1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 Thess. 5:1-11, Holiness (1)

The word “therefore” is not difficult to understand.  Something that was said before the “therefore” compels us to do what is said after the “therefore”.  So what has been said to this point?  We have a great hope Christ that will enable us to rejoice as we encounter trials so that we receive the salvation of our souls that was promised by the prophets of old.  Enduring trials joyfully!  It is a common theme in Scripture (Mt. 5:10-12; Acts 16:25; Rom. 5:1-5; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 1:12-18; Col. 1:11; Heb. 12:1-2; James 1:2-5,12; these were off the top of my head, I am sure there are more).  So what is the “therefore” with respect to experiencing great joy in our trials?  (Peter gives four thoughts to us; we will save two for tomorrow.)

·        Gird up the loins of your mind.  “Gird up” is what the first century person did with his robe when to go to work or run somewhere.  It removed the hindrances of loose fitting clothes.  The “mind” is not simply the brain.  The Greek term refers to the thought processes of life.  It has to do with our way of thinking.  In other words, true to the Biblical pattern, life change begins with renewing the mind (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22-24).  Three times in the Gospels we are told to love the Lord with all our mind (way of thinking).  As unbelievers we had fulfilled the desires of the mind (Eph. 2:3), walking in the emptiness of our minds (Eph. 4:18).  But when we were saved God put His law in our minds (Heb. 8:10; 10:16) so that we might know Him (1 John 5:20).  In resolving the conflict between the way we used to think and the way we have been taught in Christ Peter is saying we need to streamline our thinking, ridding ourselves of every hindrance that would keep us from the new life.  There can be no more succumbing to the excuses that keep us from following Christ.  There can be no more dabbling in the lusts that take our minds away from the path God has for us, a path that will bring various trials.  We must discipline our minds!

·        Be sober.  This goes to our hearts, the attitude of life.  To be sober is to be calm and collected in spirit, temperate, dispassionate and circumspect.  Five of the six times this is used in the NT it is in a context of the end times, days of increasing evil.  Those who are not sober are found to be sleeping when the Master comes rather than serving Him (1 Th. 5:6).  Others are drunk (1 Th. 5:8), under the control of something that results in a wasted life.  Others are not listening faithfully to the Lord through His word but instead have turned to fables (2 Tim. 4:5).  The one who is sober faces life calmly, seriously and with clarity.  By His grace!