1 Peter 4:7 (ESV) — 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be
self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
NOTE: Most believers
through history have felt they were living close to the end times. And actually
there is nothing inconsistent with that thinking. It is based on a doctrine of
imminence, that is, the Lord's return is imminent and we should live as if it
is going to happen at any moment. Additionally, Jesus said that no one knows
the time or hour of the Lord's return. While we can never lose the love of God
or our standing as children of God (we are adopted into God's family upon
faith), our prayers can be hindered by our sin. The world, the culture, that
finds it so bizarre that we won't join in with them in their sin, tries to
tempt us to live like they live. But, in many ways, their life includes many
sinful activities. And sinful activity affects our fellowship with God the
father, and consequently then, our prayers. We become ineffective to the
greater degree that we become like the culture, because this world view (this
culture) is opposed to God in nearly every way possible. Like Adam and Eve,
they are opposed to his rule or authority. They deny him as creator. They deny
his instructions on how to use our bodies or how to live life. Falling in with
our culture severely corrupts our relationship with God. Thankfully, there is
confession and repentance for the child of God, and mercies that are new every
day (Lam 3:23).
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