Peter's Pen 1st Peter 4:7

1Pe 4:7  The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.  ESV
1Pe 4:7  But the end of all things has drawn near. Be of sound mind, then, and be sensible to prayers;  NASB
1Pe 4:7  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. KJV

Three translations?  Yeah, wasn’t that happy with the ESV.

Rationale:  The end of all things is near.
Yeah, I know, the end has been near for 2000 years – but it’s just a close as it ever was.

Look, God delays to condemn because He desires to save.  What that means exactly, I don’t know but:

2Pe 3:8-10  But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  (9)  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  (10)  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

All we can do is know that He knows “when” and that He will keep us in Him for “then.”

But I think we all agree that it can come none too soon for us who believe.  However, if you could trade the salvation of Uncle Fred for Christ to come now would you send Uncle Fred to hell just so you could benefit?

I also wonder what has happened to our belief that He could return at any minute.  We want tornado warnings, ice-storm warnings and food contamination warnings so we can be prepared and safe.  But what about our warning others of the judgment to come?  Have we fallen into the trap of, “I’m saved – so come Lord,” without any concern for those who aren’t prepared?

Somehow the fact that without the Gospel, without faith, His coming will be the end of hope for so many seems to have eluded us.  Is it the idea of predestination – of election that makes us so unconcerned?  Or is it we are saved so who cares?  Or is it that we do not want to pay the price for being His witnesses?  I think the answer is,

“Yes!”  Three times, “Yes!”

So, God has His “elect.”  So no one is going to hell that isn’t supposed to – right?  But what of His command that we preach the Gospel?  Consider the following:

Mar 16:15  And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

1Co 9:16-17  For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!  (17)  For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.

Well, I’ll forgo a rant on these passages.  But where has our mourning and concern for the lost gone?  Where has our desire to be His instruments gone?  Why aren’t we sharing the Good News any more?

Sometimes I fear our attitude is, “The end is near, to h***with it.”

Be self-controlled:  to think and act soberly, discreetly, to use sound judgment and moderation.
Not controlled by the self but rather in control of one’s self.

Be sober minded: OK, “minded” is an editorial addition – the Greek just says sober meaning watchful, discreet:  to refrain from the abuse of it (alcohol) which leads to intoxication.

The whole idea here is that of diligence, watchfulness, awareness, sensibility; as opposed to unsound and intoxicated.

And we are to be so, “for the sake of your prayers.”

Paraphrase = the end is near – be sound minded and clear headed in your prayers.

With the situations we see around the world it is imperative that we pray - and pray more than ever - for His will to be done - His people to be faithful and for each of us to be ready to be His witnesses, to actually share the Gospel regardless of the cost.

This and That - Every ready to stand. 091812

We are never as scared of those things for which our minds are prepared.Flavel, John (2011-12-27). Triumphing Over Sinful Fear (Puritan Treasures for Today) (Kindle Location 962). Reformation Heritage Books. Kindle Edition.

In his work, Triumphing Over Sinful Fear, Flavel makes the above statement.  But I respond, “How can we be prepared for things our minds do not know”?  “How do I prepare for ?????? ?”

I have to start at the beginning:

We DO know what to expect!

Joh 16:33  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Tribulation:  oppression, affliction, distress, obstacles.

This is a given, as well as:Luk 6:22  "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  (emphasis added).
I see two things here.  The first is the consequence of living in the world as His.  This is a general thing.  We all, as His, must fight the battle:

1Jn 2:15-16  Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world.

The world wants - no, demands – us to conform to it.  It demands that we live according to its pattern.  The world and the devil wish to so impose themselves on our flesh that we live contrary to the faith we hold.

I do not really think the world or the devil have any hope of stealing us from Christ (Rom. 9:38&39).  But, they work diligently to confuse and confound us into compromise.  They wish to ingest just enough leaven into our hearts to hinder us.

And so, we fight a battle for non-conformity.  We fight a battle of inches not miles.  But, even though the battle is over little ground, it is still a battle that can hamper our growth, our faithfulness and cast our hearts down.  Satan and the world love nothing so much as a desperate believer.

The second thing I see is the direct assault on who and whose we are.  It is an attack because of Christ – because we are Christ’s.  The goal here is, again, not to steal us from Him but to get us to camouflage our faith – to dim the light. 

