1 Peter 1:13
Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Therefore
This word serves as a bridge, connecting the previous verses with the exhortation that follows. In the context of 1 Peter, "therefore" signals a response to the living hope and salvation discussed earlier. It implies that the subsequent instructions are a natural consequence of the truths previously established. The Greek word "διό" (dio) emphasizes a logical conclusion, urging believers to act based on the foundation of their faith.

Prepare your minds for action
The phrase "prepare your minds" is derived from the Greek "ἀναζωσάμενοι τὰς ὀσφύας τῆς διανοίας ὑμῶν" (anazōsamenoi tas osphyas tēs dianoias hymōn), which literally means "gird up the loins of your mind." This imagery harks back to the ancient practice of tucking in long garments to enable freedom of movement, especially in battle or labor. It suggests readiness and alertness, calling Christians to mental and spiritual preparedness. The mind is to be disciplined, focused, and ready to engage in the spiritual journey and challenges ahead.

Be sober-minded
The Greek word "νήφοντες" (nēphontes) means to be sober, not just in the sense of avoiding drunkenness, but in maintaining clarity of thought and self-control. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, believers are called to remain vigilant and discerning. This sobriety is not merely abstaining from excess but involves a disciplined lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual matters over worldly concerns.

Set your hope fully
The phrase "set your hope fully" is a call to unwavering trust and expectation. The Greek "τελείως ἐλπίσατε" (teleiōs elpisate) suggests a complete and undivided hope. This is not a tentative or partial hope but a confident assurance in God's promises. It challenges believers to place their entire trust in the future grace promised by God, rather than in temporal or earthly securities.

On the grace to be given you
The "grace" mentioned here refers to the unmerited favor and blessings that God bestows upon believers. The Greek word "χάριν" (charin) encompasses the idea of divine assistance and benevolence. This grace is not only a present reality but also a future promise, highlighting the eschatological aspect of Christian hope. It is a reminder that God's grace is both a sustaining force in the present and a glorious promise for the future.

At the revelation of Jesus Christ
The "revelation" (Greek "ἀποκάλυψις," apokalypsis) of Jesus Christ points to His second coming, when He will be fully revealed in glory. This future event is the culmination of Christian hope and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The anticipation of Christ's return serves as a powerful motivator for holy living and perseverance. It assures believers that their faith and hope are not in vain, as they await the glorious unveiling of their Savior.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle of Jesus Christ, traditionally believed to be the author of this epistle. He writes to encourage and instruct believers in their faith.

2. Recipients of the Epistle
Early Christians scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, facing trials and persecution.

3. Jesus Christ
Central figure of the Christian faith, whose revelation is the focus of the hope mentioned in the verse.
Teaching Points
Prepare Your Minds for Action
The Greek term "gird up the loins of your mind" suggests readiness and alertness, akin to a soldier preparing for battle. Christians are called to be mentally and spiritually prepared for the challenges of faith.

Be Sober-Minded
Sobriety here refers to clarity of thought and self-control. Believers are encouraged to avoid distractions and remain focused on their spiritual journey.

Set Your Hope Fully on Grace
The hope mentioned is not a wishful thinking but a confident expectation of the grace to be revealed at Christ's return. This hope should be the anchor of a believer's life.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ
The ultimate fulfillment of Christian hope is the return of Jesus. This future event should influence present behavior and priorities.
Bible Study Questions
1. What practical steps can you take to "prepare your mind for action" in your daily life?

2. How does being sober-minded affect your decision-making and spiritual growth?

3. In what ways can you set your hope fully on the grace to be revealed at the revelation of Jesus Christ?

4. How do the teachings in Romans 12:2 and 1 Peter 1:13 complement each other in terms of mental and spiritual preparation?

5. Reflect on a time when focusing on the hope of Christ's return helped you through a difficult situation. How can this hope continue to guide you?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 12:2
This verse speaks about the transformation and renewal of the mind, which connects to the call in 1 Peter 1:13 to prepare our minds for action.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
These verses emphasize being sober-minded and alert, similar to Peter's exhortation.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, paralleling the hope set on the grace at His revelation.

