For the Purpose of Prayer

1 Peter 4:7-13
vs. 7…the end of all things is near; therefore:
    —Be of sound judgment (what things are important?)
    —Be of sober spirit (don’t get too excited about seemingly positive things; and don’t get too upset about seemingly negative things)
    
For the purpose of prayer.


Point: We need to be prayerful people as the end draws near.


**What characterizes prayerful people?  (“Lord use me!  and make me like YOU!”)


    vs. 8 …keep fervent in love for one another because God’s love covers multitude of my sins.
    vs. 9 …hospitality without complaint
    vs. 10 …use our gifts to serve one another.  We have these gifts by God’s grace.
    vs. 11…Let God speak through me—not my words but His—ALL THE TIME. (Ephesians 4:29).  Serve by God’s strength
    vs. 12-13…They want to share in the suffering of Christ, happy when the do, because they are looking forward to seeing the glory of God.  **This is a big theme in Peter’s letter (see 1 Peter 1:3-7) “Proof of our faith" is what Peter is describing in chapter 4:7-11.

PERSONAL REFLECTION: The purpose of everything is that God would be glorified.  I need to think less of myself and things of this world. 

​ Every day provides an opportunity to love, share, serve, speak; therefore, we need to constantly be IN PRAYER so we don’t miss each opportunity.