Perhaps it is because I am getting older, but it is hard to believe that another year is about to come to an end. To a four year old child, it takes “forever” for him or her to turn five. If you are 54, that time to 55 seems like a few months. If you are 74, it seems more like a few weeks!
Just days before His death, Jesus spoke of the approaching end of Judaism and temple worship, and He gave eight signs that would be manifested before that time came. The eighth sign was that when the gospel would be preached to the world, then there would be an end (Matt. 24:14). In His trial, He told Caiaphas that starting that day of His trial the high priest would see the one he was killing coming and ruling in power (Matt. 26:64). When Paul wrote Colossians, he said that the eighth sign happened (Col. 1:23).
It should not surprise us that both Peter and James talked about this end. James said that the end was at hand and that the Judge was standing at the door about to bring judgment (Jas. 5:8-9). Peter affirmed that the end was at hand (1 Pet. 4:7). Had you lived in that first century, you would have seen the signs being fulfilled as God destroyed the temple and brought about the end of Judaism. Thankfully, Peter then gave encouragement as to what to do when the end was at hand.
The application of Peter’s encouragement can impact us every time we see an “end” coming. As you age, you can see the end of your life approaching so rapidly. You attend the funerals of others (some even younger than you), and Peter’s words seem so appropriate. In a similar way, the end of 2025 would be a good time to see what Peter emphasized.
First, Peter says to be sober, to be serious (1 Pet. 4:7). As a new year approaches, it would be wise to give serious thought as to how much you have grown spiritually. Are you closer to the Lord as this year ends than what you were when it began? Give serious thought to the direction of your life.
Peter then says to be watchful in prayers. As the end approaches, spend time praying about dealing with temptations that surround you. Seriously pray about your life.
Then Peter says that as the end approached there should be fervent love for each other. This love covers many of those awkward times of dealing with others. He specifically mentions hospitality. How much have you gone out of your way sharing times with others? As the end approaches, should you change how much time you spend with your brothers?
Take time to read verses ten and eleven. You will be amazed seeing two other applications of what to do as the end approaches. There is an end approaching—be serious!