In light of the imminence of the Great Consummation, Peter instructs us as believers concerning our present duties in two realms.  Last week, we learned about realm one and this week we learned about realm two.

Realm #1 - Our Duties in the Personal Realm (vv. 7-8)

1. We are to be cultivating spiritual stability (v. 7b, c)
   1. By maintaining prudence in our thinking, “be of sound judgment”
   2. By maintaining alertness in our course of living “be sober spirit”
   3. By maintaining clear communion with God “for the purpose of prayer”
2. We are to be cultivating unfailing love for one another (v. 8a, b)

Realm #2 - Our Duties in the Ecclesiastical (i.e. Church) Realm (vv. 9-11)

1. We are to sincerely to serve the body with our resources (v. 9)
2. We are to diligently serve the body with our giftings (vv. 10-11g)
   1. Note the proper pattern of our service (v. 10a-c)
   2. Note the guiding principles of our service (v. 11a-e)
      1. Concerning gifts of speech (v. 11a, b)
      2.  Concerning gifts of service (v. 11c-e)
   3. Note the doxological purpose of our service (v. 11f, g)