us to get down on our knees and intensify our prayer life.
In other words, prayer should have in it that anticipation, that expectation of the coming of Christ. Our prayer meetings are dead today because we are not looking for Him (or to Him).
This admonition to watch unto prayer had special meaning to Peter, Peter had failed in this area of prayer at one time in his life, because Peter went to sleep when he should have been “watching unto prayer” (Matthew 26:37-52; Mark 14:37-40).
If we really believe that we live in the last days, the more appropriate that we give ourselves to prayer.
Mark 13:33 “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.”
Even though we see the signs of the end time, we can’t put a specific time when the Lord is coming back, so we are to watch and pray!!
A calm spirit is delightful to the act of praying. It results in prayer. The Christian who is always on a tear, whose mind is crowded with fears and worries, who is never at rest in his heart, does not do much praying. If we are sober-minded, we will “watch unto prayer.” If our prayer life is confused, it is because the mind is confused.
The word “prayer” in Greek “proseuche” from “pros” means toward or immediately before, and “euchomai” means to pray or vow is the more general word for prayer and is used only of prayer to God.
In early Greek culture an offering was brought with a prayer that it be accepted. Later the idea was changed slightly, so that the thing brought to God was a prayer. In Greek, prayers appealed to God for His presence.
The noun of prayer “proseuche” and the verb “proseuchomai” in classical Greek was the technical term for calling on a deity. In the New Testament such entreaty is addressed to God or to Jesus and typically is both personal or specific.
Instead of focusing on big anxiety that produces problem, prayer is focusing on God and so exhibiting a worshipful attitude.
Prayer is an area which Satan attacks relentlessly because prayer is such a great weapon. James writes in James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
The word “availeth” or “avails” in Greek “ischuo” is used to describe the man with an evil spirit who “overcame” the seven sons of Sceva and caused them to flee (Acts 19:16 “And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”).
There is a tremendous power in prayer yet we neglect it because prayer requires work. Yet of all the work we do, prayer is the work which supports and prepares all our other work (Romans 15:30; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; I Thessalonians 1:2; I Thessalonians 3:10; Revelation 8:3).
II – KEEP OUR HEART OPEN TO OTHERS – v.8
The word in verse 8 “charity” or love in Greek is “agape”. Agape describes that quality of love bestowed by God and does not refer to an easy, sentimental reaction. Instead, agape love is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in a yielded believer. (Galatians 5:22). With the fruit of the Holy Spirit that believer then is to do the supernatural not the natural. That is why the believer can love the unlovely and the unlovable, the believer can love in spite of insult and injury and can love when love is not returned. Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Peter mentions things about love in v. 8. A. THE PRIORITY OF LOVE - v.8a
I Peter 4:8a "And above all things have fervent charity."
Peter is saying that we should make Love a priority in our lives in light of the Lord’s coming.
Notice the words in verse 8 “above all”, it means before all things in order of importance.
This phrase “above all” reminds them of the primacy of love among God’s people. In order to properly exercise the duty of a Christian, the prerequisite is love. Courtesy or kindness without love is a cold thing. Generosity without love is a harsh or cruel thing. Love makes all the other virtues or character what they should be. Love is the manifestation or badge of a believer in this world (John 13:34,35). Christians need to love one another and be united in heart especially in times of testing and persecution. As Jesus is coming, our service must be out of love. It is the love of Christ that endure everything while waiting for His coming. It is the love of Christ that gives us endurance, energy, enthusiasm, to live out with fearing God.
B. THE FERVENCY OF LOVE - v.8b
I Peter 4:8b "And above all things have fervent charity."
Notice the word “have” or “keep” in Greek “echo” means to have, to hold, to possess, etc. In the present context Peter says keep holding fast fervent love. The present tense calls for this to be our habitual practice. To keep fervent love continually.
The word “fervent” in Greek noun is “ektenes” from “ek” means out and “teino” means stretch. The adverb “ektenos” which is literally the picture of one who is stretched out. It pictures “an intense strain” and unceasing activity or in the sense of consistent, our Christian love must be the love that never fails. We must not be distracted, out of focus by many trouble in life and uncomfortable conditions in life as God is near to His coming. Pray fervently for you to prepare, for others especially in your household of faith and for the blessed coming of Jesus.
ILLUSTRATION THAT DESCRIBED EKTENES (Fervent):
Horse - The Greek “ektenes” was used to describe a horse whose legs are fully extended while galloping.
Runner – The Greek “ektenes” was used as a medical term describing the stretching of a muscle to its limits and in Grecian athletics the word “fervent” is an athletic term for “stretching out”, described a runner stretches out for the finish line, with the taunt muscles moving at maximum output, straining and stretching the head and hand, the mind’s concentration on the goal imparting energy to the whole body, in order to win the race. Thus, it pictures one “stretching out” to love others.
By illustrating the horse and athletic runner, thus means that our love must be energetic. Christian love is something we have to work at just the way an athlete works on his skills. The truth is Christian love is not an easy, sentimental reaction or not a matter of emotional feeling, though that is included, but of dedicated will. It demands everything a man has of mental and spiritual energy. It means loving the unlovely and the unlovable, it means loving in spite of insult and injury, inspite of being treated unkindly, ungraciously, or even with hostility, it means loving when love is not returned, and it is even possible to love people that we do not like. Christian love means that we treat others the way God treats us, obeying His commandments in the Word, that is one way to prepare for Christ second coming.
