I. Know That the End of All Things Is Near and Be Alert in Prayer
"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers" (1 Peter 4:7).
This verse has long been a central text that awakens a sense of urgency, both in the early church and in today's church. The Apostle Peter neatly categorizes human life into those who "live according to the will of God" and those who "follow their own desires" (2 Peter 3:3-4), urging believers not to lose their eschatological vigilance. This implies having the correct posture of faith, borne out of hope for salvation and a reverent fear of judgment. Although discussions about the end times were interpreted in various ways two thousand years ago in the early church, the unchanging core message is always: "Be watchful before God every day."
Pastor David Jang frequently quotes this passage, emphasizing that "an eschatological perspective does not rest on fear or vague anxiety but serves as a driver that bestows awakening and responsibility to believers." Whenever we forget God's work and cling only to the repeated cycles of the world-spring, summer, fall, and winter-we easily become desensitized to the reality of the end times. Yet Scripture firmly rejects those who scoff and settle into complacency, saying, "Everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation" (2 Peter 3:4). The Bible teaches that God's redemptive work transcends mere cycles of time, possessing both purpose and direction, ultimately culminating in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the final judgment, and the new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:7-10).
We must acknowledge the difference between "God's time" and "human time." As it says, "With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Peter 3:8). God's perception of time is qualitatively different from ours. God longs patiently for even one more person to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, the delay of the end should never be interpreted as God canceling or nullifying His promise. Rather, we must understand that God is patiently waiting, longing for more people to turn to Him.
The year 2020, when the pandemic struck, was filled with such turmoil that calling it "eventful and tumultuous" might even be an understatement. Normal routines were upended, and order was disrupted worldwide. New, unpredictable crises kept unfolding, and voices of fear and despair resounded from every corner of the globe. Yet at the same time, believers prayed more earnestly amid this crisis and experienced the opportunities and grace permitted by God. As the Scripture says, "Darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you" (Isaiah 60:2). In line with this, Pastor David Jang repeatedly insisted that the deeper our troubles become, the more we must cling to the Lord who is the Light. In doing so, rather than succumbing to discouragement, we hold on to hope, and rather than yielding to despair, we hold on to faith-thus even in the midst of suffering, we discover God's will.
How, then, does the realization that the end is near transform a believer's daily life? The Apostle Peter says to "be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers" (1 Peter 4:7), presenting "clear-mindedness" and "prayerful vigilance" as core practices. Being clear-minded is not merely about living a restrained life; it means viewing the present moment through the lens of eschatological urgency and readjusting one's life direction accordingly. Prayer is the channel that connects our human limitations to God's almighty power, and through the Holy Spirit's guidance, it becomes the key to finding the right path.
Pastor David Jang often uses the Apostle Peter's personal experience as a prime example. In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the Lord prayed so earnestly that His sweat became like drops of blood, Peter fell asleep instead of praying (Matthew 26:36 and onward). Eventually, he ended up denying Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75), tasting the bitter shame and deep regret that followed. Yet the Peter who once failed is the same man who later writes these letters, underscoring the need to "be alert in prayer." Paradoxical though it seems, this is precisely what gives his admonition great credibility. Having learned the importance of prayer firsthand, he urged believers to embrace it with the strongest conviction.
The apostle says, "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking" (1 Peter 4:1). By remembering the suffering of Jesus on the cross, we refrain from indulging in our own desires and instead submit to the will of God (1 Peter 4:2). If we do not deeply integrate and experience Christ's sufferings in our hearts and our daily lives, we can easily slip back into the paths of our old sinful desires. Peter declares, "For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do-living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry" (1 Peter 4:3). In other words, the decisive motivation for leaving our past sinful ways and stepping onto the path of holiness depends on whether "the suffering of Christ" truly takes root in our hearts.
