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1 Peter 5:8 – Stay Alert!

Posted on March 6, 2017 by Will

Be sober, be on your guard; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Truth to Learn

Stay on the alert and don’t be intimidated by our accuser.

Behind the Words

“Sober” is translated from the Greek word nēphō, which means “to abstain from wine” or “to be sober.” Metaphorically it means “sober minded.” In other words, thinking clearly and not allowing your mind to be clouded by any distractions. It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The words “on your guard” are translated from, grēgoreuō, which means “to keep awake” or “to be watchful.” This word is also expressed in the imperative mood, indicating that it is not merely a suggestion, but a command.

Meaning Explained

Peter has told us how to behave when we are suffering under affliction which has been brought on by the providence of God. We are to allow ourselves to be humbled and we are to toss all of our worrying onto Him. Lest we think that enduring suffering is a passive event, however, Peter now tells us what action we are to be taking. We are to be sober minded and vigilant even while we are being humbled.

That is, we are to keep our minds clear from distractions; we are to remain sharply focused on God and to be ever watchful. The implication is that we are to be constantly on the alert for some impending danger. Why? Because, “your adversary, the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The word translated adversary means “opponent,” particularly an opponent in a legal battle. The word “devil” is the Greek word diabolos, which literally means “accuser.” But why did Peter use legal jargon referring to Satan? Because we are in a legal battle with him! He is constantly accusing us of being unrighteous.

for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10b)

And our accuser is walking about like a roaring lion. This verse does not say that the devil is a roaring lion; it says he is like a roaring lion. Have you ever watched a courtroom scene where the prosecuting attorney is roaring at the defendant trying his (or her) best to intimidate the defendant? This is precisely what Satan is doing in front of the great Judge of all creation right now. Fortunately for us, we have the best defense attorney in all of creation. In 1 John 2:1 it says:

And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

So, as we are humbled by God and we toss our cares upon Him, we need to be alert and watchful. We are to keep ourselves from succumbing to temptation because there is one who is watching for us to stumble so that he can accuse us before the Father. But, when that does happen, our advocate presents His own blood as evidence of our righteousness.

Application

Do you feel like you are under attack or that there is an adversary making threatening noises against you and what you believe? If so, be humbled, quit worrying, think clearly, and be ever watchful, resting in the arms of our loving Savior.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 1:13 – Battle Preparations

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Will

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, being sober, and rest your hope completely upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Truth to Learn

Prepare yourself, keep your mind clear, and trust in God.

Behind the Words

The opening phrase of this verse: “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind …” is awkward to today’s reader. In the day that this was written, however, is was common for men and women alike to wear long robes. In order to run, a person had to prepare by reaching down between his or her legs, grasping the hem of the back part of the robe, pulling it up through their legs, and tucking it into the belt or sash. This process was known as “girding up the loins” and became a vernacular expression for getting prepared. Hence, Peter’s expression can be accurately paraphrased as, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action …”

The words “being sober” are translated from the Greek verb nēphō, which literally means “to not be drunk.” It is a specific reference to avoiding intoxication from alcohol, but it is used metaphorically to mean “keep your mind clear.” In some English translations it appears to be a command (be sober), but in the Greek it is expressed as a participle. Hence, a better translation would be, “being sober minded, rest your hope …”

“Rest your hope” is from the word elpidzō, meaning “to hope for something with the full expectation of receiving that which is hoped for.” It is expressed here as a command, so it could be translated as, “place your hope …”

Meaning Explained

Because of the marvelous value of this great salvation that is promised to us, which prophets and angels alike desire to look into, we need to treat it in a manner worthy of the great prize that it is. Peter tells us to be prepared for action. Just because it is a great prize given us by the great King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He has promised that He will preserve it until that day when he comes back to fulfill the promise, there is no reason to take it for granted. Neither should we simply view it as a free pass into heaven. In fact, because of this great gift that has been given to us and because we are now His, we will see hostile action. Christ himself told us:

I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

So Peter warns us to get ready, prepare our minds for action, stay sober minded and vigilant, don’t get distracted by all the flashing lights and enticements of this world. Above all, focus all our hope (that is, confirmed expectation) on the end of the battle, when Christ will complete His work in us.

Application

Hang in there, especially when the going gets tough. God promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us! Keep in mind what Paul told Timothy:

For this cause I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him until that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Ready For Battle?

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Will

But we, being of the day should be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and of love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

Truth to Learn

It is important for Christians to always be battle ready.

Behind the Words

“Be sober” is the translation of the Greek verb nēphō, which we saw back in verse six. It originally meant “to abstain from wine.” Later it was used to mean” to avoid abuse of wine or other alcoholic drinks.” Metaphorically it means “to be sober minded or watchful.”

The words “putting on” are from the verb enduō, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and duō, meaning “to sink” or “to go under.” It is a picture of a person getting under the outer garment of the day (like a dress) as it was being put on. Thus enduō means “to put on clothing.” It is expressed here as an aorist middle participle which means to have done something to yourself at a point in in time in the past. We could translate this as “having dressed yourself with” or “having put on.”

Thōrax is the word translated here as “breastplate.” This is the word from which we get our English word thorax, referring to the upper part of the body, the chest area. It is also the name given to the piece of armor a soldier would put on to cover his chest.

The Greek word translated “helmet” is perikephalaia, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and kephalē, meaning “the head.” Therefore, perikephalaia refers to that piece of armor that goes around (or covers) the head.