OTHER NEW TESTAMENT USE OF EKTENES (Fervent):
The only other New Testament use of “ektenes” is in Luke 22:44.
Luke 22:44 “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” KJV, ESV
Luke 22:44 “And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. “NASB
The word here “agony” in Greek “agonIa” this refers not so much to physical agony but mental agony. Of course, extreme mental agony cannot be separated from its physical effects on one's body. Agonizing physical or mental pain; struggle, torment. So fervent love is not just easy emotion but stretching out full energy “ektenes.”
Here, Jesus was praying very fervently “ektenes”, and the sweat of Jesus became like drops of blood falling down upon the ground. (a condition known as “hematidrosis”, the outpouring of blood in one’s perspiration).
The three essential elements of the Christian life described by the Greek word “ektenes”.
C. THE PEOPLE OF LOVE - v.8c
I Peter 4:8c “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:”
Notice the words “among yourselves,” Peter is not telling us here to love sinners, even though we are to love all the unsaved sinners, not their sinful ways; however, Peter is telling us to major on loving our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Satan knows how to counteract what God is wanting us to do, so we have to be careful and not let the DEVIL gets into our fellowship. We are to have a loving fellowship!!
This fervent kind of love is not blind to a brother or sister's faults but sees them and accepts them. Such a love will not publicize the faults and failings of other believers, but will protect them from public view.
Someone has said "Hatred makes the worst of everything. Love is entitled to bury things out of sight."
Luke the writer of the book of Acts uses the adverb “ektenos” describing the prayers of the brothers and sisters in Christ for Peter who was imprisoned in Acts 12:5
Acts 12:5 “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” KJV
Acts 12:5 “So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.” NASB
Acts 12:5 “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” ESV
The adverb “ektenos” was used to the brethren praying for Peter who was in jail, because these believers knew only God had the power to release Peter from prison. That is why the brethren in Christ poured the maximum effort they were capable of into their prayers for Peter. The church prayed consistently, unceasingly for Peter, that is “ektenos”, similarly when we love fervently our brethren we need to pray that way. D. THE PRACTICE OF LOVE
Charity Love is PRACTICING love. Charity love is love in action, not just words. Charity love is behaving love.
John said let us not love in words but in deeds. I John 3:18 “let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
The word “charity” or love in Greek “agape”. “Agape” is unconditional, sacrificial love, selfless, giving expecting nothing in return and biblically refers to:
a.) A love that God is (I John 4:8, 16)
b.) A love that God shows (John 3:16; I John 4:9)
c.) A love that God enables in His children (Galatians 5:22)
Agape is not based on pleasant emotions or good feelings that might result from a physical attraction or a familial bond. Agape chooses as an act of will, of self-sacrifice to serve the recipient. From all of the descriptions of agape love that we discussed, it clearly shows us that true agape love is a sure mark of salvation. Agape is volitional while Phileo is emotional.
Peter mentions two ways you can tell if a person has or practice charity love.
1. What love Hides (covers) - v.8d
I Peter 4:8d “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."
One aspect of love is that it “bears all things.”
I Corinthians 13:7 “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Although the verb “beareth” used by Paul in I Corinthians 13:7 is not the same verb used by Peter, but the verb “beareth” used by Paul in I Corinthians 13:7 give us a similar meaning of Scriptural love. The verb “beareth” in Greek is “stego” which is derived from “stege” means a roof or covering of a building and conveys the idea of covering closely, of protecting by covering and of concealing by covering. The Greek verb “stego” denotes an action or condition which blocks entry from without or blocks exit from within.
The nature of true spiritual love, whether from God to man or Christian to Christian, is to cover sins (Romans 5:8)
Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
The word “cover’ in Greek “kalupto” akin to “kalube” a hut, cabin which means to cause something to be covered over literally as with a lamp, dirt, water of waves, and hence not be visible. Figuratively, “kalupto” means to cause something not to be known and thus means to hide, conceal, keep secret. In Genesis 9:18-27 provides us an illustration of the principle of love covering:
When Noah got drunk, he shamefully uncovered himself. Noah son’s named Ham saw the shame of his father Noah then told the situation to the family. Ham’s two brothers with the concern for their father, lovingly covered their father and their father’s shame. The lesson here tells us that, to cover the sins of others should not be too difficult for us to do. In fact, Jesus Christ died for all our sins, to wash away our sins and the sins of all unsaved sinners in the world.
Notice it says, “charity shall cover”. Love covers unworthy things rather than bringing them to the light and magnifying them. Love is that beautiful virtue that throws a cloak of silence over what is displeasing in another person. Therefore, the cloak of love covering things. Peter gives the idea in this context with regards to Christ second comng is that love covers so as not to harshly condemn or expose faults but to forbear and bear the other’s burdens, forgiving and forgetting past offenses. As Peter says in our passage, “charity shall cover the multitude of sins”, Peter is quoting Solomon’s proverb in Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Peter is using this expression “love covereth all sins” for forgiveness.
