Living Like there is no Tomorrow.

Living Like there is no Tomorrow.

1 Peter 4:4-11

William Miller came to Christ in the mid-19th century, a period of great revival in the churches of the NE USA. It was a time when, much the same as today, there was a keen interest in the prophecies of the Bible, especially concerning the return of Christ. Right after his conversion, Miller immersed himself in the book of Daniel, and after 14 years of study, he announced Jesus Christ would return to earth sometime in 1843 or 1844. He eventually nailed down the date to October 22, 1844.

On the morning of October 22, 1844 thousands of people gathered on mountaintops and in churches. Others were in graveyards, planning to ascend in reunion with their departed loved ones. When the day passed uneventfully, many Christians grew disillusioned. The unsaved became cynical. The event became known as "The Great Disappointment", while some of Miller's followers evolved into the Seventh Day Adventist movement."

I wonder if you've ever found Bible prophecy to be a little disappointing. It's not that you don't believe Christ will return, but it can get confusing trying to make sense of all the imagery and the seemingly long delay. You don't want to get caught up in another "Great Disappointment."

I believe the best way to approach Bible prophecy is to start with the right question, which is not "how can I figure out what God is going to do?" but instead, "Lord, in light of your return, how should I live right now?"

The apostle Peter wrote this first letter to a church that was suffering intense persecution, to people who were tempted to give up their hope. They didn't know what tomorrow would bring, so in 1 Peter 4:7-11 Peter wants to teach them how to live as if Jesus would come back today—to live as if there is no tomorrow. In this passage tonight we find three ways to live in light of 'the end of all things…' (v. 7a):

Firstly, then, LIVE EXPECTANTLY (v. 7a)

…the end of all things is near…

At first glance it seems Peter is as mistaken as William Miller was. 'The end of all things' obviously refers to the end of the world as we know it.

As Christians we believe this will happen, that Jesus will return a second time as judge to wrap up history. But the Bible doesn't tell us when! Peter, however, specifically states this event is at hand. Since Peter wrote these words almost 2000 years ago, and obviously Christ has not returned. was Peter mistaken? No. Like all of the apostles, Peter had heard Jesus tell them no one could predict the hour or day of His coming. Yet throughout the New Testament, Jesus' return is consistently said to be "at hand."

Philippians 4:5:

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

James 5:8:

You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Revelation 1:3

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

The idea behind all of these verses is not that Christ's coming is immediate but that His coming is imminent. It could happen at any time!

Peter is emphasizing that we should all live expectantly because though we don't know when, Jesus may come at any moment.
Matthew 24:44:

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

We ought to be looking for Jesus to return at any moment the way a child waits for her dad to come home! Christians are praying and desiring that their Saviour will come and rescue us from evil and make this world right. We ought to be waiting with joy for Jesus to arrive!

If there's any reason why we ought to be excited about Biblical prophecy it ought to be this: Jesus could come at any moment. Yet for some of us, that might not be such a thrill.

If Jesus came back tonight, how would you feel? Are there things that you wish you could still do or accomplish in this life, now? Will you be afraid that you might miss something you wanted on this side of heaven?

Would you wish you had more time to get ready? Would you wish you had done more to please Him?

Are you living expectantly?

It wasn't exactly what the boss expected when he asked his employees to put suggestions in a box as to how the business could be improved. "When I come in each morning, I like to see everyone in his or her place and started on the day's work. Anyone have any suggestions?" The next day he found only one suggestion in the box. It read, "Wear squeaky shoes."

Live expectantly, Peter says, and you'll live like there's no tomorrow.
At the same time, living expectantly does not mean living recklessly. Peter says we should not only live expectantly, but, secondly, also:

LIVE RESPONSIBLY (v. 7b-11a)

Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I wouldstill plant my little apple tree and pay my debts." - Martin Luther

In an effort to live expectantly, some Christians make the mistake of forgetting their calling to God and others. Like the misguided followers of William Miller, some have given up their jobs, left their families, and many other strange things to be ready for that day!

Peter agrees with Luther in saying that the return of Christ ought to make us more faithful in our duties to God and man. Specifically, he tells us 4 duties we should continue:
a. '…be clear minded…' (v. 7a) or in control and not swept with emotions or the fad of the moment. This isn't always easy, of course! But Peter's call here is to keep a wide lens view of the big picture, to keep a biblical perspective in lives joys and strains and struggles.

Peter already warned his readers about the persecution that is coming. It would be easy to give in to fear of the future. Keep your perspective balanced. Don't become obsessed with what will happen, but keep your mind fixed on faithfully following Jesus in whatever happens. Don't lose your head or your faith, no matter what happens!

b. Be '…self controlled so that you can pray.' (v. 7b)
Kings and rulers can do many things to hinder Christians from serving God, but they cannot prevent our prayers. Peter commands to those in this 1st Century setting to focus on keeping the lines of communication open with the Lord. Don't let what may nor may not happen distract you from praying for God's will to be done, or for souls to be saved. Never let the headlines discourage you from trusting God to do His will in your life. Stay in touch with the Lord through prayer!

This week, some of us were disappointed with a referendum result. Some of us fear for our future, for our economy, for the life of our children and grandchildren. Some of us were over the moon with the result! Peter ays here: pray! Live expectantly with that wide view of God's sovereignty and rule and pray!

c.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.' v8-9

Like many other places in the New Testament Scriptures, Peter stresses the priority of love.

The idea is to put all your effort into loving your brothers and sisters in the Lord. During times of stress, relationships can strain to the breaking point. Peter's readers probably discovered when the pressure of persecution is on, you are tempted to take out your frustrations on others. It's easier to focus on the weaknesses and faults of others. Peter says make the effort to love and care for one another. Look at the people in this church week by week as your family and then live like it.