Now please heed what I say.  It is not the preaching of sin and redemption that so worries our enemies as it is the proclamation of God’s glory that they oppose.  It is the glory of God that we are to declare, and it is that they wish to silence.  I wonder sometimes if they have us so busy trying to “prove” there is a God that we get distracted from proclaiming His glory.

So we will have tribulation because we march to the beat of the Master Drummer and we will be hated, opposed, etc. because of Him.   

A Victoria Secret ad is a general assault.  A lawsuit to stop a home Bible study or a rule prohibiting your display of a Christian symbol is a direct assault.

So, how do we prepare?

Duhhhhh -  We all know: Eph 6:10-20  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  (11)  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  (12)  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  (13)  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  (14)  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  (15)  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  (16)  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  (17)  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  (18)  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,  (19)  and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,  (20)  for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ok, I may get in trouble – but this passage has been so over quoted, poorly explained and little studied and certainly poorly followed as a discipline, that I cringe when I hear it.  This passage must be studied if we hope to be prepared for that which we will suffer!

For brevity, I’ll just break it down.  I encourage you to really study it in the light of the whole counsel of God.  I encourage you to take it to Him in prayer.  I encourage you to let it soak into your mind and heart.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might-       Not “be strong,” but “be strong IN THE LORD” – in the strength of HIS might.

How?Put on the whole armor of God,-       Do it, put it on and KEEP it on! – Remembering it is HIS armor – not yours.

Why?that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  (12)  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. -       What part of “stand” don’t we understand?

How, What and Why?Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 

The details!(14)  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  (15)  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  (16)  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  (17)  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  (18)  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.   (emphasis added)  There is no mystery here.  There is no lack of clarity.  Because of what we are and whose we are, these things are ours.  Whether you formulate a strict process by which you CONSTANTLY AND CONSISTENTLY do these things or you don’t – we must do these things CONSTANTLY AND CONSISTENTLY.

It is not about having your plan but rather of working His plan.

Peter’s Pen 1st Peter 1:13-16 (B)

1Pe 1:13-16  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."

Now, “and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Sober-minded can well apply to physical drunkenness but here, not so much.  Here it has the meaning of being watchful or circumspect. 

John Gill writes about this:

being inebriated with the cares of this life, which choke the word, and make it unfruitful, and lead men into temptation, and many foolish and hurtful lusts, and from the faith of Christ; and likewise to a being intoxicated with errors, and false doctrine, which lull men asleep, and render them incapable of serving Christ, and his church;

Ok – been there, done that and may be again.  The cares we have for those around us, the circumstance we are in, our needs and our fears as well as our hopes and dreams can easily “inebriate” us.  Peter is Not telling us to just blow them off, rather he’s telling us to keep them in their proper perspective – under God’s sovereignty.  It isn’t easy – we all know that – but we can work on it. 

How can we work on “sober mindedness”?  Peter answers that.

“set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Notice, it’s about where we put our hope.  Our hope is in His grace and in His return.  The words here are directing our gaze to Him and His return.  That’s the biggy.  He will come.

Peter wants us to hang on to the very Words of Jesus, Himself:

Joh 14:1-3  "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

This is a great verse to commit to memory.  It is the all encompassing promise, the fulfillment of all God labors for us.  It can and will help us, “set our hope,” and be “sober-minded.”

Oops – did I say commit to memory?  Yes, I did – but not all of us are really good at that, so jot it down on a card and stick it in your wallet – God bless you and keep you all!

Mind - Set

It is the trouble of troubles to have two inhabitants so near in one soul, and these to strive one against another, in every action, and at all times in every part and power in us: the one carrying us upward, higher and higher still, till we come to God; the other pulling us lower and lower, further from him.   Sibbes, Richard (2012-04-24). The Soul's Conflict With Itself: And Victory Over Itself By Faith. (p. 293). A Puritan At Heart Press. Kindle Edition.

What a great trouble that needs great attention!  The flesh and the Spirit battle it out.  But there is comfort and remedy for the distress this brings.

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.   Rom 8:6-7 

We’ve covered this before.  I don’t know about you, but for me it’s a place I run to more often than ever before. 

I am growing more and more convinced that there is comfort and remedy in what Paul says here.

but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace

Ah, to set my mind.  Huh?  Well, the Greek word carries the idea of our: frame of thought, will, aspirations.

If you want to be picky the literal translation would be, “but the mind of the Spirit.” 

No, this isn’t the “Spirit’s” mind rather it is our mind in or on the Spirit.  So????