If we really forgive someone, we won’t be going around saying, “Well I forgive them, but I can’t forget it.” Well, we cannot have a memory relapse, but if we really forgive a person, we will turn everything over to God and move on. When people wrong us, we are to forgive 70 times 7, according to the Scripture, which is really saying that we are to keep on forgiving.
The word “covereth” or “kalupto” is in present tense which means continually covering all transgressions. The covering of sins is the ability that Spirit filled and empowered believers have to forgive one another because Christ has forgiven them.
Agape love covers faults and sins sometimes by not seeing them, it is not that love is blind, but that it loves a person just as he is, because where there is much love, we are blind to many existences of faults, makes us blind but kind to others imperfections, makes us insensible to the errors of others, which, and if not practice, we might see the faults of others, that is why we do not need to exercise criticism which surely lead to malice. Where love abounds in a fellowship of Christians, many small offences and even some large offenses are readily overlooked and forgotten. This is not telling us to sweep sins under the rug. You can’t help a brother or sister like that. In fact, in Galatians 6: 1 Paul tells us to confront, and how to confront a brother with sin in his life.
Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
When we've done all the confrontation, when we've done all the argumentation and exhortation, we cover it. Whatever side we are on we cover it; we bury it as a cause of murmuring. But where love is lacking, every word is viewed with suspicion, every action is liable to misunderstanding, and conflicts about, that is for Satan’s perverse delight.
Peter does not mean that by loving another person, I shall cover my own sin; also, Peter does not mean that the exercise of charity, can cover my own sin. However, Peter is saying that if I have abundant love to others, God will use me as God’s instrument for covering many of their sins.
Even though agape love covers others faults and sins this does not mean "that a Christian is to allow himself to be fooled by every indecent, obscene, or to pretend that he believes that white is black. This teaching that agape love covers multitudes of sins does not preclude the disciple of a sinning unrepentant church member (Matthew 18:15- 18; 1 Corinthians 5:1) Don't misunderstand the exhortation of Peter. Peter is not telling us that our love condones or approves of another's sin. In fact, if we really love someone, we will be hurt, sad, and grieved as the Holy Spirit is grieved to see other people commit sins which can badly hurt or badly affect themselves and other people. In view of our context concerning the second coming of Christ, Peter reminds us that love covers the multitude of sins.
2. What Love Helps – v.9
I Peter 4:9 “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
1. The Saints to Help – v.9a
I Peter 4:9a “Use hospitality one to another”
Peter is saying that we are to help one another, especially when they are going through some rough times.
The word “hospitable” or “hospitality” in Greek “philoxenos” from “phílos” means friend, to be friendly to one or to wish him well, beloved, dear; and “xenos” means stranger, unknown, foreign or foreigner, alien, guest, that is literally means stranger loving or “friendly to strangers".
Practically “philoxenos” means responsive, affectionate of guests, so it described being hospitable or lover of hospitality. It describes one who is generous, welcoming and cordial reception of visitors, guests or strangers. It means to give practical help to anyone who is in need whether it is a friend or stranger, a believer or unbeliever. Hospitality was a highly valued Greek and Jewish virtue. Hospitality was necessary for the expansion of the gospel to reach more souls and it was necessary for the maintenance of the fellowship of the believers within the local church as well as the image of the church from eyes of the unsaved.
Philoxenos is used 3 times in the New Testament (I Peter 4:9; I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) There is no uses in the Septuagint.
During the times of the Apostle Peter, there was an intense persecution which some of these Christians were often enduring as being deprived of the necessities of life such as to provide them board and lodging, they were ready for friends and other travelers, and such an exhortation of being hospitable as this was needed.
During the intense persecution against Christianity in Peter’s time, persecuted saints in particular would need places to stay where they could be assisted and encouraged. Someone has said that hospitality is the supernatural ability to entertain strangers and friends so that they feel welcome and edified.
You can get additional motivation through the exhortation from the writer of Hebrews.
Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
The word “angel” simply means “messenger.” Often times we have had guests in our home who happened to be messengers of God that we are not aware of it. The writer of Hebrews is thinking of the time when the angel came to Abraham and Sarah to tell them of the coming of a son (Genesis 18:1 “And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;”) and the writer of Hebrews probably thinking of the day when the angel came to Manoah to tell him that he would have a son, so the angel appeared to the wife of Manoah (Judges 13:3 “And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.”). The point is that if we are a loving people in view of Christ’s coming, we must be aware to be hospitable to anyone, even to strangers that we are not aware they are instruments of God.
God wanted believers to have the same attitude to have an open door like when God commanded Israel.
Isaiah 60:11 “Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.”
Over and over again the New Testament insists on this duty of the open door. Unhappy home is a selfish home. There is no way a home can be happy when it is selfish. Christianity is the religion of the open hand, the open heart, and the open door.
If the heathen, unsaved people of this world accepted the obligation of hospitality, it was therefore much expected that the Christians would even more seriously using hospitality. In ancient times, slaves had no home of their own to which to go. Missionaries were always wandering on the roads. Christians had journeys of business in life to make. The price and their moral atmosphere made the public inns impossible for these persecuted Christians during the days of Peter. There have been many isolated Christians fighting a lonely battle in those days of severe persecution against Christian faith during the days of Peter and the Apostles. There is the home of the shut door and there is the home of the open door. The shut door is the door of selfishness, the open door is the door of Christian welcome and Christian love. It is a blessed thing to have a door from which the stranger and those in trouble know that they will never be rejected, must not be ignored and not cast away. Peter gives this counsel to the believers in connection on the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. The Spirit to help – v.9b
I Peter 4:9b “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
Peter is telling us to not complain after we help. Helping should be a joyful experience, not a burden if our heart is right and we are helping because we love our family member.
