In light of the imminence of the Great Consummation, Peter instructs us as believers concerning our present duties in two realms.  Today we will learn realm one and next week, Lord willing, we will learn 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)