In 2 Peter 3, Peter warns against mockers who come in the last days, saying, "Where is the promise of His coming?" (2 Peter 3:3-4), thereby ridiculing believers. He references God's sovereignty over history and reminds them that the judgment through the great Flood in Noah's time really happened (2 Peter 3:6). By the same token, the final judgment-fire this time-will inevitably occur, so we must trust God and stay alert (2 Peter 3:7, 10). This eschatological truth applies not only to Peter's era but also to the modern church. Pastor David Jang often reminds believers that "God's appointed time is not measured by a quantitative clock but by the qualitative timeline of redemptive history." Within this stream of redemption, believers are called to "live each day responsibly before God."
A person who lives with a clear understanding of the end times does not lose the mindset of "being self-controlled and sober-minded for prayer." Knowing our weaknesses, God supplies the strength we need each day through the Holy Spirit. Pastor David Jang summarizes this as "a habit and power of prayer that awakens our souls until God's appointed time is fulfilled." Especially in corporate worship and communal prayer gatherings, the presence of the Holy Spirit offers us great strength to stand firm in adversity and trials. Genuine prayer involves both offering our hearts to God and listening to His voice, making it a two-way communication. It is not just a matter of presenting our requests but also a time of heeding God's will and deciding to obey it.
Thus, applying Peter's exhortation-"be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers"-to the year 2020 and beyond, we are commanded to be people who still look to God in hope amid uncertainty. Even if the world scoffs, indulges, or grows more skeptical, we have no reason to be swept along. The deeper the darkness, the more we must grasp our identity as believers by praying for the light. In this respect, the tension of the end times is not synonymous with fear or despair. Rather, it becomes power to trust that God has appointed a definite time, to long for the ultimate victory and glory He will display, and to live the present moment seriously and meaningfully. This is how those who receive the message, "The end of all things is near," should respond, and it aligns with both Peter's teaching and Pastor David Jang's repeated admonition to stay alert in prayer.
II. Love One Another Fervently and Use Your Gifts in Service
In 1 Peter 4:7 and the verses that follow, the apostle gives practical instructions on preparing for the end times. "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8) is a central insight that pierces to the heart of the church's essence. The nearer we draw to the end, and the darker the world grows, the deeper believers' love should become. This is not just moral advice but a direct command connected to Jesus' teaching (John 13:34-35), fulfilling His new commandment.
When dealing with various conflicts within and outside the church, Pastor David Jang often stresses that "the ultimate way to resolve conflicts among believers fundamentally starts with the gospel principle of love and forgiveness." Love is not just an abstract feeling; it must appear in concrete actions, sometimes taking the form of "forgiveness" that transcends hurt and pain. Peter, who denied Jesus three times, was restored to his place as a disciple through the Lord's forgiveness. This personal experience undergirds his emphatic proclamation that "love covers a multitude of sins." The more immense the forgiveness we have received, the greater the love and forgiveness we must extend to others (Luke 7:47).
As the end of one year draws near or a new year approaches, we need to examine the hatred and grievances still lingering in our hearts. Reflecting on the exhortation to "show hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:9), we must remember that as sojourners, we should care for and welcome one another. In the early church, most believers were socially and economically marginalized, scattered across various regions, so hospitality and mutual care were urgent necessities. Even today, the church still exists in the midst of the world like "pilgrims." Hence, believers must not narrow their vision to their own interests; rather, they should notice others' needs and weaknesses, offering tangible help.
Pastor David Jang refers to this spirit of caring for strangers as the Old Testament concept of "hospitality to sojourners" (Leviticus 19:33-40). This shows how the church must extend love specifically to the socially weak and marginalized. Hospitality is not limited to material support. Sometimes a word of comfort, giving your time and attention, or listening to someone's story can be profoundly meaningful. The phrase "without grumbling" further challenges us to check our attitude. If we serve only out of obligation or reluctance, we will lose our joy and grow weary. True service must stem from Christ's love, made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit within us.