I Peter 4:9b “without grumbling.” ESV
I Peter 4:9b “without complaint.” NASB
The word “grudging” or “grumbling” “complaint” in Greek “goggusmos” a word derived from the sound made when someone murmuring or muttering in a low and indistinct voice with the idea of complaint. It refers to audible expression of a dissatisfaction or an expression of discontent.
A person should check his motives for his hospitality. If someone’s hospitality is mixed with complaint, grudging, murmuring, grumbling or feelings of resentment, it is not sincere hospitality.
Paul says if we have hypocritical hospitality, God sees our heart and judges our motives.
I Corinthians 4:5 “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
Paul is telling us to let our love be without hypocrisy that is without a mask.
Romans 12:9 “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
Now in our passage, Peter’s prohibition brought a small sharp voice of real possibilities that guests could overstay or can abuse their host’s open-door house. Peter wants to stress that a person who is using hospitality needs to stand firm in the true grace of God to avoid exasperating chore that might lead in murmuring or complaint. Paul gives instruction to the believers in Philippi in Philippians 2:14-15.
Philippians 2:14-15 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”
Notice Paul said “Do” is in present imperative or command. We need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey “all things”. We should not try to “do” all things by depending on the strength of our flesh because failure will surely follow. Paul is saying we should do all things by depending on the Holy Spirit not on our flesh without grumbling or complaint (goggusmos) or disputings. But notice it can be possible to do all things without murmurings and disputing as Paul instructed in the preceding verses in Philippians 2:12-13 “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” III – KEEP OUR HANDS BUSY IN SERVICE – v.10- 11
I Peter 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
In verse 10 and verse 11 Peter is talking about serving the Lord in light of living in the end time. A. GIFTS FOR OUR SERVING
1. Aspects of these Gifts
a.) Purposeful Gifts – v.10b
I Peter 4:10b “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
Gifts are given for the purpose of ministering to the body of Christ. We are to use our gifts to edify the church.
ILLUSTRATION: What will happen when a “key” player fails to fulfill their function? Let us take the example of one of the keys in an old type of typewriter that can affect the whole message is similar to a believer who do not exercising their gift in the Body can affect the message produced by the entire body.
The old model typewriter, still works well except for one of the keys, which for many times the owner wished that it may worked properly and effectively. In spite that the forty-one keys function well enough, but because of just one key that is not working and does not function well that makes the difference. Sometimes many churches are something like that old model typewriter that not all the key people in the church are working properly or not functioning well in the body of Christ. As a member of the body of Christ which is the church, we must not say to ourselves, “well, I am only one person, I do not make or break the church.” But you must know that to be effective church, the effective participation of every person really makes a big difference. So, do not think that your efforts are not needed very much, do not forget that after this illustration of an old model typewriter, you need to tell yourself, that you are a key person in the congregation and you are needed very much. Speak to yourself that you are a key person in the congregation and you are needed very much. This mentality and condition are what going on to the whole church, and happens many times, and this doesn’t make sense to some member of the church. Every believer does not be like a broken key. Each believer must use your spiritual gift received from God. The local body of Christ needs you and cannot be the same without you. That is how important each key person to every church.
The one reason why God gives each believer the spiritual gifts is the purpose to minister to one another, to edify each believer, to stimulate their growth to Christian maturity. b.) Particular Gift
I Peter 4:10c “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good steward of the manifold grace of God."
Notice it is in singular “every man” This does mean that one spiritual gift per saint.
The words “every man” KJV; “as each” ESV; “as each one” NASB, NKJV. In Greek “hekastos” means each, every one, of any number separately. It means every single Christian and so each one of a totality in a distributive sense. Therefore, “hekastos” teaches a very important truth. Peter’s point is that each and every believer has received at least one specific gift for serving God.
Indeed, every saved, born-again Christian (a genuine believer) has the salvation of eternal gift of the Spirit (Romans 8:9 “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”) has received at least one spiritual gift (I Corinthians 12:1-11), but there can be more than one spiritual gift for each Christian.
The eternal gift of salvation of the Spirit and the spiritual gift being bestowed by God were both received at the moment of conversion (I Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”). And because of this truth, what is your particular spiritual gift? It is very important that every Christian need to know what the spiritual gift God is had given them, so that they can utilize the gift in turn in order for that Body of Christ functions efficiently. Gifts are not for a few believers but for all believers in Christ, and every believer has abilities which the Holy Spirit has given to them and every believer who received it can use it to strengthen others. To discover one’s gift is the highest joy in a believer’s life and then the believers pour out themselves the joy to others through spiritual gifts. Any believer will find the gifts given to each one of them if the believer really has a desire to be instrument of God in bringing about faith and joy in other people. Notice that no one is lacking a gift “As every man hath received.”