Ephesians 6:14
Discusses the armor of God, including the belt of truth, which relates to preparing one's mind for action.

Titus 2:11-13
Speaks of the grace of God and the blessed hope, aligning with the hope mentioned in 1 Peter 1:13.
Hope PerfectlyAlexander Maclaren1 Peter 1:13
Practical ChristianityJ.R. Thomson 1 Peter 1:13
The Christian's HopeA. Maclaren 1 Peter 1:13
A Perfect HopeA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
A Seasonable ExhortationC. H. Spurgeon.1 Peter 1:13-16
Christ and His GraceW. Jay.1 Peter 1:13-16
Christian HopeJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
Christian MoralityJ. J. S. Bird.1 Peter 1:13-16
Coming GraceAlex. Warrack, M. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
God and Obligation, or the Pattern of SanctityT. G. Selby.1 Peter 1:13-16
Grace and GloryH. Melvill, B. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
HolinessB. Beddome, M. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
HolinessJ. C. Jones, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
HolinessD. Duncan.1 Peter 1:13-16
Holiness After the Divine TypeJames Cranbrook.1 Peter 1:13-16
Holiness in All ThingsJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
Holiness Repugnant to SinObadiah Sedgwick.1 Peter 1:13-16
Holy in All Manner of ConversationW. Arnot.1 Peter 1:13-16
HopeW. Bright, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
HopeJ. M. Chaunter, M. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
Hope as a Power in Moulding CharacterA. T. Pierson, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
Hope Ennobles the SpiritJ. Howe.1 Peter 1:13-16
How and for What to HopeA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
How to Become HolyF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
Ignorance the Cause and Root of a Bad LifeJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
Likeness to GodJ. Martineau, LL. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
LustsG. F. C. Frau Muller, Ph. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
ObedienceE. Bersier, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
ObedienceJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
Obedience a Christian VirtueCanon Liddon.1 Peter 1:13-16
Obedience in Small ThingsW. L. Watkinson.1 Peter 1:13-16
Of Imitating the Holiness of GodS. Clarke, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
On Being HolyC. G. Finney.1 Peter 1:13-16
Personal HolinessA. Grant, D. C. L.1 Peter 1:13-16
Present the Germ of Future RevelationJ. B. Brown, B. A.1 Peter 1:13-16
Salvation by Christ Issuing in HolinessC. New 1 Peter 1:13-16
Slavery Through IgnoranceW. Arnot.1 Peter 1:13-16
SobrietyJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Call to HolinessU.R. Thomas 1 Peter 1:13-16
The Duty and Discipline of Christian HopeA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Family LikenessA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Holiness of GodC. S. Robinson, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Holiness of God the Type and Model of OursR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Obedience of HopeA. Maclaren, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Place of Mind in ReligionDean Vaughan.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Revelation of Jesus ChristW. Temple.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Right Influence of a Christian CreedD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Sin of IgnoranceN. Byfield.1 Peter 1:13-16
The True Ideal of LifeD. Thomas, D. D.1 Peter 1:13-16
Tighten the BeltJ. Parker.1 Peter 1:13-16
We Must Forsake Evil Before We Can Do GoodJohn Rogers.1 Peter 1:13-16
Wise CounselJames Wells.1 Peter 1:13-16
The Pilgrim-LifeR. Finlayson 1 Peter 1:13-25
People
Peter
Places
Asia, Bithynia, Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus
Topics
Action, Boon, Calmly, Christ, Christ-, Completely, Fix, Fully, Gird, Girded, Girding, Grace, Hope, Hopes, Hoping, Loins, Mind, Minds, Perfect, Perfectly, Power, Prepare, Ready, Re-appearing, Revealed, Revelation, Self-controlled, Sober, Spirit, Stedfastness, Unfalteringly, Watch, Wherefore, Yours
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Peter 1:13