Then there is that funny little phrase, 'love covers a multitude of sins' and I think we can run to Proverbs 10:12 for some help with that – in love we can overlook the sins and faults of others.

This love also includes the idea of being hospitable. Hospitality was an important part of ancient society, and typically meant feeding and housing guests for 2-3 days with no expectation of payment. This was especially important during times of persecution, since many believers were put out of their homes, and often had to go into hiding to avoid arrest. There were also traveling teachers, such as Paul and Peter, who often depended on church members to give them lodging during their many journeys.

In our Old Testament reading we heard part of that incredible story of Ruth. Where Boaz shows hospitality beyond the norm to a foreigner. Ruth and her mother-in-law were to be destitute if not for the help of this faithful man. And we see, in Ruth, a son born in the line of David and ultimately Jesus. God was working his good and great purposes in the initial small act of kindness from Boaz.

Peter says show this welcoming love without grumbling. Be willing to share what you have with those in need. The modern application of this principle could be seen in being a good neighbour, and sharing your home and resources with other believers who are in need. And this doesn't mean having the perfect home or the best food. We can be hospitable with what we have and waiting until we have what we wish we had!

By focusing on loving one another, Peter says you are mirroring the commands of Jesus as you wait for His return:
John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Work to maintain a loving relationship with God's people!

d. Keep Serving.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised" (v. 10-11a)

One of the most common themes of the parables of Jesus that speak of His return is stewardship. A steward is a person who is given the responsibility to use his Master's resources for his Master's purposes. Using this image, God is the Master, and you and I are His stewards. The gifts God gives you are not yours, but belong to Him.

He has given each one of us gifts from his grace.

The gifts He gives us are not to be used to build us up, but to serve others. His purpose is not that you should use your gifts to please yourself or hide, but to help and bless other people. Peter divides these gifts into two categories: speaking gifts and serving gifts.

The speaking gifts include those who speak the 'words of God'. This would primarily refer to preaching and teaching, but could also include any kind of speech which conveys God's truth, for example, the conversation with a colleague in work about God's sovereignty over the future of our nation. When God gives you that gift, the Bible says here we must be sure that what we are saying lines up with God's Word. The only authority a preacher or teacher has comes from the fact that they are speaking the truth of God's Word. Our own opinions and ideas have no authority; only His Word does.

The serving gifts would be anything done with the abilities God provides to help someone else. This could be anything from playing a piano or singing, keeping financial records for a church or serving in Sunday school, mopping floors, or cooking a meal. Anything that you do to serve others can be service done for God.

As you wait for Christ to return, keep using what God gave you to help and bless others:
What can you do until Jesus comes back?
You can keep your head and keep praying.
You can love others with your attitude and actions.
You can serve God by using what He has given you to help and bless others.
Jesus has given us plenty to do.

He does not want us idly sitting around, complaining about this, that or the other. He wants us about our Father's business, until it is time to go home.

What are you doing for God as you wait for Jesus to come back?

Like some of you I have enjoyed the American TV show, the West Wing. The West Wing got me hooked on some American political history a while back and this particular event stands out in my mind. On the 19th of May, 1780 (in Connecticut) at noon the skies turned from blue to grey and by mid-afternoon had blackened over almost entirely. The Connecticut House of Representatives was in session. And as some men fell down and others called for an immediate adjournment, the Speaker of the House, Colonel Davenport, came to his feet. He silenced them and said these words:

The Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish, therefore, that candles may be brought.

Thirdly, and Finally, then, LIVE FOR HIS GLORY (v. 11b)

Our goal in this life must be His glory.

The reason why you and I should long for Jesus' return is not just to see an end to sin and suffering; our goal should be to see God glorified. Our aim in life should not be for God to exalt us, but that everyone everywhere exalt Him. Our purpose in life is not to see our will done, but His will done on earth as it is in Heaven.

It is popular to concentrate on the return of Christ to think of the crown and glory we will receive on that day. Many of us look forward to not having to suffer, or die, or battle with continuing sin. We like to think about how we will finally find the happiness that we never had in this life. Thank the Lord all of these things are true, but the only reason they are true is because Jesus will be glorified.

We may do many things in heaven, but the one thing everything we do there will have in common with what we can do here is we will find our joy in giving our Lord glory!

When I was teaching I remember a pupil asking me about heaven and eternal life. I was so excited that this pupil took it upon himself to ask me such a deep question and one which allowed me to talk of Jesus!

When I explained that life in heaven would be perfect and without sin he responded with the disheartening response, "won't that just be so boring." And the conversation continued and he began to list all of the things he enjoys now and how much he would miss them.

And sadly, many Christians can feel the same. We can be fixated on the pleasures of life now – many of them good – and forget about what is to come.

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun.

That's what it's all about---giving glory to our wonderful Lord. It's why the universe was created. It's why you were created. It's why God gave you your talents, and your possessions and your body and your breath—all to show off His glory. His return will be to display His glory in us and through us. You might not believe it now, but the greatest joy you will ever experience will one day be when you fall down before His throne and give Him glory.

The Bible tells us that 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ died on the Cross, rose from the grave, and ascended into heaven right before the eyes of His faithful followers. He made a promise then: I will return.

One day all of us who are long for His return will hear the voice of freedom shout from heaven, and He will touch down again on earth, and He will announce to the world, "I have returned."

Until that day, let us live expectantly—let us live responsibly—and let us live for His glory—let us live like there is no tomorrow, because one day, there will be no tomorrow—only eternity to enjoy His presence and love forever.

In this passage Peter tells us that living like there's no tomorrow means living expectantly, living responsibly, and living to glorify the Lord. Nobody can be sure about every detail of what will happen when Jesus comes back, but Peter makes it clear what we should be doing while we wait. Live like there's no tomorrow, because one day, you will be right.