No one person has all the gifts that are given to believers. – I Corinthians 12:8-11 “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
Notice the word “received” in Greek “lambano” which means to take or grasp. “Lambano” can also mean to receive, and “lambano” is used to includes all areas of life from simple things to spiritual benefits as this verse talks about. The used of “lambano” or “received” is in the aorist tense, indicative mood which speaks of a definitive historical event, a specific time in the past when each believer received their eternal gift of salvation and spiritual gift. That is why, It is not surprising that sixteen out of the seventeen uses of Charisma (gift) in the New Testament are connected to God as the Giver of the free gift.
The word in our passage “gift” or “special gift” in Greek “charisma” from “charis” which means grace, and the ending word “ma” which indicates the result of something, in this case the result of grace. The result of grace is the gift of salvation and the spiritual gift for serving. We ought to live as pleasing to God being saved and need to serve God to the fullest in the end time before Jesus comes.
The root word “charis” or grace, the favor or gift which a believer receives is without any merit of one’s own. Whatever spiritual gift a man has, comes from God, and should be no reason for personal pride or praise for self. Gift of grace is something given to a man by God which a believer could not have acquired or attained by himself in any way. A spiritual gift cannot be earned, pursued, or worked up but can only be “received” through the grace of God. The Greek word “Charisma” emphasizes the freeness of the gift.
“Gift” or “Charisma” distinguishing and also enabling certain Christians to serve the church of Christ, and the receiving of these “gifts” or “charisma” is due to the power of the grace of God operating or working in their souls by the Holy Spirit.
“Charisma” is a special spiritual gift or ability bestowed to Christians by the Holy Spirit according to the will of God for the profit of the body of Christ, the church and the work of the ministry in turn to enable believers to fulfill certain assigned functions in the body. Spiritual gifts are controlled by the Spirit.
I Corinthians 12:4-11 “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
In the book of Romans, Paul uses “charisma”:
As a reference to the gift of salvation
Romans 5:15, 16 “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.”
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
As a reference to the blessings of God
Romans 1:11 “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;” Romans 11:29 “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
As a reference to divine enablement for ministry
Romans 12:6 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;”
Every use of the charisma by Paul and the one use by Peter here in our text passage (I Peter 4:10), relates “charisma” to the divine enablement for believers to serve one another in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The unbelieving world wrongly uses “charisma” to describe a person with strong and attractive personality and appealing appearance of certain leaders.
Let us make it clear, Spiritual gifts are not talents. natural talents, skills, and abilities that are granted by God just as everything good and worthwhile is a gift from Him. But natural abilities are those things shared by both believer and unbeliever alike. It can be possible that an unbeliever can be a highly skilled artist or musician. An atheist person can possibly be a great scientist, skilled carpenter, valuable athlete, or chief cook. Now, if a Christian excels in any mentioned abilities, it has nothing to do with the eternal salvation of his soul. Even though, that person may use his natural talents quite differently after that person got saved, that person already possessed those natural talents before he became a Christian. Therefore, spiritual gifts come only as a result of salvation. We therefore say that spiritual gifts are not natural, but rather are special capacities supernaturally given by the Holy Spirit only and always to believers in Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 12:7 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”), to equip them to minister supernaturally to other believers especially to each other. In short, Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities, sovereignly given to strengthen God’s saints who are to serve (minister) one another being good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
On the other hand, if those spiritual gifts they freely received are not used or not being used rightly, because of that the body of Christ cannot be the corporate manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the body, and thus the work of God is hindered.
Illustration: In sports like basketball, football, volleyball, etc., it could not function as a team if everyone played the same position. God gives His people varieties of gifts just as players on a team have varieties of positions. Diversity is important to unity, but unity is not uniformity. Paul said that the unity of spirit can be purposely maintained only through diversity of ministry given by the same Spirit.
Now, whatever particular “gift” is, whether it be money, or talent, or spiritual gift, Peter says in verse 10 of our passage, “even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” We must learn the truth that God gives much to you that you may give it to others. The manifold grace run through you as a pipe to benefit others.
Notice the word in our passage “manifold” in Greek “poikilos” used 10 times and was translated “manifold” 1 time; “varied” 1 time; and “various” 8 times. “Manifold” or poikilos means various in character, different kinds, diversified manifold, variegated, many-colored.
EXAMPLE: In Genesis 37:3 “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.” It means varicolored tunic. The word “manifold” or “Poikilos” was used in secular Greek writings to describe the skin of a leopard, used to describe different colored marble, or used to described an embroidered robe. The Greek “Poikilos” was also applied to the changing months or the variations of a strain of music.
The word “grace” in the phrase “manifold grace” is in Greek “charis” from “chairo” means to rejoice.
We as sinners need grace because we are all spiritual beggars outside of Christ, but God gives where He finds empty hands.
The English word “grace” is from the latin “gratia” which means favor, charm or thanks. “Gratia” in turn is derived from gratus meaning free, ready, quick, willing, prompt. Webster defines grace as the unmerited love and favor of God which the source of all benefits men received from God, including especially His regeneration or sanctification. We experience God’s grace not only as the favor of the forgiveness of God but also as the energy and ability God gives to help us live the way God wants us to live. Accepting and using these manifold gifts brings blessing to us and to others. But above all, when we accept and uses this manifold gift it honors the name and kindness of God the Giver.
Peter urged his readers to use and express God's grace by being watchful in their prayers, showing fervent love to all the brethren, being hospitable for the believers and unbelievers, and ministering through the spoken word of God in light of the coming of Jesus Christ.
