The End

Bible Reading: I Peter 4:11-19

Key Verse: Verses 17  - “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

Key Words: What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God

Someone has said that how you end is more important than how you begin. In our text Peter is encouraging those who say they are saved to act like they are. He says in verse 7 that the end of all things is at hand. Live for God today, for tomorrow it may all end. 

I’m afraid that today we are living for man’s applause rather than for God’s approval. The Danish philosopher, Kierkegaard, tells a parable of a theater where a variety show is proceeding. Each show is more fantastic than the last and is applauded by the audience. Suddenly the manager comes forward. He apologizes for the interruption, but the theater is on fire, and he begs his patrons to leave in an orderly fashion. The audience thinks this is the most amusing turn of the evening, and cheers thunderously. The manager again implores them to leave the burning building, and he is again applauded vigorously. At last, he can do no more. The fire raced through the whole building and the fun-loving audience with it. “And so,” concluded Kierkeguard, “will our age, I sometimes think, go down in fiery destruction to the applause of a crowded house of cheering spectators.” 

Doesn’t that sound a lot like believers today: cheering spectators while the end is drawing nigh?

                                                                                                 Dr. Mike Rouse

What to do:  

✞ Stay faithful to the end.