1 Peter 4:7-11 The end of all things is upon us, therefore to help you pray, you must lead self controlled and sober lives. Above all, love each other, because love cancels out a host of sins. Be hospitable to one another, without grumbling and each one should use whatever gifts that they have received from God to serve others. Use your gifts and strength to glorify God through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and power for ever.
1 Peter 4:12-16 Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery trial which is to try you, as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice, that you participate in the suffering of Christ, then when His glory is revealed, your joy will be great. If you are reviled for being a Christian, count yourself happy, for the Spirit of God rests upon you and if you do suffer, it must not be for any criminal deed. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
1 Peter 4:17-19 For it is time for judgement to begin; it is beginning with God’s own household, as Scripture says; If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the impious and sinful? So let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to Him, while continuing to do good; their Maker will not fail them.
1 Peter 5:10 After your brief suffering, the God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself make you perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. Reference: Revised English Bible, some verses abridged.
‘The end of all things is upon us’. Peter does not mean the end of the world, but the end of this present age, our time; right now!
‘do not be surprised by the fiery trial’. This can refer to the persecution of the early church, but is mainly to us in the last days, as we face the forthcoming judgement by fire, earthquakes, storms and tsunamis: the Sixth Seal event. 2 Peter 3:7
‘His glory revealed’. Firstly that revealing will be to Jesus’ born again people: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. Later; at the Return of Jesus, He will be seen by all the world. Matthew 24:30, Revelation 19:11
‘ The Judgement begins in God’s household’. The terrible fire judgement prophesied so many times throughout the Bible, will initially strike the Middle East, which includes the present State of Israel. Many prophecies say how all the holy Land will be ‘burnt and devastated’, Jeremiah 9:10-12, Jeremiah 10:18, Isaiah 10:23
‘make you perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you’. This will be the fulfilment of all the great promises of how the Lord will gather His faithful Christian people, Ezekiel 34:11 and how He will pour out His Spirit upon them, Ezekiel 37:14, Isaiah 35:1-10 Then they will be established and settled into all of the area promised to Abraham. Genesis 17:8, Isaiah 62:1-5
Isaiah 49:8-11 The Lord says: In the time of My favour, on the Day of Deliverance, I will come to your aid. You are My people, destined to be a light to the nations and to restore the Land. Go free now and in the Land, you will find food and water in plenty. It will not be too hot when the One who loves them will guide them along highways. My people; coming from all parts of the world, will shout for joy as they enter their Land. For God will comfort His people in their distress.
The Prophetic Word 