Notice in our passage the words “as good stewards.”
A a Christian, you are a steward and if a steward you should receive the goods of the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ, and anyone who is a steward keep the gifts for himself that steward would be an unfaithful steward. We as child of God, we must see to it that we faithfully discharge or perform our responsibility as one of the “good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
c.) Prominent Gifts Based from the Bible, there are two main gifts- (serving & speaking). The gifts of speaking or serving both dependent on God’s enablement.
Peter is implying that there are two general categories of gifts: speaking gifts and serving gifts. Such distinctions are clear in the lists:
Romans 12:6, 7, 8 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
1 Corinthians 12:7, 8, 9, 10, 11,28, 29, 30 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”
This division between the speaking gifts and serving gifts relates to the distinction God’s leaders made between ministry roles in Acts 6:2, 3,4 “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”). These two general ministry functions often overlapping.
1. Speaking gifts – v.11a
The first part of verse 11 speaks of speaking gifts.
This does not refer to speaking in tongues, but this is regarding preaching and teaching of God’s Word
I Peter 4:11a “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;”
Peter is saying, if you have the gift of teaching or preaching, make sure you preach or teach the Bible.
Notice the word “speak” in Greek verb is “laleo” meaning to make a sound and then to utter words.
The Greek verb “laleo” is used of speaking, in contrast with silence or as a breaking of silence, voluntary or imposed.
The use of the word “laleo” considers the fact rather than the substance of speech.
In Hebrew 1:1, “laleo” is used of God, and the point is not what God said, but the fact that by man God spake to men.
Hebrews 1:1 “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,”
On the contrary, “lego” refers to the matter of speech. The Greek verb “lego” originally means to pick out, to use words selected as appropriate expressions of thought, and to put such words together in orderly discourse.
Peter used “laleo” not “lego” when he says “If any man speak, let him speak”, emphasizing the supernatural speaking gift (laleo) not emphasizing the selected words used by the one speaking (lego). Use faithfully and consistently the speaking gift if you received that in connection with the second coming of Jesus.
Now the words in our passage “as the oracles of God.” The word “oracles” or “utterances” refers to the words of God, that is why using speaking gifts to minister to others means that the one speaking endeavor to speak the words of God. How easy it is to think that we can assist others with our own wisdom, but those who are entrusted with the ministry of speaking should be careful to speak the words of God, to be faithful to the gospel.
I Corinthians 4:1-2 “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”; II Timothy 4:1-5 “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
Oracles of God, in Greek “logion” from “logios” referring to an orator. The Greek “logion” in classical Greek was used of oracular utterances of heathen gods, but as used in Scripture “logion” refers to God’s utterances or revelations. The Greek “logion” is telling us that the teacher or preacher is not to be the provider or suppliers of his own viewpoint, doctrine, beliefs, concepts, but the transmitter of the utterances of God. The teacher or preacher as the minister of the Word of God must humbly regard himself as he is doing the teaching or preaching from resources which God supplies or provides.
The Greek “logion” or oracles that Peter used is a diminutive of the most commonly translated word “logos”. The word “oracles” or “utterances” in Greek “logion” referred to important sayings or messages, especially supernatural utterances.
On that day where many pagan religions are prevalent, the mediums, fortune tellers gave their occultic predictions of the future and other messages from the spirit world through supernatural oracles or utterances. These occultic false fortune teller would predict the success or failures of business, the victory or defeat in military war, the happy or tragic marriage were all based or has to do from the observation of the movements of fish in a tank, the formation of snakes in a pit, or listening to the calls of certain birds.
Speaking includes anyone who teaches the Word of God whether publicly or privately, whether to a group or one-on-one. Whether from a pulpit or in a small group or to a Sunday School class. Peter says, “if any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God”, Peter is saying, if you speak, make sure you speak the very words of God.
The oracles of God or “logion” is synonym for the Holy Scriptures. In the New Testament the term Scripture or Scriptures usually was a reference to the Old Testament and is used only four times in the New Testament, stressing the fact the Scriptures actually constituted or referred to the very utterances of God.
These Scriptures were given to and through the Jews and are preserved for us now in the Old Testament:
1. Stephen speaks about his defense: Acts 7:38 “This is he (Moses), that was in the church in the wilderness with the
angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles (the mosaic law) to give unto us:”
2. Paul speaks all the world guilty: Romans 3:2 “Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them (the Jews) were
committed the oracles of God (refers to the Old Testament).”
3. Writer of Hebrews speaks of Infant believers dull of hearing: Hebrews 5:12 “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” (In context considering that the epistle was addressed primarily to Jews, oracles of God most likely refer to the Old Testament).
Now here in our passage that we are discussing, Peter speaks of the utterances of God through Christian teachers: I Peter 4:11 “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
The reason of Peter why he uses the Greek “logion” is that even if a man is gifted to preach or teach, that person must be sure that the words he speaks (the logion) are, as if were, the very words God that man would have say on that particular event or occasion. Obviously the closer a preacher or teacher sticks to the pure milk of the Word, the better. The more a teacher or a preacher is prayerful and in close communion with God prior to speaking or teaching, the more likely will the message delivered in the pulpit be as if it were the utterances of God.
