“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY’” (1Peter 1:13-16).
Peter outlines three steps or conditions for overcoming sin as we await the Lord's return. First, we are to prepare our minds for action, signifying that we need to be ready to respond and move forward. The metaphor here is pulling up one’s loose clothing in preparation for work or running. In this case, have your mind saturated with truth. It is the same idea found in Romans chapter twelve. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2). Therefore, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:2-3).
Next is the need to be sober in spirit. Being sober in spirit means being serious and alert. “So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober” (1Th 5:6). Sloth is the enemy of readiness. Daily devotions and prayer are essential means of grace for the believer. Neglecting these spiritual disciplines will lead to spiritual dullness and a lack of readiness.
The third advice given: fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Preach the Gospel to yourself regularly. Run with endurance the race that is set before you, fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.
It is so easy to get distracted by life. The daily routines can sometimes become mind-numbing. Don’t let them rule your life.
“If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1Pe 1:17-19).
Comments
Post a Comment