I’ve been reading Richard Sibbes’ book: The Soul’s Conflict With Itself: And Victory Over Itself By Faith.  It was written in 1635 and the language is “chewy” at best but well worth the work.  I do recommend it for there is much in it that will bless and strengthen you.

But my point is that keeping my nose in it (as well as the Word and other good books) goes a long way in keeping my mind “set.”  Even when I have to read a passage a couple of times to get past the old style of speaking it is a blessing.  Filled with solid biblical insights it keeps my mind set, it stimulates questions, it beings conviction, it brings relief, comfort and peace.

Reading the Word as well as good trustworthy books by very real believers is a consolation and encouragement.  You don’t have to be a “great” reader just a reader.  If reading is not your thing then there are Mp3’s and other tools to help you set your mind.  I’m biased because he’s a Scott but the sermons of Alistair Begg (Truth For Life) are excellent and very useful (and they are free!!!).  Buying a cheap Mp3 player or expanding your use of your smart-phone can be a powerful means of setting your mind.

Feed your mind with healthy food and the Spirit’s voice will grow louder, clearer and more comforting.

Peter's Pen 1

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. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."    (1Pe 1:13-16)

I hope to be beginning a series titled “Peter’s pen.”  My intent is to produce a kind of “walking devotional,” drawing from Peter’s pen things that bless me and I hope bless you.  To be honest, I am also doing this because it keeps me focused on Him and off all the hooplala of the election campaigns and cultural conflicts.  I find that I can am too easily distracted and diverted in my thoughts and prayers by things which are interesting and exciting and important – but not the point.

Peter writes:

“preparing your minds for action”

Interestingly, “for action” isn’t in the Greek.  It is implied however by the imperative to “prepare.”

“Prepare” means to “gird up.”  Girding up back them meant that you drew up the bottom of your robe or cloak and tucked it into your belt  so you were ready for – well – action.  We might say today, “roll up your sleeves.”  The very act of girding up implies there will be active work to do.

What we are to “gird up” or “prepare” is our minds.  Mind = the mind as a faculty of understanding, feeling, desiring. 

It doesn’t look like we’ll be digging ditches or climbing trees. 

It is our faculty of understanding, feeling and desire that is going to get the workout.  Now isn’t that something?

The Puritans taught that the mind (understanding) should inform the affections (feeling and desires).  They also taught that the mind was most secured and well-fed by the Word of God.  They taught that one could never get enough of the Word in one’s mind.  The more Word the more sturdy the wall, the more discerning the understanding and therefore the godlier the feelings and desires.

I can’t help but think of that last Passover, the events in the garden and Peter’s denials.  We tend to look back and see a wonderful fulfillment of God’s promises.  Yet for those present it was, in those moments, a horrible horrible night.  The trauma and terror had to have been beyond what we can conceive.

We’ve all had those times when we stand or sit absolutely gob-smacked by events.  We are more than stunned.  Our minds race and reel.  Our feelings are “all over the place.”  We are beyond confused, beyond understanding.  We are even beyond believing what’s happening.

Ever dreamed you were falling?  For me that seems an appropriate picture.  Sure we wake up but we wake up with a jerk and a sense of terror.  Nothing seems real yet everything seem too real.

Remember, the apostles had their own idea of what was to come.  They were confident and secure as we see in both their singing and sleeping.  “Blind-sided,” is a gross understatement.  Everything changed on that night and everything they hoped for seemed to just disappear.  It had to have been a sense of utter failure even betrayal.  It wasn’t, of course, but try to imagine how they felt in their limited understanding and incorrect expectations.

We however know the whole story.  We can see it clearly.  We know it was part of His plan for redeeming us.  Yet for them, then, it was devastating.

Here may be one of Peter’s reasons for admonishing us to prepare our minds.  We must know the whole truth of God’s Word and plan.  We must understand His way and the world’s way and the conflict between the two. 

I am put in mind of His statement:

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  (Joh 15:19)

Our minds must be girded, prepared to live in and with that truth.  How many times are we blindsided in our relationships and activities in the world?  Why are we shocked and numbed by the criticism, condemnation and persecution we encounter?  Why do we expect the world to play nice with us?

Jesus said:

"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Mat 10:16)

We need to wrap our minds around that.  It is His truth and our reality.  I think we need to accept His words and keep them in the forefront of our minds.  We need to appreciate this statement and its warning and fill our minds with the hope of His promises. 

