1 Peter 4:7-11 But the end of all things is at hand: be you therefore sober, and watch to prayer.… Though a Christian be the freest man in the world (as being freed from Satan, sin, hell, the law, etc.) yet is he to be of all others the most serviceable; he must not put his light under a bushel, nor hide his talent in a napkin. 1. As the sun shines not for itself, nor the earth bears for itself; so have not we a gift for ourselves, but for the common good. 2. The perfection of gifts consists not only in the having of it, but in the use thereof. 3. The communion of saints, which we believe, requires it. 4. This brings most peace to our conscience both in life and death. 5. This procures credit while we live, as a good name and memory when we die. 6. We are divers ways partakers of the gifts of others, and so must make them partakers of ours. 7. Our gifts increase by using; the more we bestow them, the more we have them. (John Rogers.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.WEB: But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer. |
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