Peter then continues, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10). The word "gift" (charisma) may be loosely translated as "a gift of grace." Gifts are wholly bestowed by God; thus, they are not grounds for pride but tools for service. In Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, Paul likewise lists various spiritual gifts. Whether prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, leadership, giving, speaking in tongues, wisdom, or knowledge-diverse gifts are given to believers so that they may edify the church (1 Corinthians 14:12).
However, rather than listing a wide range of gifts, Peter condenses them into two broad categories: the "gift of speaking" and the "gift of serving" (1 Peter 4:11). "Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies" (1 Peter 4:11). This broadly divides roles such as preaching or teaching from more practical acts of administration, charity, and caring. Those who minister through the Word are to declare "God's words," not their personal opinions, while those who serve through practical means must rely on "the strength God provides," not their own abilities. All of this shows that the ultimate goal of service is "in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:11).
Pastor David Jang strongly highlights the phrase "by the strength that God supplies." When people attempt to serve solely with human zeal or energy, they inevitably hit a wall and become exhausted. Yet those who seek the fullness of the Spirit through prayer and Scripture find a surprising renewal of energy and joy, enabling them to continue serving. This dynamic appears in various forms within the community. Some build up the church by leading worship, others through teaching or counseling, still others by financial support, praise ministries, administration, cleaning, or cooking. Although the roles vary widely, their fundamental power comes from the same source. We are to use the grace we have received to serve others and give glory to God-this is the posture of a faithful steward.
As the end times draw nearer, the church will likely face greater challenges and difficulties in society. As we witnessed during the pandemic, worship and faith practices can be hindered, and financial or emotional hardships may ensue. Yet it is precisely at such times that the church's essential power is most clearly displayed. In seasons of chaos, when many are paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, the church must demonstrate God's kingdom through fervent love and service. Pastor David Jang often remarks, "The church shines brightest in the midst of its greatest crises and trials." Historically, in times of persecution, war, or epidemic, the church often emerged purer and bolder in faith. Many Christians risked their lives to care for the sick, revealing the true meaning of the church's existence.
Even today, we can apply these truths to our own lives. What gift has been entrusted to me? Am I using it well? Do I find joy in serving others in love within my community, or am I performing my duties halfheartedly out of obligation? If our service does not flow from the joy, freedom, and overflowing gratitude that God provides, we need to reevaluate. Additionally, truly internalizing the statement "love covers a multitude of sins" requires us first to recognize the great forgiveness we ourselves have received. Only then can we forgive others, cover their shortcomings, and even take a step further to invite them into a place of cooperation.
In particular, when conflicts occur or disagreements arise among believers, we should seek the wisdom that resolves them through love. Such love does not mean ignoring the conflict or sweeping problems under the rug. Rather, it involves thoroughly discussing matters as needed but keeping in mind that the final goal is to understand, embrace, and grow together. When Peter says "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling," his words are embedded in the context of early Christian communal meals and fellowship. Every time they shared meals, they re-affirmed Christ's love and the gospel. Even in the modern church, shared meals or small-group gatherings maintain immense value. By regularly participating in these occasions-sharing about our daily lives, prayer requests, gratitude, and struggles-love and forgiveness become realities we can actually practice.
Pastor David Jang has worked persistently to identify and raise up individuals according to their gifts and to establish mission bases in various countries. Respecting each nation's language and culture while preserving the gospel's essence, he has built an integrated network-a process of positioning workers according to their gifts and callings. Some become pastors, some lead worship, others engage in theological research, while others devote themselves to acts of service and charity. Pastor David Jang asserts, "When every office and gift operate harmoniously, the church bears greater synergy and fruit."
The central thrust of 1 Peter 4:7-11 can be distilled into two sub-themes:
First, the command "Know that the end of all things is near and be alert in prayer." Eschatology prompts us to live the present moment with earnestness, to resist giving in to sinful passions, and to imitate Christ's sufferings by pursuing a holy life. This stance is actualized in "self-control" and "prayerful vigilance." Among all preachers, Pastor David Jang underscores the significance of prayer, repeatedly pointing to Peter's own failure and restoration-an example that illustrates the perils of prayerlessness and the grace of recovery when one does pray. Whether in a pandemic or other disasters, the one thing the church must not lose is precisely this "watchful prayer." It is an unchanging truth across all ages.
