Living in the Last Days
In the last days, Scripture says there will be famines, disasters, wars, and persecutions. But as we know, these things have been happening for over 2000 years ago since the Pentecost, and I am sure there will only be more until Christ returns. From the beginning of his first letter, Peter makes it clear that we will experience many kinds of trials as a believer. And frankly, we need to be prepared.
In 1 Peter 4:1-11, Peter helps us to answer a question, “what must we do to live in the last days?”
Prepare your mind
First, we must prepare our minds.
“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.” (v.1)
The phrase “arm yourselves” reminds believers to be prepared to suffer unjustly and to face abuse with Christ’s attitude. The word in its original Greek means “with the waist of your mind being girded.” This might be a foreign image for us, but the men in those days always wore long robes so to be able to move quickly and freely in an emergency, they would tuck the robes into their belt, girding up their waist.
In verses 2 to 6, Peter reassures Christians that it is God’s judgment, not human condemnation, that will vindicate the believer. Therefore, the Christian has joy and peace that comes only from being right with the Creator and Judge of all.
Prepare your soul
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” (v.7)
In the New Revised Standard Version, the phrase “therefore, be alert and of sober mind” is translated to “therefore, be serious and discipline”. So, to be able to live in the last days and endure suffering, we need to prepare our soul through a serious-minded and disciplined prayer life. Take a long hard look at yourself (v.17) and ask about your own prayer life? Are you enjoying every day conversation with God? Do you have quality time spent praising and petitioning to your Father in heaven?
Prepare your heart
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers multitude of sins.” (v.8)
The Christian life is not about finger pointing. It’s about mercy and compassion. If you want to be ready for tough times, begin practicing the habit of loving others today. How? Peter is very practical on this point. He tells us to:
Accommodate others (v.9)
Serve one another (v.10)
Encourage one another (v.11)
Conclusion
Suffering is inevitable and unavoidable particularly for believers as the Day draws near. We must do what we can to prepare. We must prepare our minds. See suffering for what it can accomplish in our lives as the Peter tells us “He who has suffered is done with sin.” We need to prepare our souls by getting serious about prayer and taking a long, hard look at our spiritual lives. And we need to prepare our hearts by serving one another in love.
Heavenly Father,
I thank you that I can hold to Your promises; that no matter what this world may bring upon me, I can rejoice in the privilege of sharing in suffering meant for Christ. I pray that Your Spirit may lift me up and give me strength in times of suffering. I thank You for that in Jesus’ dear name.
Amen.