Scripture:
1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV
[7] The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. [8] Above all, keep loving one another earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins. [9] Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: [11] whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Observation:
Peter has always been bold about how he spoke. But it seems by this point he has gotten a lot better at not cutting the ears of his listeners off. He starts his statement here with a warning. The end of all things is near. His statement after that one caught my attention, though. Be sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Now, that could get missed. If we are not careful, this morning will be one of the main points. Again, the topic of love is brought up, and the point of loving those around us is that love covers a multitude of sins. Being kindhearted and hospitable no matter what, not grumbling or complaining about having to do so. Peter goes on to explain how each one of us has been given a gift from GOD, and we should use that gift to serve others as good stewards of what GOD has given us. So let’s break down what GOD has given us real quick… Peter says it’s various levels of grace. So what does that mean? We will all need different amounts of it, and it’s our job to show grace and receive the grace we have been given. Verse 11 brings it all to a point. Those gifted to speak need to speak as though GOD was speaking through them. And whoever has been gifted with service as though they were serving GOD HIMSELF because ultimately they are. That’s how glory is brought to the Father.
Application:
It’s funny how the enemy works. The word that came to my heart this morning was intentional. I believe it’s a very important word and should not go unnoticed. It’s not necessarily in the scripture from this morning, but the principles are. Self-control is one of the ways that someone can be intentional about their reaction to what might otherwise be emotionally intoxicating. What I know about emotions is that it’s hard not to let them take control. But when they do, it usually doesn’t end well and can affect your prayer life. So here is why I said it’s funny how the enemy works just as I was starting to get this SOAP underway. A very emotional situation was brought to my doorstep. One that involves my daughter. It’s hard not to react when your kids are involved. I want to be a good steward of the grace that GOD has given me. I don’t want my prayer life hindered. I want to be able to pray for all those involved and have those prayers answered. So, despite how I feel being in control of my emotions, it is more important. There is a reason that the fruit of the Spirit ends with self-control and doesn’t start with it. Showing others the same grace you have been shown is not easy. But it is necessary. Serving them and loving them. When the bible says love covers a multitude of sins, it doesn’t mean that those sins are hidden and should be lied about, but that forgiveness is necessary. Love forgives. No matter what. That’s easier said than done most of the time. Because our emotions get in the way. Listen, I know I may be off here, but I’m not sure that I am. Forgiving serving and speaking truth in love are the ways to bring glory to the Father.
Prayer:
Father, help us to act out of grace and set our emotions aside. After all, that’s what Christ did in the garden. HE set HIMSELF aside and obeyed the spirit. Little did we know that the grace was already being poured out as HE sweated blood. Before a hand ever touched him. Father, help us. We do not want our emotions in the way of our prayers. We want to be used by you. Help us to be HIS hands and feet moving and loving those who don’t deserve it such as ourselves. We love you and want that love for you to be seen in the way we treat others. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen