“God’s holiness necessitated the destruction of evil. Holy God and evil could not forever coexist. One or the other must be destroyed. But, how could evil be destroyed without destroying men in whom it dwells? The New Testament answer is that God became man, identified himself with sinful humanity, and in His Son, so to speak, destroyed evil by destroying Himself, in place of man. This revealed both His holy wrath against sin, but also His holy love for the sinner. By rescuing His Son from death through the resurrection, He also demonstrated His victory over evil. Those who believe in the merit of Jesus’ death and resurrection to overcome evil, become identified with Him in the struggle with evil in the world.” - Sue Edwards
Read 1 Peter 4:7-19.
THE BIG PICTURE
Peter begins this passage, “The end of all things is near.”
What does he mean, and how is it more true today?
Solomon addresses mortality in Ecclesiastes 7:1-4.
What does he say? How do most people, especially nonbelievers, think of their mortality?
HOW TO LIVE WITH THE END IN MIND
In 1 Peter 4:7, Peter speaks of prayer.
Why should prayer be a priority as we approach end times?
What two elements does Peter say we need in our prayer lives?
Consider Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1, and the similarities between the exiles in Nehemiah and Peter’s readers.
What else does Peter say we need as believers in 1 Peter 4:8.
Why is that so important?
Look at verses 9-11. Determine how you can be a good steward of God’s grace by using one of these gifts.
Think about how you might practice hospitality. I determined that I was good, as long as Nancy did most of the work.
SERVE WITH THE END IN MIND
Peter says we are to use our gifts to serve one another as stewards of God.
Look at Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 & 27-31, Ephesians 4:11-13.
We are all gifted. Consider these scriptures to determine what your gifts are.
In 1 Peter 4:11, Peter mentions two gifts: speaking and serving.
How should we exercise the gifts? Who receives glory?
HANG ON AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
In 1 Peter 4:12 and James 1:2-4, how should we consider the trials of this life?
THAT GREAT GETTIN’ UP MORNIN’
If we have been faithful in following Christ, how should we feel about His second coming?
Look at the picture of Christ’s return in Revelation 19:11-16.
Try to picture that scene.
When Christ returns again, he comes as the righteous judge of the earth.
Why is judgement necessary? Look back at the opening statement at the beginning of this lesson. Should the believer have any concerns about judgement day? See Romans 3:21-26.
FAMILY FIRST
Read Romans 14:7-12.
Who is Lord of all? What will happen according to verse 11?
See Revelation 20:11-15 regarding the judgement of nonbelievers.
FINAL THOUGHT
As Advent Christians, we don’t consider God to torment the wicked forever.
Rather, they are cast into the lake of fire for destruction and separation from God. This doctrine is logical, so that evil will be eradicated from the new earth.
- Rev. John D. Guess, Pastor