Exiles: Week Seventeen

1 Peter 4:7-11

“The last days are upon us.  Weigh Carefully the times.  Look for Him who is above all time eternal and invisible.” Ignasious, 110 AD

“We have reached the time of the white horse of the Apocalypse.  This world will not last any longer…than another hundred years.”  Martin Luther, 1500

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his son whom appointed the heir of all things through whom also he created the world.” Hebrews 1:1-2 

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-35

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35  

“This is the love that breaks the downward spiral of wounded sensibilities, hard feelings, nurtured bitterness, dissension, and vendetta.  To cover sins is likely synonymous with forgiveness and the determination to shelter from exposure and condemnation those who have wronged us.  

– Carson 

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12: 4-7

Peter’s Play Call 

  1. Pray 

  2. Love 

    1. Forgiveness 

    2. Hospitality 

  3. Serve 

    1. Speaking/Teaching 

    2. Serving/Action

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. If you knew the world would end in 24 hours, how would you spend your last day? Who with? And how would you feel?

  2. Given how Peter has previously described the inheritance waiting for those who are in Christ Jesus, how should we feel about the imminent “end of all things”?

  3. In the passage, what specific actions does Peter call us to - knowing that this day is coming soon?

  4. How could we encourage each other to be more prepared to use our gifts to serve within our church family?