     1445   revelation, responses
     2565   Christ, second coming
     5038   mind, the human
     5115   Peter, preacher and teacher
     5914   optimism
     5964   temper
     6666   grace
     8136   knowing God, effects
     8329   readiness
     8339   self-control
     8486   spiritual warfare, armour
     9130   future, the
     9610   hope
     9613   hope, as confidence

1 Peter 1:12-13

     1403   God, revelation

1 Peter 1:13-14

     5191   thought

Library
November 8 Morning
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.--I THES. 5:8. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.--Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Sojourners of the Dispersion
'Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered ...'--1 Peter i. 1. The words rendered 'strangers scattered' are literally 'sojourners of the Dispersion,' and are so rendered in the Revised Version. The Dispersion was the recognised name for the Jews dwelling in Gentile countries; as, for instance, it is employed in John's Gospel, when the people in Jerusalem say, 'Whither will this man go that we shall not find Him? Will he go to the Dispersion amongst the Greeks?' Obviously, therefore
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Hope Perfectly
'Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.'--1 Peter i. 13. Christianity has transformed hope, and given it a new importance, by opening to it a new world to move in, and supplying to it new guarantees to rest on. There is something very remarkable in the prominence given to hope in the New Testament, and in the power ascribed to it to order a noble life. Paul goes so far as to say that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Family Likeness
'As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy, in all manner of conversation.'--1 Peter i. 15. That is the sum of religion--an all-comprehensive precept which includes a great deal more than the world's morality, and which changes the coldness of that into something blessed, by referring all our purity to the Lord that called us. One may well wonder where a Galilean fisherman got the impulse that lifted him to such a height; one may well wonder that he ventured to address such wide, absolute
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Father and Judge
'If ye call on Him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.'--1 Peter i. 17. 'If ye call on Him as Father,' when ye pray, say, 'Our Father which art in heaven.' One can scarcely help supposing that the Apostle is here, as in several other places in his letter, alluding to words that are stamped ineffaceably upon his memory, because they had dropped from Christ's lips. At all events, whether there is here a distinct
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Purifying the Soul
'... ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren.'--1 Peter i. 22. Note these three subsidiary clauses introduced respectively by 'in,' 'through,' 'unto.' They give the means, the Bestower, and the issue of the purity of soul. The Revised Version, following good authorities, omits the clause, 'through the Spirit.' It may possibly be originally a marginal gloss of some scribe who was nervous about Peter's orthodoxy, which finally found its
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

By, Through, Unto
'... Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.'--1 Peter i. 5. The Revised Version substitutes 'guarded' for 'kept,' and the alteration, though slight, is important, for it not only more accurately preserves the meaning of the word employed, but it retains the military metaphor which is in it. The force of the expression will appear if I refer, in a sentence, to other cases in which it is employed in the New Testament. For instance, we read that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Sorrowful, yet Always Rejoicing
'Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.'--1 Peter i. 6. You will remember the great saying of our Lord's in the Sermon on the Mount, in which He makes the last of the beatitudes, that which He pronounces upon His disciples, when men shall revile them and persecute them, and speak all manner of evil falsely against them for His sake, and bids them rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is their reward in Heaven. Now it
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The True Gold and Its Testing
'That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory ...'--1 Peter i. 7. The Apostle is fond of that word 'precious.' In both his letters he uses it as an epithet for diverse things. According to one translation, he speaks of Christ as 'precious to you which believe.' He certainly speaks of 'the precious blood of Christ,' and of 'exceeding great and precious promises,' and here in my text,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Joy in Believing
'In Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.'--1 Peter i. 8. The Apostle has just previously been speaking about the great and glorious things which are to come to Christians on the appearing of Jesus Christ, and that naturally suggests to him the thought of the condition of believing souls during the period of the Lord's absence and comparative concealment. Having lifted his readers' hopes to that great Future, when they would attain to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe
'Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently ... the things which are now reported unto you ... which things the angels desire to look into.'--1 Peter i. 10, 11, 12. I have detached these three clauses from their surroundings, not because I desire to treat them fragmentarily, but because we thereby throw into stronger relief the writer's purpose to bring out the identity of the Old and the New Revelation, the fact that Christ and His sufferings are the centre of the world's
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