Every sermon which is not the Word of Christ is a wasted sermon. All theology is rotten rubbish if it not the Word of the Lord. We should not be satisfied in going to a place of worship and hearing eloquent speakers, unless the substance and contents is the Word of the Lord. The believers in Christ have not done any good, unless the Word of the Lord was taught to the children during children outreaches or taught to the children’s parents during bible studies and visitation. We must have only the Word of the Lord and nothing else when it comes for saving purposes or evangelistic effort.
2. Serving gifts – v.11b
The second part of verse 11 speaks of serving gifts.
I Peter 4:11b “if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:”
The word “minister” KJV; “serves” NASB; ESV; in Greek “diakoneo.” Diakoneo means “to serve”, “to render service,” “to wait upon” someone to care for their needs.
The noun “diakonia” means to assist or help by performing certain duties, serving many times of a humble or menial task, which includes like waiting on tables or caring for household needs and activities even without dignity. The Greek people viewed diakonia as degrading and dishonorable, and since service associated with the word “diakonia”, so service involved dependence, submission, and constraints of their own time and own freedom. In Greek mentality, voluntary giving of oneself in service of a fellow man is not being practice although they honored the service for the good of public. For the Greek, the development of his own personality is the highest goal before a man and not serving other men.
On the other hand, for true genuine believers, serving is not the activity of a lesser to a greater, but they considered service the privilege and hopefully the lifestyle of a follower of the Lord Jesus. Serving in the form of diakonia spread in the New Testament, not because of frequent usage of the word but because of the constant repetition of attitudes and examples of faithful Christian service. Serving gifts is about our service with God’s strength for the glory of God.
Notice the phrase “let him do it as of the ability which God giveth;”
The word in our passage, “ability” KJV; “strength” ESV, NASB, in Greek “ischus” refers to power as an enduement. “Ischus” is the inherent ability or inherent power of force which stresses the factuality of the ability, not necessarily the accomplishment of someone. Example: A man with big muscles display his might, even if that muscular man does not use them. Ischus is the reserve of strength and therefore it refers to endowed power or ability. The idea here that we want to emphasize is that “ischus” is the active effectiveness of the might that is the indwelling strength of God that is inherent in God by the one serving God. It is the capability of God given to the one serving to function effectively. God is able. And this passage written by Peter based in the context of our sermon today, it talks about the strength of God endued to each believer in which the believer is to serve in connection with the coming of our Lord Jesus.
Think of the needs among those persecuted believers during those times of the Apostles, who were facing the fury of the fire in Rome and among the terrified and tormented bereaved as ordered by cruelty of Nero. The ministry required of us is according to God-given ability or God given strength and the word used is “ischus.” Ischus is a God’s endowed strength and physical strength a Christian possesses as God bestowed upon believers (Ephesians 1:19 “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,”; Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”). Therefore, we must put all the God-given strength or ability that we have into helping. Paul in these two mentioned verses uses “ischus” in his command to the believers in Ephesus and even exhorting all of us to “be strong” that is in present imperative, and Paul calls for continual dependence upon God and in the strength of God’s might until Jesus comes.
There must be warning for all of us. If believers serve in their own strength alone or in order to look good to others, they will begin to find serving a wearisome task. However, serving with the strength of God or ability of God (ischus) is to be able to go above and beyond, and to do so for one purpose, that is to give God the glory in everything through Jesus Christ. Always remember, that when believers use their gifts as God directs to help others and build up the church, others will see Jesus Christ in them and will glorify the True and Living God.
Notice here in verse 11 the word of Peter in our passage “giveth” KJV; “supplies” ESV, NASB; in Greek “choregeo” derived from verb “epichoregeo” means to supply or provide. “Choregeo” indicates it has a rich meaning especially considering the supplier is God Himself. God work done in His way will never lack the supply of God for God continuously supplies.
Beside in our passage I Peter 4:11, the only other New Testament use of “choregeo” is in II Corinthians 9:10.
II Corinthians 9:10 “Now he that ministereth (or supplies “epichoregeo”, present tense) seed to the sower both minister (or will supply or choregeo) bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;”
Interestingly, the Greek word “Choregeo” is derived from “choregos” the name of the wealthy patron who would lavishly pay the wages for singers in his chorus, as well as the payment for the expenses of grand productions that were put on in cooperation with a poet and the state.
ILLUSTRATION: In Greece, this is the practice for their state to establish a chorus but a choirmaster (choregus who is the director) paid the expenses for training and was responsible for supplying everything needed for choir. The verb “epichoregeo” or supplies was derived from chorus. The verb originally meant to bear the expenses of a chorus which was done by a person selected by the state, who was obliged to defray all the expense of training and maintenance. It was a duty that motivated to execute lavishly. Therefore, “Choregeo” came to mean supplying costs for any purpose, a public duty or religious service, with the meaning of providing more than is demanded. So, the word “Choregeo” means to supply in ample or bountiful measure, to provide beyond the need, to supply more than generously. God provides, supplies all necessary strength that we need in serving Him especially in light of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The spiritual lesson here is that it is clear when we rely on the supplied strength of God, God alone will receive the praise through Jesus Christ.