The word “hope” is translated from the Greek word elpis, meaning “hope.” However, it is more than just a wish, it is a hope that carries with it the full expectation that it will happen.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just contrasted Christians (children of light) with unbelievers (those who are in spiritual darkness). He now gives us instruction on how we are to prepare for the daily spiritual battles that we will face. In the English translation he starts off with our mental preparedness (be sober). The construction of the Greek grammar, however, indicates that the verb “having put on” occurs in time before the main verb (be sober).

A soldier knows that the most important aspect of his protection is his armor. He doesn’t dare go into battle without protection. Once he has put on his armor, he then prepares mentally for the conflict he is about to enter into. Likewise, Christians (those who are of the day) are in spiritual battles every day. We will be in battles against the enemies of God, so we need to be prepared for battle.

The first thing we need to do to prepare for the coming battles is to have our armor on. For another description of Christian armor see Ephesians 6:13-17. Once we have our armor on, we need to be mentally prepared by being sober minded.

You may also notice that Paul talks about our “hope of salvation” in today’s verse. We have talked before about the two different aspects of our salvation. When we first believed in Jesus Christ, we were recorded in God’s record book as being righteous, which sealed our salvation. At the rapture we will receive our eternal body and the complete salvation that God promises us when we accept Christ as Savior. This latter description of our salvation is what we hope for and fully expect to happen.

Application

Christians are in spiritual battles every day. We need to have our armor on and be clear minded so that we can effectively fight for the glory of God. Are you ready for battle?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Ready For Battle?

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Will

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

Truth to Learn

It is important for Christians to always be battle ready.

Behind the Words

“Be sober” is the translation of the Greek verb nēphō, which originally meant “to abstain from wine.” Later it was used to mean” to avoid abuse of wine or other alcoholic drinks.” Metaphorically it means “to be sober minded or watchful.”

The words “putting on” are from the verb enduō, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and duō, meaning “to sink” or “to go under.” It is a picture of a person getting under the inner garment of the day (like a dress) as it was being put on. Thus enduō means “to put on clothing.” It is expressed here as an aorist middle participle which means to have done something to yourself at a point in in time in the past. We could translate this as “having dressed yourself with” or “having put on.”

Thōrax is the word translated here as “breastplate.” This is the word from which we get our English thorax, referring to the upper part of the body, the chest area. It is also the name given to the piece of armor a soldier would put on to cover his chest.

Meaning Explained

Application

Christians are in spiritual battles every day. We need to have our armor on and be clear minded so that we can effectively fight for the glory of God. Are you ready for battle?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:6 – No Sleep-walking!

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Will

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

Truth to Learn

Christians need to wake up and stop sleep-walking through life.

Behind the Words

Ara oun are the opening words of this verse in Greek. They are both inferential particles, serving to draw-out a conclusion based on the previous statement. A literal translation of these two words might be “accordingly therefore.”

The word “sleep” is translated from the Greek verb katheudō, meaning “to sleep.” It is used to express literal sleep, but it is also used metaphorically, as in this verse, to refer to those who are not aware of what’s happening around them.

“Watch” is from the Greek verb grēgoreō, which means “to watch” or “to refrain from sleep.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that may not be happening but that could or should be happening.

The words “be sober” are translated from nēphō. The original meaning of the word was “to not be drunk.” However, over time the meaning was broadened to mean “to be sober minded” or “to be watchful.” This verb is also in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that needs to be happening.

Meaning Explained

In the first part of this chapter we learned that the Thessalonian Christians were fully aware of the Day of the Lord, the time of judgment against those who have rejected God. They learned that it will occur at a time when the people on earth believe that they finally have peace and safety. Unfortunately for them, however, God’s judgment will come on them suddenly and there will be no way for them to escape it.

In verses four and five, Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they were aware of the coming judgment and they are not in spiritual darkness. He told them (and us) that instead of being in darkness, they (we) are filled with the light of God and we understand things that those in darkness aren’t aware of.

Accordingly, therefore, since we are not unaware of the coming judgment, we need to stay awake. We need to be aware of what’s happening, and we need to witness to those who aren’t aware. Unfortunately, today as in Paul’s time, there are a lot of Christians who are sleep-walking through life. Being a Christian gives us peace and comfort, knowing that God will take care of us and He will take us to be with Him for eternity. But, to many Christians that means they live with one foot in the world and one foot in the church. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. We need to look different, act differently, and think differently. We need to be sober minded, not getting caught-up in worldly thoughts and actions and not getting radical or hysterical. Instead, we need to pray and read our Bibles to learn all we can so we can serve Him faithfully while there is still an opportunity to do so.

Application

How is your thought life? How do your actions demonstrate that you are a child of God? If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? We only have one life to live for God and when it is over we will not have any more opportunities to serve Him. Will you spend eternity wishing you had lived differently, wishing you had done more for Him? Now is the time for action!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:8 – Stay Alert!

Posted on March 15, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Truth to Learn

Stay on the alert and don’t be intimidated by our accuser.

Behind the Words

The word “vigilant” is translated from, grēgoreuō, which means “to keep awake” or “to be watchful.” This word is also expressed in the imperative mood, indicating that it is not merely a suggestion, but a command.

Meaning Explained

That is, we are to keep our minds clear from distractions; we are to remain sharply focused on God and to be ever watchful. The implication is that we are to be constantly on the alert for some impending danger. Why? Because “our adversary, the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The word translated adversary means “opponent,” particularly an opponent in a legal battle. The word “devil” is the Greek word diabolos, which literally means “accuser.” But why did Peter use legal jargon referring to Satan? Because we are in a legal battle with him! He is constantly accusing us of being unrighteous.

for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10b)

And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

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