1 Thessalonians 5:1-8; 1 Peter 5:6-9
Introduction:
1. Last week we discussed the imperative of self-control and self-discipline.
2. Today we ponder two closely linked imperatives without which self-control and self-discipline are impossible to practice.
Discussion:
I. What It Is
A. Sober: “be sober, drink no wine” (LSJ); “not be drunk, be well composed in mind” (Luow-Nida); “free from mental and spiritual ‘drunkenness’ (BDAG); altogether, to be clear-minded, alert.
B. Vigilant: “be watchful, alert” (Luow-Nida; BDAG); “be fully awake, alert” (LSJ).
C. Clearly this includes dulling senses with intoxicants, but it goes well beyond that.
II. Why It Matters
A. We face a malicious adversary who wants to destroy our souls (1 Peter 5:8).
B. We await a day of reckoning that will come unexpectedly (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:8; 2 Peter 3:10).
C. Few of us will become murderers, rapists, adulterers, thieves, brawlers, meth dealers, etc.
D. Satan gets more of us by subtle lies and temptations (Genesis 3:1-7; Luke 8:7, 14; 21:34; John 8:43-45; 2 Corinthians 11:12-15; Ephesians 6:11).
E. This subtlety adds to the imperative of clear minds and sharp senses (cf. Hebrews 5:11-14).
F. For this, we must let nothing dull our senses to any degree for any length of time.
III. Common Hindrances
A. Threats to sobriety and vigilance are many, varied, and constantly expanding.
B. This list is not exhaustive, but it is a start.
1. Intoxicants: obviously substances that alter the mind are a threat (Proverbs 20:1; 23:31-35; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 4:1-3).
2. Various digital triggers of the brain’s reward center rob our focus and dull our senses:
a. Social media likes, shares, retweets, etc.
b. Frequent information flow dominates our mental processes, dulling our senses.
c. Constant entertainment (gaming, movies, tv shows, sports, etc.) all distract us.
d. Gambling surges dopamine, impairing judgment, promotes covetousness, etc.
e. Compulsive shopping/bidding releases dopamine, affecting stewardship.
f. Pornography releases high levels of dopamine, making it one of the most addictive and destructive practices.
3. Poor self-care threatens our focus as well.
a. Poor diet robs our energy and impairs our brains from peak performance.
b. Poor sleep habits make us sluggish and less able to focus.
IV. Some Practical Strategies
A. Self-audit (2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 John 8)
B. Reset focus (Matthew 6:19-24, 33; Colossians 3:1-5; 1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 2:15)
C. Self-discipline (1 Corinthians 6:12; 9:24-27)
D. Remove every hindrance (Hebrews 12:1)
Conclusion:
1. We have not touched the hem of the garment in this space, but hopefully we all see the desperate need to keep our minds sharp and focused.
2. May we set our minds properly and urge one another to the same ends.
3. Our eternal destiny depends on it.
Further Food for Thought
1. Did any of the spiritual dulling agents in this surprise you?
2. Did you find any that especially hit you today?
3. Will you self-audit and make the necessary adjustments?
4. How can we all help one another to these ends?