1 Peter 4:7-12

1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.  From the day I first understood something about the gospel, I heard about the last days, and like every generation, believe we are in them or near them.  (1Pe 1:20)  John says in (1Jo 2:18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. it is the last days.  As the kingdom was ‘at hand’ when Peter walked with Jesus, now he turns away from that beginning to glance longingly unto the end.  It’s closer than we think.   

be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. This advice will sustain us day after day. 

1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  Charity among believers includes overlooking the petty grievances, disagreements, shortcomings and the multitude of sins represented.  While we have a responsibility to repent and confess our sins to the Lord, asking forgiveness, the meaning here is probably that believers put the past behind them, not calling to remembrance those sins of others before they began their efforts to walk in Christ.  We might have known someone who lived a rebellious and sinful life growing up, and encounter them later in the church, among the saints of God.  While details of their past might come to mind, it is our charity that covers those sins, knowing we too have transgressions we would desire be covered and left in the past. 

1Pe 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. Be kind one to another.  Love each other as Christ has loved us.   

1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. A gift or talent ought to be employed for the benefit of one another in the church and the Kingdom of the living God.  Well use of that gift(s) manifests the grace of God in the church. 

1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. If a man enters the stand to proclaim the word of God and considers that he is on (theoretically) holy ground, and for a few moments, speaks on behalf of the creator, relaying a message given him by the Spirit, how awfully reverential such a man should be in that position. 

if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: All ministers run a race, but each in a different lane, at a different pace, using different talents, but all run toward the same goal, which is 

that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: Here is the admonition to new Christians.  When first aware of the goodness and mercies of God and presenting yourself to service, the enemy comes and attacks and tries to discourage you and knock you away from such endeavors before you have been firmly established. 

as though some strange thing happened unto you: It’s common to all.  Jude speaks of the common salvation and the importance of earnestly contending for the faith.  Jesus said the enemy would come and try to take the word away before it was rooted and could produce fruit.   Luk 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.