13 So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
I Peter 1:13
I Peter 1 speaks of the beauty and greatness of the salvation that we receive through Jesus Christ, the only way to God the Father (John 14:6). Peter speaks of suffering as a part of the Christian walk but he also speaks of the grace of God and the strengthening of our faith during times of trial. This sentiment is also reflected in James 1:2-4 which says:
“2 Consider it nothing but joy, my [b]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.”
I Peter 1:13 calls us to prepare our MINDS for action. Yes, our minds. As Christians, our minds must be actively fixed on Christ, we must be actively meditating on the Word of God day and night – only then will we be prosperous and successful in the eyes of the Lord (Joshua 1:8). As we seek to live out Philippians 4:8, our minds must be engaged. This preparation of the mind that Peter speaks of (in I Peter 1:13) comes through the renewing of our minds so that we may prove what the will of God is, His good, acceptable and perfect will (Romans 12:2). Out of all this mental activity – knowing and understanding the Word – should then come our obedience to the Word of God (James 1:22).
Peter continues with a call for us to be completely sober. This means awareness, alertness, exercising discernment and making decisions according to the truth of the Word of God. As we mature in relationship with Christ, we are not to be easily swayed (Ephesians 4:14) but instead, we are to be firmly planted by the rivers of Living Water (Psalm 1:3). In order to do all this, we must know God, know His Word and choose to live in obedience.
Peter continues by saying that we are to fix our hope completely on the grace of God. Hebrews 6:19 tells us that we have a sure and steadfast hope in Jesus Christ as an anchor for our soul. With such a firm anchor, our boats may be rocked but not dislodged unless of course, we choose to cut loose from that anchor. II Corinthians 12:9 extols that the grace of God is sufficient for us and His power is perfected in our weaknesses. Through every trial that we face, more of our weaknesses are exposed and the more perfected is God’s power in us. As we open ourselves to His power and His grace in our lives, our weaknesses become less burdensome to us as God uses them in powerful ways like only He can. Paul says in II Corinthians that he boasts in his weaknesses “so that the power of Christ may dwell” in him. May we too seek to willingly and eagerly expose our weaknesses to God so that the power of Christ may dwell in us. His grace is enough.
The verse closes with the words “when Jesus Christ is revealed”. Upon His return, those who have run a good race – walked in obedience to His Word and lived in love – will be justly rewarded. With our hope fixed on that, we are empowered to remain sober in spirit and active in thought.
Some things to consider:
- Has my mind been inactive? If yes, in what areas? What will I do to correct that? What Word will I start to meditate on?
- Have I been acting soberly? Is there an area of my life that is dominated by emotions or by irrational thoughts? Am I willing to open this area up to Christ that He may reveal His truth to me?
- Is my hope truly fixed on the grace of God? Am I remaining anchored in Christ in all things? What weaknesses do I need to submit to Christ for His power to be perfected in me?