1200-1 Believer

1 PETER 1:13-16
Note how clearly and simply Scripture states this: we are not to allow our thoughts to roam about and harbor thoughts of
lust and worldliness. We are to focus our thoughts upon things of virtue and of praise. We are not to allow thoughts that tear
down our moral and godly fiber.
Scripture is even more clear and forceful in another passage:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imagina-
tions, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into cap-
tivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor.10:3-5).

The very warfare of the believer is spiritual and mental. Therefore, the believer must...
• cast down imaginations.
• cast down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
• bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Imagine—every thought is to be captivated for Christ. “Believers, gird up the loins of your mind. Gather up all the
thoughts of your mind and focus upon the grace and salvation of God.”

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spi-
rit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and
peace” (Ro.8:5-6).
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this
world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Ro.12:1-2).
“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of
Christ” (1 Cor.2:16).
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imagina-
tions, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into cap-
tivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor.10:3-5).
“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is
created in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph.4:23-24).
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Ph.2:5).
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things
are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good re-
port; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Ph.4:8).
“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that
created him” (Col.3:10).
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee”
(Is.26:3).

2. Be “sober” (nephontes). Sober means two things:
⇒ Not to become intoxicated with drugs or alcohol of any kind.
⇒ To be sober in mind and behavior; to be controlled in all things; not to be given over to indulgence, license,
or extravagance. It is the opposite of indulgence, of indulging in anything such as eating, drinking,
recreation, or whatever. It means to live a sober, solid, and controlled life.

The believer is to be sober as he pursues the coming grace and salvation of God. He is not to indulge and gratify his flesh
in...
• drugs or alcohol • position
• food • recognition
• sleep • authority
• recreation • power
• sex • pornography
• clothing • vehicles
• possessions • relaxation
The believer is to live a well-balanced life. He is to be sober, controlled, solid, and steady. He is to keep all things in the
proper place. He is to be sober, focused and concentrated upon the grace and salvation of God.

“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep
in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be
sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation” (1
Th.5:6-8).
“Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things” (1 Tim.3:11).
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, deny-
ing ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ” (Tit.2:11-13).
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