Our study from Scripture concerns the subject of holiness. This week, the focus begins to center on I Peter 1:13-16 and God’s call for His children to be holy as He is holy.
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13–16 (ESV)
The word “therefore” (διό; dio) means “for this reason.” It is a conclusion. Peter drew a deduction from what he has previously written in 1:1-12.
First, Peter instructed Christians are to acknowledge their identity in Christ. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” (1 Peter 1:1–2 (ESV)
Second, believers must remember their conversion in Christ. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3–5 (ESV)
Third, Christians must understand their present life in Christ. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6–7 (ESV)
Finally, believers are to be confident in their hope in Christ. “8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8–9 (ESV)
In light of these four observations, Peter expressed the practical application for holiness to be the focus in our walk with Christ and our identity in Christ. He stressed the importance of the believer’s mindset.
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded.” Preparing (ἀναζωσάμενοι; anazonnymi) is an aorist, middle, plural participle. It means to literally “gird up.” When first century warriors went into battle, they would hike up their loose robes or tunics above their knees and secure them with a belt. This prevented them from tripping when running or other activities. See Luke 12:35; 15:20. This action prepared the warrior for battle or work. Likewise, the believer is to prepare or “gird up” their minds (ὀσφύας; osphyas). This is metaphorically translated loins or waist.
What is the purpose for this mindset. It is for action (διανοίας; dianoias). It means to have a purposeful thought process to see God work and to be responsive to the Lord with immediate obedience (Ex. 12:11; Job 38:1-3; 40:1-7; Jer. 1:17).
“Such spiritual alertness is appropriate to life in a New Covenant age characterized by God’s powerful working in people’s hearts,” explains Dr. Wayne Grudem.
Accompanying this thought, is the phrase “being sober-minded” (νήφοντες; nephontes). This is a present, active, plural participle. It refers to self-control, sobriety, and circumspection. It means to not be mentally intoxicated but rather to be mentally alert. We must not let our minds, or thinking, wander.
God calls us to be sober-minded. This means to be self-controlled and restrained in our behavior. We are called to not have irrational thoughts, but rather minds guided by the Spirit of God through the Word of God. This is so God will help us to progress in the grace relationship He has established with us, which ultimately will be fulfilled and completed when Jesus Christ returns to earth in His power and glory.
“Peter uses the same word in I Peter 4:7 and 5:8 to encourage spiritual alertness for prayer and for resisting the devil. He knows how easily Christians can lose their spiritual concentration through ‘mental intoxication’ with the things of the world (Mark 4:19; Col. 2:1-3; I John 2:15-17). We today might well consider the dangers presented by such inherently good things as career, possessions, recreation, reputation, friendships, scholarship or authority,” comments Dr. Grudem.
What is the ultimate purpose in having such a mindset? Peter answered the question in the remaining portion of 1:13. It is so believers will “set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
To set your hope (ἐλπίσατε; elpisate) is an aorist, active, plural and imperative verb. It means to be supremely confident in the Lord and His precious promises. Believers are to set their confidence fully (τελείως; teleios) or completely on the grace (χάριν; charin) or unmerited favor of God. This favor will be climatically brought (φερομένην; pheromenen) to believers at the revelation (ἀποκαλύψει; apokalypsei) or manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In light of all Peter has stated the believer is and possesses in Christ, while even in the midst of suffering, he called believers to prepare their minds for action. Peter used three words which essentially have the same meaning. Believers are to get their minds ready for action. In other words, we are to understand what Peter said into our thinking. We are to prepare ourselves for learning.
God wants His children to understand and apply what He has revealed to them in His Word. Following Christ is not about fun, games and frivolity. The Christian life is about living for the glory of God and being holy in everything we do. This was a serious concern for the Apostle Peter and should be for all believers in Christ. Each day we have the opportunity to prepare ourselves for action in progressing in the covenant relationship we have with God in Christ. This means to become more holy today than we were yesterday and to be more holy tomorrow than we are today. We are to take this seriously because holiness is serious business with God. Press on, beloved.
Soli deo Gloria!
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