From the geological and atmospheric anomalies, to the ever increasing occurrence of diseases (and strains thereof), even to persons seemingly losing their ability to love. All are signs to show that we are, more than ever before, living in the last days. Such a statement has been reiterated for many years, so many may be desensitised to hearing about the last days. However, in observing recent events, and seeing the trend of each year seemingly escalating in more intensity that the previous year, we can safely say that these years are looking more of a “grand finale” than an actual bluff.

How can and should we be prepared for these days? Let’s take a look at 1 Peter 4:1-8:

¹Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; ² That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. ³ For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: ⁴ Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: ⁵ Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. ⁶ For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that 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: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. ⁸ And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:1-8)

Here are four ways that we can prepare for these, the last days, highlighted in this passage of scripture.

The Mind of Christ

¹Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; – 1 Peter 4:1

It is interesting that the scripture doesn’t just tell us to “adopt” the same mind of Christ; it goes further by saying that we should “arm” ourselves with the same mind that was in Jesus. “Arm” naturally means that there is some battle going on.

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:6

In having the mind that was in Jesus, it requires that your mind be set (focused) one one thing; THE SPIRIT. This is because a Christ-like mind is a mind that is alive with life and is a mind that is at peace. 

These are things that must be considered in the mind. Being at peace in God is not just about feeling at peace or seeking after a feeling or experience of peace. It entails coming to a decision, in the mind, to not just experience, but to live in such a peace.

Coming to such a decision does not mean that, by our own strength, we can attain everlasting peace. We can only attain peace and live in peace by a Holy Spirit-led action of surrender to God’s will.

“Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:14

Seeking and pursuing peace first starts with a turning, or repentance, from evil and focusing on doing what is good. To repent means to turn from wicked ways. In order to repent, we must be given revelation knowledge of such wicked ways.

When God gives insight into our own sinful state, He is revealing to us His wisdom; His holy wisdom that sees all, knows all and reveals all. This is confirmed in Proverbs 9:10, where it says:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10

In God’s viewpoint, wisdom truly begins in a person when they learn to fear Him, which means to revere Him or to know Him. To know Him is to have a relationship and to have a relationship, first, entails surrender to Him. This wisdom and understanding works and develops in the mind, governing everything else.

Such a wisdom is built is also of God Himself, as seen in James 3:17, which says:

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” – James 3:17

Therefore, the wisdom and understanding from God, which is pure, is understood and grasped in our minds, revealing to us our need for a Saviour and then bringing to us peace. That’s why God focuses so much on the renewing of our minds. Renewed minds understand and accept God’s wisdom and are granted His unending peace.

The Spirit-governed Life

² That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. – 1 Peter 4:2

⁶ For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. – 1 Peter 4:6

Peter addresses here two sides; a life led by flesh and a life led by the Spirit of God. To live your life in the flesh is, according to verse 6, to live a life that is actually dead. But to live a life in the Spirit is to, as seen in verse 2, live a life according to the will of God. Therefore, in order to please God, and to be prepared for these last days, our lives must be Spirit-governed lives. 

²⁰ Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. ²¹ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. ²² Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. ²³ But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. ²⁴ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. – St. John 4:20-24

This dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is so intriguing. Her perspective was based off of tradition. The idea of holiness and worship was contingent on (1) your people group, and (2) your location. Her idea of holiness and worship was contingent on who was the doing the worship and where they were worshipping.

Jesus then gave her a phenomenal revelation; worship is not about who does it or where they do it; its about IN WHOM it is done. We must worship, or live, in SPIRIT and in TRUTH,

Spirit – according to the power, working, and teaching of the Holy Spirit.

Truth – according to the Word of God.

In actuality, Christ has instructed us to worship in Him and His Spirit.

In these days especially, we absolutely need the Holy Spirit and the Word of God operating in our lives. Jesus mentions them together because the Spirit and the Word are one. The Spirit teaches the Word and the Word reveals the Spirit.

The Accountability System

⁵ Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. ⁶ For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. – 1 Peter 4:5-6

We cannot escape it. Whether you believe in Christ or not, we all must give an account of our lives before Him. Peter is therefore showing here how adopting the Gospel is not only saving souls but also (1) preparing us to give an account before Christ, and (2) preparing us to have an accountability system among the brethren in this life.

As a result of the coming judgment, Peter states that the Gospel is preached to all, especially to those who are dead in sin, so that even when they may be made fun of my men according to the flesh, they will be walking according to the will of God in the Spirit.

In these last days, preparation is not just about being individually ready; its about being collectively ready. And being collectively ready means that we must have a collective accountability system so that each person can individually give a proper account before the Ancient of Days. This is why unity among the brethren is so important.

The Sober, Prayerful and Loving mandate

⁷ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. ⁸ And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:7-8

We are called to be sober, prayerful, and loving. Why?

Sober – alertness, vigilance, wisdom, knowledge, and vision

Prayerful – communication, listening, intercession, guarding, and warfare

Loving – obedience, fulfillment, selflessness, responsibility, and covering

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8 

Sobriety and Prayer work hand-in-hand. As a matter of fact, the true result of being sober is living a life of prayer. If your prayer life is weak or struggling, your level of sobriety is as well. That is why, scripture always mentions being sober and prayer together.

Prayer helps us hear from and speak to God. It allows us to receive revelation from Him. It gives us an avenue to exercise our right to intercede boldly before Him where we can find His grace in every time of need.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

Yet, Peter says that that above all these we must have love among ourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. Paul says in Romans 13:10-14:

¹⁰ Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. ¹¹ And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. ¹² The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. ¹³ Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. ¹⁴ But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. – Romans 13:10-14

The result of the Law of God being fulfilled is LOVE. Such a fulfillment must occur (1) in our lives individually, and (2) among us collectively. 

What we tend to focus on is the part where it says that we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Of course, many of us take that to mean “I am in my small corner and you are in yours”. But Love breeds unity, a unity that keeps us from even sinning.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. – Hebrews 3:13

And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25

Love covers a multitude of sin because it is the fulfillment of the law of God. However, Love, Sobriety, and Prayer work hand-in-hand in preparing us for the end.

Conclusion

We have a lot more to learn and cover concerning these last days. But I hope that this will start a process in your life individually and within the collective Body of Christ. You don’t need to worry or be caught up with the fluctuations and inconsistencies of the world system. We only need to be caught up with the stability of God and His ability to be with us and keep us to the very end.

I want to make it and I want you all to make it. Let us apply these four ingredients as we make Preparation for the End.

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