For all of us who have serving gifts, please answer some question: Who is doing the serving? Whose power and for whose glory are you doing what you are doing? Who does my teaching or serving draw attention to, to myself or to God? Does it give those around me a proper opinion of God?
Peter in our passage writes that believers are not to try to use their gifts in their own strength because if they do the gift will cease to be a supernatural gift. The exercise of spiritual gifts, Christian must come from faith, obedience and surrender their rights and allow the Holy Spirit to control and relying upon the strengthening grace that is in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is what Paul give his charge to young disciple Timothy in the ministry (II Timothy 2:1 “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”).
2. Accountability of these Gifts
I Peter 4:10c “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Notice Peter mentions the phrase “good stewards”.
We will give an account for our stewardship.
The word “good” in Greek “kalos” means excellent or intrinsically good and so providing some special or superior benefit. “Kalos” conveys the idea of beauty and comeliness so it is about that which is admirable and honorable.
The word “stewards” in Greek “oikonomos” from “oikos” which mean house and “nemo” means to deal out, distribute, apportion, and literally refers to one who governs a household. The Greek “oikonomos” speaks of the responsibility of the stewards in proper use and disposition of something entrusted to the care of the stewards. Stewards do no own wealth, but steward is the one distributing the Master’s wealth according to the Master’s will and whatever the direction of the Master. In other words, a steward is responsible for another’s resources which the stewards owned not. Same case, a Christian does not own his gifts, but God is the owner of the gifts and God has given the stewards gifts for the proper functioning of the body of Christ, the church, and purposely for the glory of God. In context we must be good steward as the day of Christ’s return comes nearer and nearer.
Do you remember the parable Jesus gave about Talents?
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus mentions about a man going into a far country. Before that certain man left and travels on the trip, he made assignments to his servants. The man assigned to one servant the responsibility for five talents, to another servant he assigned two talents, and the man assigned to another servant one talent. The servant with the five talents doubled his, and the servant with two talents doubled his. The servant with one talent buried his. The last servant with one talent was condemned, while the other two received a heart commendation from the Lord.
Be aware that all of us as Christians will give an account for the “gift” or “gifts” that the Lord hath given us. Peter speaks of this in connection of the context that Jesus coming again anytime, and so use your gifts.
B. GLORYING FROM OUR SERVING
I Peter 4:11c “that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Notice Peter writes, “God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ,” This is Peter’s term of conclusion. Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. We are saved to serve for God’s glory not to get the glory.
Notice the words used here in our passage “may be glorified,” in secular Greek “doxazo” means to have an opinion but in the New Testament the idea is to give a high status to the Most-high God in the present tense context here. The word “doxazo” means you must have a proper opinion of God as you use the spiritual gifts. To give glory to God one must have a full recognition of God and to cause a believer to praise God through Jesus Christ by using the spiritual supernatural gifts.
The word “glorified” in the subjunctive mood expresses purpose, so God’s aim in giving us supernatural gifts and in giving us the faith and strength or ability in exercising these supernatural gifts, is that the glory of God might be displayed. God wants us Christian and the world to have a proper opinion of God’s magnificence. If you as a Christian do not use the gift or gifts that God had given you, you miss at least a portion of the purpose for which you were created and then you were re-created or redeemed (II Corinthians 5:17 “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature”). Do you know your gift and are you using that gift to glorify God? To fulfill this purpose will you give your life on the highest level. Example: Jesus commanded the believer’s audience to His Sermon on the Mount to… Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine (aorist imperative) before men (this is a key phrase in this passage), that they may see your good works, and glorify (“doxazo” means to give a high status to the Most-high God) your Father which is in heaven.” Others are to see God’s hand working through you. There is no better way to live the Christian life than that God is using you for His glory. Your gift may look small but as a part of displaying God’s infinite glory your gift takes on amazing proportions.
I Peter 4:11d “to whom be praise” KJV; “to whom belongs the glory” NASB; “to him belong glory” ESV.
The word “glory” or “praise” in Greek “doxa” from “dokeo” means to think. This denotes primarily an opinion or estimation of God. In the New Testament, “doxa” always refers to a good opinion, refers to praise, refers to honor or glory, refers to an appearance commanding highest respect toward God, refers to God’s magnificence or God’s excellence. The glory of God or praise of God represents the true apprehension of God refers to unchanging essence or personality of God.
I Peter 4:11e “and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
The word “dominion” in Greek “kratos” means strength or might, especially manifested power, the power to rule or control, supreme authority, sovereignty, the right to govern or rule or determine. Most of the New Testament uses are in references to God Almighty, and make the point that ultimate dominion belongs to God alone not to us as servants.
Peter makes it sure that we understand that the gifts that are given to us for service is must be reasonably and rightly rendered to One who gives that gift and to the Giver of the gifts. God is in dominion, He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords forever and ever. Let us serve and worship God here in this earth and in heaven. Be prepared for Jesus coming any moment of time by making our hands busy serving Him with all our heart and mind, Amen!
Conclusion:
Things to do when living in the end time:
1. Keep your Head on straight – our minds should be sober, by trusting in the purpose and power of God in the end time.
As we see the end time nearing, we are to watch and pray.
2. Keep your Hearts opened to others – by continuously loving and helping our Christian family.
3. Keep your Hands busy in Lord’s service – using our gifts that God has given us to edify the church and glorifying the Lord.
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