On Perfection
"Let us go on to perfection." Heb. 6:1. The whole sentence runs thus: "Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection: Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God;" which he had just before termed, "the first principles of the oracles of God," and "meat fit for babes," for such as have just tasted that the Lord is gracious. That the doing of this is a point of the utmost importance the Apostle intimates in the next
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Christian's Heaviness and Rejoicing
I would have you this morning, look first of all at the Christian's heaviness: he is "in heaviness through manifold temptations;" and then, in the next place, at the Christian's great rejoicing. I. In the first place, HIS HEAVINESS. This is one of the most unfortunate texts in the Bible. I have heard it quoted ten thousand times for my own comfort, but I never understood it till a day or two ago. On referring to most of the commentaries in my possession, I cannot find that they have a right idea
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The New Nature
In the text there are three points which, I think, will well repay our very serious attention. The apostle evidently speaks of two lives, the one, the life which is natural, born, matured, and perfected only by the flesh; the other, the life which is spiritual, born of the spirit, in antagonism with the flesh, surviving it and triumphantly rising to celestial glory. Now, in speaking of these two lives, the apostle brings out, first of all, a comparison and a contrast between the two births, for each
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Colossians iii. 17
Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. This, like the other general rules of the gospel, is familiar enough to us all in its own words; but we are very apt to forbear making the application of it. In fact, he who were to apply it perfectly would be a perfect Christian: for a life of which every word and deed were said and done in the name of the Lord Jesus, would be a life indeed worthy of the children of God, and such
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

a Condition in Chastisement.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "If need be."--1 PETER i. 6. A Condition in Chastisement. Three gracious words! Not one of all my tears shed for nought! Not one stroke of the rod unheeded, or that might have been spared? Thy heavenly Father loves thee too much, and too tenderly, to bestow harsher correction than thy case requires? Is it loss of health, or loss of wealth, or loss of beloved friends? Be still! there was a need be. We are no judges of what that "need be" is; often through aching
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
"Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."--1 PETER i. 10, 11. There is a peculiar interest attaching to the writer of this epistle. Although it was probably in old age, when a large experience of labour and sorrow had chastened his spirit,
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

Kept by the Power of God
The words from which I speak, you will find in 1 Peter 1:5. The third, fourth and fifth verses are: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which . . . hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible . . . reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." The words of my text are: "Kept by the power of God through faith." There we have two wonderful, blessed truths
Andrew Murray—Absolute Surrender

The Negative Side
What is the relation between the Law and the saint? By the Law we refer to the Ten Commandments engraven upon the tables of stone by the finger of God; by the saint we mean, the believer living in the present dispensation. What, then, is the relation between the Christian living today and the Ten Commandments formally proclaimed in the time of Moses? It is indeed sad that such a question needs to be raised, and that the Divine answer requires to be pressed upon the people of God. There was a time
Arthur W. Pink—The Law and the Saint

The Lord's Supper --Concluded.
We have quoted, noted, collected and compared the words of Scripture that speak of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. We now wish to ask and examine the question: What do these passages taken together and compared with one another teach? Or, in other words, what is the Bible doctrine of the Lord's Supper? Does the Bible teach the doctrine of Transubstantiation, as held and confessed by the Roman Catholic Church? If our investigation of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures convinces us that they
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

Regeneration and Faith.
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."--1 Peter i. 23. There is a possible objection to what has been said above concerning regeneration. It is evident that God's Word, and therefore our symbols of faith, offers a modified representation of these things which, superficially considered, seems to condemn our representation. This representation, which does not consider children, but adults, may thus be stated: Among a
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Perseverance
'Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.' I Pet 1:1. The fifth and last fruit of sanctification, is perseverance in grace. The heavenly inheritance is kept for the saints, and they are kept to the inheritance. I Pet 1:1. The apostle asserts a saint's stability and permanence in grace. The saint's perseverance is much opposed by Papists and Arminians; but it is not the less true because it is opposed. A Christian's main comfort depends upon this doctrine of perseverance. Take
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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