Sermon Synopsis
This sermon reminds believers that “the end of all things is at hand,” calling us to live as serious, watchful, and prayerful stewards of God’s grace. True stewardship is expressed through fervent, selfless love, hospitality without complaint, and faithful service empowered by God rather than self. Our works will be tested, and we must give an account before Christ, while remembering the eternal consequences for those outside the Book of Life. Therefore, in light of Christ’s return and coming judgment, we are exhorted to commit ourselves to the faithful Creator and continue doing good for His glory until He comes.
Please note: This transcript is provided as close to verbatim record of the sermon.
Good Stewards in the Last Days
1 Peter 4:7–19
Scripture Reading (Selected Verses)
“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 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.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you…
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God…
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”
(1 Peter 4:7–19, NKJV, selected)
Introduction: The End of All Things Is at Hand
This topic of stewardship has been shared throughout the year. Allow me, perhaps for the last related message of the year, to speak again about being good stewards.
The passage begins with a very important background statement:
“The end of all things is at hand.”
This seems to be one of the most concerning issues today. Not only because of wars—perhaps the first time in my life that so many wars are happening concurrently—but also because of natural disasters, plagues, and even the rapid development of artificial intelligence. All these things make us wonder: Where are we heading?
It makes us think that the day of the Lord’s return is closer than ever.
When someone mentions the Lord’s return, what comes to our mind?
Do we think, “Finally, all our worries and problems will end”?
Do we think of having a fully resurrected body—no more concern about diet, able to eat whatever we like?
Or do we think about giving an account to the Lord?
The children are happy today because their exams are over. But for us, our account is not yet finished. One day, we must give an account.
The Bible makes it very clear that one day everything physical will be dissolved. As 2 Peter 3:10 reminds us, the elements will melt with fervent heat. I do not fully understand how that will happen—whether the whole world will melt like a lava ball—but the Bible clearly mentions:
“The earth and the works.”
All physical things we consider precious, important, or successful—all that we have built up—will pass away.
So what should be our response?
Verse 7 tells us:
“Therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”
To be serious means to be careful and consistent—not serious only this week because I am preparing a message, but serious always.
(Thank you for your prayers. My daughter asked me every day this past week, “How is it? I pray for you.”)
Not falling asleep spiritually. Not saying, “Never mind, everything will be fine.” No such attitude.
Maintaining a daily relationship with God—not weekly, not annually, but continually.
1 Thessalonians 5:2–8 reminds us that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. If you knew someone might come tonight, would you not be serious?
Verse 16 says:
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.”
Do we exercise this kind of prayer life, knowing that the end of all things is near?
Verse 8 says:
“Above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.”
“Fervent” means fiery—difficult to extinguish. It keeps burning.
This love is not based on the response of others. If you love someone and they behave badly toward you, do you stop loving? The Bible says no.
Here we see a difference between lust and love.
Romans 13:14 tells us to make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
1 Thessalonians 4:5–6 warns us not to act in passion of lust like those who do not know God.
Especially for those who have a boyfriend or girlfriend, or are planning to—take this seriously. If you truly love someone, it is not for yourself, but for the one you love. Lust is for self, and it carries serious consequences.
Love as Charity
In the King James Version, 1 Corinthians 13 translates “love” as “charity.” If we quickly change it back to “love,” we may miss something.
After a tsunami many years ago, people donated many things. One pair of beautiful high-heeled shoes appeared in the news. People questioned why someone would donate such shoes to disaster victims.
But the donor may have thought, “This is the best I have; I give it.”
However, true charity is not about giving what I think is best—it is about the benefit of the receiver.
1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that love “does not seek its own.” And love never fails. What does that mean? It never loses its effect. Even if it seems useless, continue. The Bible says love never fails.
III. Hospitality Without Grumbling
Verse 9 says:
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”
Hospitality means receiving others warmly. Grumbling means doing so reluctantly.
It is not like saying, “Okay, I’ll treat you—but each one not more than $20.” That is reluctant giving.
Matthew 10:40–42 tells us that even giving a cup of cold water matters. It is specific, thoughtful, and done willingly.
Verse 10:
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
The word “gift” relates to charisma. Not outward attractiveness, but something from inside—spiritual grace that is evident.
We minister not by dressing attractively or drawing attention to ourselves, but from the spiritual gift God has given.
Verse 11:
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God… with the ability which God supplies.”
Nothing about ourselves. Everything from the Word of God.
1 Corinthians 2:4–5 reminds us that preaching is not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power.
2 Corinthians 4:1–5 says we do not preach ourselves.
Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Psalm 127:1 — “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”
This is a serious reminder. If we have served many years and served hard, could it be in vain? The Bible assures us it will not be—but it depends on how we serve.
We must serve according to His strength, not our own.
Luke 17:10 reminds us that even when we have done all, we are still unprofitable servants—we have only done our duty.
If no one thanks you, it is okay. It is our duty. If we do not do it, how will we give an account?
The second part of 1 Peter gives a warning:
There will be fiery trials.
These are not temptations without purpose, but tests. 1 Peter 1:7 speaks of faith tested by fire.
There is purpose:
Judgment begins at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). This is not condemnation (Romans 8:1), but the judgment seat of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:13–15 says our works will be tested by fire. If they do not stand, we suffer loss.
Imagine serving many years and finding everything burned up. That is a serious reminder.
But what about the ungodly?
There will be great tribulation. Names not written in the Book of Life will face the second death. Mark 9:47–48 speaks of the fire that is not quenched.
This should burden us.
How shall we use our time, resources, relationships, networking?
For earthly purposes—or eternal ones?
VII. Committing Ourselves to the Faithful Creator
Verse 19:
“Let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”
How do we commit?
By doing good—no matter the circumstances.
No excuses.
Why can we commit to Him? Because He is the faithful Creator. He has the power to do what is right, and He is trustworthy to the end.
Conclusion
Psalm 40:8–11 reminds us:
“I delight to do Your will, O my God… I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness…”
May the Lord bless His Word and help us to be good stewards until He comes.
Messages: 8
