1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him). 1 Sermon, 1 Peter 4:7 The Christian's Duty in a Hostile World - Pt 1 Study Guide (see dropdown), 1 Peter 4:7-9 The Christian's Duty in a Hostile World, Pt. Luke 1:33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end. The prefix pros would convey the sense of being immediately before Him and hence the ideas of adoration, devotion, and worship. Mark 13:7 "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. An expectant attitude toward Christ’s return involves a serious, balanced mind and an alert, awake prayer life. In fact, this is exactly what Jesus taught His disciples to do. James encouraged his readers to “be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord” (Jas 5:7). That word had evidently become a familiar byword, expressing believers’ longing for Christ’s imminent return. He who is ready for today is ready for that day and he who is ready for that day is ready for today. Paul instructed the saints at Philippi to…, Do all things without grumbling (goggusmos) or disputing that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world" (Php 2:14, 15-note; 2:15) (but see the preceding verses for how this is even possible - Php 2:12, 13-notes Php 2:12; 13 {see notes}), You Can't Beat The Price - Would you wait in line for 13-cents-a-gallon gasoline? It will be a great day for the church when we get off our detours and onto the King's Highway! With this universal and cosmic end in mind, Peter urges his readers to be “alert” and sober in prayer, or more precisely, to be alert for the purpose of prayer. In Romans 10:4 telos refers to Christ as "the end of the law," which is similar to Paul's statement that believers are no longer "under the law" (Ro 6:14). There must in those days have been many isolated Christians fighting a lonely battle. Our words murmur and grumble are similar in sound. 10:4, Christ is described as “the end of the Law unto righteousness to everyone that believeth”; this is best explained by Gal. Hatred stirs up strife, but love (Lxx = philia = friendship, affection) covers (Lxx = kalupto = present tense = continually) all transgressions (Pr 10:12). Notice three ways that the promise of His coming should impact us. When we use our gift(s) we are actually ministering the very grace of God to one another. Slaves had no home of their own to which to go. 1 Peter 4:17-note For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. 1 Thessalonians 2:16-note hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. There are a number of New Testament texts that reflect the early church’s belief in imminence. Is the "Antidote" for If we are to be looking for Christ to return at any time, living in light of its imminency, such an "uplook outlook" should be a powerful incentive to spur us on to fight the good fight necessary for godly living and bold witnessing. The Message of 1 Peter. And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? Even our world will have its ending in the plan of God. Predigt über 1. So they made a mistake -- the argument goes. Any doctrine as prominent in the New Testament as this cannot be disregarded completely. Will He find us watching there?--Crosby, Tony Garland writes that Imminence is “The quality or condition of being about to occur.” In Scripture, the coming of Jesus Christ is portrayed as an imminent event.