Perhaps I’ve said it too much but my Lord did not die so I could be successful or popular or powerful in the world.  Rather He died to overcome the world for me and to prepare a place for me with Him.  The hope of “heaven here” sadly obscures the real hope we have of “heaven when.”

Fear 01 (A re-tread)

Fear 01

Fear is NOT “bad!”  Fear is not a “sin.”  Fear, like pain is a gift.

Certainly fear (being afraid – not awe) is a result of the Fall and in that way it’s not “good,” but it is a condition we have to deal with (like pain – which is not a “sin” either).

My very first sermon was on the text of 2Tim. 1:7 

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

This was the start of my interest in fear as something that had to be dealt with in the life of the believer.  So, I’ll start here.

The word translated “fear” in this verse is the Greek word: δειλία  deilia:  1) timidity, fearfulness, cowardice. 

“Fear” isn’t such a good translation because of how we use fear in our everyday conversation.  Timidity is perhaps much better.  “Faithless” is also implied by the word.  Synonyms of the term are “small souled,” or “fainthearted.”  The idea of “dread,” is also part of the meaning.

CONTEXT !

Paul is addressing a specific circumstance in his letter to Timothy.  Timothy is a preacher, a believer of Jewish descent and one of the few whom Paul consented to have circumcised.  Timothy may well have been a magnet for criticism, especially from those seeking the Judaize the Church. 

Paul precedes his proclamation concerning fear with:

2Tim. 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

Had the “flame” begun to die?  Was it perhaps being smothered by opposition?  It appears that Timothy was growing timid in his use of the “gift of God.” 

It does appear that there were two issues which would have pressured Timothy.  The first is perhaps criticism of Paul since Paul follows these verses with a defense of his ministry.  Paul, being a lightning rod for Jewish antagonism and persecution would have been a natural part of any argument put up by the Judaizes. 

Just look at this Paul, pursued, punished, on the run.  How could he be a man of God with all the bad things that happen to him?  How could he be speaking the truth when all men oppose him?  He makes trouble everywhere he goes!

Paul follows verse 8 with almost an apologetic concerning his ministry.  In short he tells Timothy that it is not about him (Paul), it is about the Gospel.

The second issue facing Timothy are false teachers who seek (in whatever direction) to twist the gospel to their own lusts and affections.  It appears Timothy is working a new group of believers, a group yet without structure or leadership and in the midst of this it is under attack internally and externally.

Paul is admonishing Timothy to no longer hold back in his preaching and pastoring.  He is there under Paul’s commission to serve the Christ and not man.  He is not to allow the circumstances to quench the flame!

Fear, in this case is probably a timidity concerning the way, the truth and the life.  A natural tendency to soft-peddle things when there is resistance or opposition.  The temptation to schmooze, cajole and even compromise.

The opposite of this “fear” is boldness based on God’s faithfulness.  It is not an obnoxious, insensitive, blind or deaf boldness but rather a tender loving boldness that understands and appreciates the pain of conviction and confession as well as the joy of repentance.  It is a boldness that is not drawn from one’s self but rather from the giver of all ministry gifts.

It is the boldness of Jesus cleansing the temple and the tenderness of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well.  It is the boldness of Jesus’s rebuke of Peter and the tenderness of His restoration of Peter.  It is indeed a boldness that asks,  “What can man do to me?” and accepts the answer knowing all the time, “the Lord is my helper.”  (Heb. 13:6)

It is not the boldness of the warrior but of the shepherd who knows what the dangers are and where they may be and yet leads his sheep into the pasture.  It is not the boldness of an attack but the boldness to take a stand and not be moved.

It is not a boldness to criticize and vilify but boldness that compassionately reaches out no matter how many times the hand is slapped away.  It is a boldness that welcomes rejection as an opportunity to try again, perhaps in a different way.

Fear in this passage is subtle and can gain control for a whole host of nice reasons.  It is the fear that brings the toleration of sin, slothfulness, compromise and ultimately capitulation.  This fear is like a slow drip on the flame.  Seemingly having no effect until suddenly the fire is out and we’re left in the cold and the dark.

This “timidity” is normal, especially in the early days of our walk.  But Paul makes it plain that it is not from God and if it is not from God the only other sources are the world, the flesh and the devil.  Which one is it from?  The answer is, “YES.”  It is fed by all three – but God’s answer is His power, His love and His mind.  The power of the Gospel, the love of God and the mind of Christ (just to kind of give you an idea).