A Mind Ready for Action

A Mind Ready for Action

1 Peter 1:13-17 (18)

Why the mind?

Therefore, since we have received / achieved the goal – the salvation of our Souls

Because we have achieved the salvation of our souls we should live this way

Genesis 3:1-7 – Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

Satan – doubt the knowledge and truth of God’s word

Create your own knowledge – you determine what is good and evil

Judges 21:25 = “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him.”

Depend too much on our feelings

Note our feelings are not evil – they are part of who we are as being created in the image of God

However, they are not fully redeemed and can lead us astray.

Minds ready for action – be sober minded

Ready for action – active – proactive and intentional

Not just a forced choice but action in submission and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Minds ready for action because just like Adam and Eve

Satan will come and try to entice us to doubt God’s word

Doubt our salvation and forgiveness

Doubt the truth of God’s Word

Try to create creative ways to get around the Word

Our own desires will lead us astray.

Sin lived out almost always starts in the mind – by our own brokenness or by the enemy.

Be Sober Minded

Sober = Free from excess, self-control, composed

Sober Minded = rationale, sensible.

In Peter’s context, this mental clarity serves a specific spiritual purpose. Peter’s call for sober-mindedness directs Christians to remain watchful and prepared for whatever spiritual opposition they might face – Todd Miles

This clarity of mind becomes essential for maintaining proper perspective on eternal realities rather than being absorbed by worldly preoccupations. – Grant Richison

Steady and Sure in your thoughts – clear minded

Be in control of your thoughts

Grow to maturity Ephesians 4:11-16

Studying the word and the spirit help us have a sober mind focused on the truth of God’s word and not on the whims of false or immature teachers.

At the Revelation of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 1:13

How we are to watch and wait for Christ’s return.

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last” – C.T. Stud

These verses – especially verse 13 urges us to keep the right perspective

Eternal mindset not on this world which is passing away

Set your hope on the grace

Set – active, fixed done with purpose

Firm – immovable

1 Peter 1:3 – a living hope for we have faith in a living Christ

Do not be conformed

Your former ignorance – knowledge or lack of 1 Peter 1:14 – now we know better

As obedient children we do this – again powered by the Holy Spirit

Do not be conformed to the past

We are a new creation Ezekiel 36:25-27

Note what God will do – Holy Spirit

He will put his spirit in us and cause us to follow his statutes

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore in the mercies

Peter said there for in the salvation of your soul

Living Sacrifice – all in

Not conformed to this world / age but transformed by the renewal of our mind

So we can know (knowledge)to decern what is good, pleasing and perfect will of God

Our actions are to lead us to know the will of God – not the will of this world. – be formed

Be Holy for God is Holy 1 Peter 1:15-17

Holy = Separate or set apart (One of these things not like the others)

Set apart in all your Conduct

The OT law was what made the Israelites different from the Egyptians and from all the pagan nations that would surround them.

Your time living as strangers – exile theme again

This is not our home so we should not live like it is

As he creates in us the mind or Christ, we begin to see life through a Christ and Biblical mindset -

Making our Minds always ready for action

Note: Christianity is not just a behavior modification program

We are saved by faith and as we mature with the power of the Holy Spirit our actions – thoughts and deeds should reflect this

Having the right thoughts and deeds does not save us

We can change someone’s actions – even force them to change – but that will not bring them salvation.

Good In Good Out Philippians 4:8-9

What do you dwell and meditate on

Christian meditation is not about emptying ourselves but filling up on the things of God.

My politics and news addiction – I was grumpy and proud of it

These things can be important but I should not fill up on them.

Luke 6:43-45 – what are you storing up

More word, more prayer more service (read highlight of bottom of page 9)

Set your hope on the grace –

How are you saved?

Reflect on how deep we needed salvation

Right perspective – eternal mindset

Empowered by the Holy Spirit – call on God 1 Peter 1:17

Conduct yourself with reverence for God in all we do

A slow process – changing over time.

Proactive and Intentional