Stewards of Grace

Sermon Text

1 Peter 4:7-11

7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

• Because the end of all things is at hand, Christians should live with sober urgency rather than drifting into distracted or indulgent living.
• Seriousness about eternity expresses itself first in watchful prayer that seeks God's help and aligns the believer's heart with his will.
• The church must practice fervent, enduring love that forgives, refuses gossip and grudges, and works toward reconciliation rather than keeping a record of wrongs.
• Hospitality is practical love for others, including strangers, offered without grumbling even when a home, schedule, or meal is not impressive.
• Every believer has received gifts from God's varied grace and must use them to serve others rather than treating ministry as the work of paid leaders alone.
• Speaking and serving gifts are entrusted by God and supplied by his strength so that glory belongs to him through Jesus Christ.

• Does my use of time show that I believe eternity and Christ's return are real?
• What regular part of my day can become a dependable occasion for focused prayer?
• When someone asks for prayer, am I willing to pray with that person immediately rather than merely promising to remember later?
• Whose wrongs am I recording, rehearsing, or sharing instead of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation?
• Do I confuse hospitality with entertaining and therefore wait for a perfect home, meal, or schedule before welcoming anyone?
• What speaking or serving ability has God entrusted to me for the good of the church?
• Am I using my gift for recognition and personal benefit or for God's glory and another person's good?
• Whom can I disciple so that faithful service continues into the next generation?

Last days

The present era between Christ's resurrection and ascension and his promised return to judge the living and the dead.

Watchful prayer

Clear-minded, intentional dependence on God shaped by the nearness of eternity and the believer's need for his help.

Fervent love

Persistent, active, sacrificial love that endures difficulty and seeks another person's good.

Covering sins

Refusing grudges, gossip, and needless conflict while pursuing forgiveness and reconciliation; it does not mean hiding abuse or pretending sin is harmless.

Hospitality

Making room in one's life and home to care for others, especially strangers or those in need, without grumbling.

Spiritual gift

An ability God supplies to a believer for serving and building up other members of Christ's body.

Steward

A manager entrusted with something that belongs to another; believers manage gifts that remain God's grace and property.

Oracles of God

God's revealed words, which govern those entrusted with teaching, preaching, counsel, encouragement, or public prayer.