1 Peter 4:7-9
The Christian and Social Duties
Welcome to our study of 1 Peter. Every weekday we focus on a section of Scripture, combined with Malcolm’s commentary and practical ways to reflect, pray, and act. The entire commentary is available as a book here.
1 Peter 4:7 – 5:11 includes general exhortations with reference to behavior within the Christian community, in contemplation of the approaching end.
1 Peter 4:7-11 focuses on the Christian and social duties, while 4:12-19 focuses on the Christian bearing of suffering. 1 Peter 5:1-11 discusses leadership and general duties and exhortations.
1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Peter now moves from considerations external to the Church, to those affecting its internal condition.
The end of all things is near
Cf. 1 Thess. 4:15; Heb. 10:25.1 Also see Matt. 3:2; Mark 1:15; Luke 10:9. The imminence of Christ’s return means that persecution will increase (Matt. 24:9-10), and it also brings urgency to the believer to be ready (Matt. 25:13). If the “end of all things” was “near” in Peter’s day, how much more today?
Therefore
Because the end is so near.
clear minded
Cf. 1:13; 5:8.
self-controlled
Cf. 1 Thess. 5:6.2
so that
Prayer is the end of the self-control. Prayer takes self-discipline; it should not merely be done when you feel like it or are “led” to pray.
pray
Gr. = prayers (plural). Prayers of all kinds, public or private. Cf. Eph. 6:18.3
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Above all
Cf. 1:22; Col. 3:14.4 Does not place love above prayer, but as the essential condition of all of the Christian life, the supreme controlling factor in all relationships in the Church.
love each other deeply
The preeminent Christian lifestyle.
love covers over a multitude of sins
Prov. 10:12.5 Cf. Jam. 5:20.6 Love covers sin in at least four ways: forgiveness of the other’s sin (Prov. 19:11), prevention of the other sinning through our own kindness of word and deed, prevention of ourselves sinning through love for the other, and intercession for sin in prayer. Ultimately, only Jesus’ blood covers sin, but love applies His blood, drawing the universal cover over the specific sins in these particular ways.
1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Hospitality is one example of the practical expression of this love. Hospitality was necessary for the cohesion of the scattered brotherhood of believers, as well as the welfare of those whose duties called them to travel. Hospitality became so much their practice that the Didache had to provide against abuses of it. Lucian in the biography of Peregrinus: “A Christian traveler shall not remain more than two or three days … if he wishes to settle … is unskilled and will not work he … makes his Christian profession his merchandise.” (Nicoll, 5:72-73)
hospitality
without grumbling
Cf. Phil. 2:14.9 The opposite of grumbling is simple open- heartedness: Rom. 12:8.10
Reflect: What are some ways you can increase your clarity and self-control, particularly in relation to your prayer life? What actions can you take to increase your focus, such as turning off your phone, going to a quiet space, etc.?
Pray: Pray for alertness, discernment, and clarity in your prayer life. Then, listening carefully to the guidance of the Spirit, pray for yourself, your loved ones, your church, and your nation.
Act: Spend time in prayer three times today (morning, noon, and evening), for at least 10 minutes each. Try to keep up this discipline of prayer in future days. God will meet you in it!
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25)
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” (1 Thess. 5:6)
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:18)
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Col. 3:14)
“Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” (Prov. 10:12)
“remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)
“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Rom. 12:13)
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Heb. 13:2)
“Do everything without complaining or arguing …” (Phil. 2:14)
“… if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously … if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Rom. 12:8)