Second, the command "Love one another fervently and serve with the gifts you have received." The church community fulfills its role as salt and light in a darkened world by covering one another's sins with love, offering hospitality to sojourners, and using God-given gifts (charisma) to serve. Love covers many sins, gifts build up the community, and all service is performed by the strength that God supplies. As a result, all glory returns to God, and the world catches a glimpse of His nature through this love and service. Pastor David Jang emphasizes that as the end draws nearer, the church that embodies such qualities grows stronger and sustains each other as a genuine community of faith.
Hence, the proclamation "The end of all things is near" is not a declaration of despair but an invitation of hope. To those who acknowledge God as sovereign over history and who believe that He will fulfill perfect righteousness and love on earth through the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the end times evoke not fear but reverence, eager expectation, and a motivation to remain awake. We should pray with sober minds, practice fervent love, and translate the gospel into tangible actions in daily life. This is Peter's unequivocal message, and it is the same message Pastor David Jang has consistently shared.
"To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:11)
Ultimately, eschatology and the church's practical ministries conclude in giving full glory to God. Every gift comes from God, the power to exercise those gifts is from God, and the glory arising from our service also must be returned to God. This is the final mark of being a "good steward" and the sum of a Christian's humility and dedication. In countless lectures and writings, Pastor David Jang likewise states, "We have nothing to boast of, for we are merely stewards. Everything comes from God and will one day return to Him." Only those who remain mindful of this truth can serve the church humbly and lovingly to the end.
To wrap up these lengthy and complex discussions, the teaching of 1 Peter 4:7-11 may be summarized under two subheadings.
First, "Know that the end of all things is near and be alert in prayer." Eschatology spurs us to take our present life seriously, guard against falling into sinful desires, and follow Christ's sufferings toward holiness. This life posture is concretized by "self-control" and "alert prayer." Pastor David Jang, perhaps more than anyone, has emphasized the importance of prayer, frequently highlighting Peter's failure and subsequent restoration to illustrate the dangers of prayerlessness and the grace of revival found in prayer. Whether we face a pandemic or any other calamity, it is "staying alert in prayer" that the church must never forsake-an eternal truth that transcends eras.
Second, "Love one another fervently and serve with the gifts you have received." By practicing love that covers sins, showing hospitality to strangers, and using God-given gifts (charisma) for service, the church continues to be light and salt in an ever-darkening world. Love covers a multitude of sins, gifts edify the church, and all service is performed with God's provision of strength. Consequently, God is glorified, and the world sees a reflection of His character through that love and service. Pastor David Jang teaches that when the church displays such attributes, it grows ever stronger, especially as the end times draw closer, supporting and sustaining one another in authentic Christian fellowship.
The declaration that "the end of all things is near" is not meant to stir curiosity or dread about an apocalyptic scenario. Rather, it compels the fundamental question, "How do I-and how does my church community-stand before God right now?" Unlike a world carried away by lust and depravity, believers are to be sober-minded and self-controlled, remain watchful in prayer, love one another, and devote themselves to service. The church that accepts this invitation will shine a godly light in the world and offer a foretaste of God's kingdom.
1 Peter 4:11 ends with this doxology: "To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Eschatology and the church's collective response culminate in giving complete glory to God. All gifts originate from Him, the power to use them comes from Him, and the glory that results from their use must be returned to Him. This is the ultimate test of a "good steward," the sum of a Christian's humility and devotion. Pastor David Jang has repeatedly noted in his many lectures and writings that "ultimately we have nothing to boast about, for we are simply stewards; everything is from God and goes back to God." Only those who remember this fact can serve the church with enduring humility and love.
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