1 Peter 4:7 7But the end of all things is at hand. Therefore, think clearly and be self-controlled for the sake of prayers.
Peter gets to one motivation for enduring suffering: the end is near. Knowing this provides a strong incentive for believers since these words were first written in the early church. Peter wrote with a sense of life purpose as believers await the final revelation of Jesus (1:5, 7). The end (telos) represents the completion of God’s plan for the redemption of all creation through Jesus Christ. The process of restoration has begun in those who have committed themselves to Christ and live in obedience to the Holy Spirit. This transforming process should be evident in how believers live. Peter, as with other New Testament authors, connects eschatology and ethics (1:3–5, 7, 9, 13; 2:12; 3:16; 4:5–6, 13, 17–19; 5:1, 4, 6).
This realization should have impact us in several ways. First, we live in hope that the suffering we experience in this life is temporary. Our lifetime is a form of testing grounds that develops our faith through challenges. Second, we must be clear headed and wise. The verb think clearly (sōphronēsate) has the connotation of self-control and reasonable thinking. It represents awareness, alertness, and spiritual discipline. The opposite would be spiritual and mental laziness or following after the desires of the flesh. Self-controlled (nēpsate) is similar in meaning but represents a balanced approach to life that comes from careful consideration and making good decisions. Many things in this world are deceitful and tempt us to compromise our convictions and standards. We often must make decisions about the gray areas that are not always morally clear. We must study God’s word and be in fellowship with wise believers so that we know how to deal with those situations.
Third, because we live in a fallen world and are weak ourselves, we must learn to trust in God more. Peter expresses this using an accusative prepositional phrase expressing purpose: for the sake of prayers. If we are too caught up in the world around us, we may become distracted and not spend time in prayer. Awareness is the companion and source for wisdom. Apathy leads to disinterest and spiritual weakness. We must prepare ourselves for each day so we know how to pray. Our clear thinking leads to clear prayers, which then connects us more strongly to God and God’s purposes in our lives.