ESOCS Devotional 6 December 2025 – The End is Here
MEMORY VERSE: “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7 KJV
TEXT: 1 PETER 4:1-11
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
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The Bible clearly instructs us to be vigilant. But it also teaches that no one can say for certain that we are living in the “end times.” This is at best a debatable proposition. Jesus Himself repeatedly said that no one knows or can know the day or hour of His return (Matt. 24:36; Mk. 13:32; Acts 1:7). To be sure, we are surrounded by events and developments that could be interpreted as signs of the end. On every hand, we see famines, earthquakes, disasters, troubles, persecutions, wars and rumors of wars (Mk. 13:7-9).
If we really believe that we live in the last days, it is all the more appropriate that we give ourselves to prayer. Many Christians who believe that Jesus is coming soon based on prophecy and political events fail to apply that belief in the proper way. They fail to submit themselves to more diligent prayer. We must give ourselves to watchful prayer, primarily having our hearts and minds watching and ready for the return of Jesus Christ.
How long this period of time, called the end-time, will be, no one knows. We must, however, realize that the times are speeding to their conclusion. We will need guidance during this period of time. There will be the danger that many will be led astray. Jesus had warned us concerning these things. As we are living during the gospel age, we must always be on the watch and ready. But we must not allow any “happening” during our lifetime to move us from the calling of Christ.
We are to be of sound mind and sober. The eye of faith must always be directed toward the return of Christ. This will influence our whole manner of life. Strange views concerning the time of His return or the manner of that return must not lead us astray. We must not allow our judgments to be darkened. If our prayers are hindered by wrong views concerning our Savior’s return, our lives will not conform to the standards given in the word of God. Our prayers must continue as we have been taught!
CHALLENGES
- How prepared are you for the returning of our Lord Jesus?
PRAYER POINT
- Gracious Father, keep our hearts ever ready and teach us to number our days.
FURTHER READING: Proverbs 5:15-23; 6:30-35.1 Peter 5:1-14
ESOCS Devotional 6 December 2025
