Remaining Prepared: A Call to Sobriety and Watchfulness

Be Sober-Minded

Peter’s instruction in 1 Peter 5:8 begins with a clear call to be sober-minded. This is not a new concept in his epistle; he has already emphasized it twice, in 1 Peter 1:13 and 4:7. That Peter repeats this command underscores its importance for believers.

To understand what it means to be sober-minded, consider its opposite: intoxication. Intoxication weakens the mind and body, clouding judgment and impairing the ability to make sound decisions. A sober-minded person avoids this compromised state, remaining self-controlled and capable of discerning right from wrong.

Someone who is intoxicated becomes an easy target for enemies, unable to defend themselves effectively. Similarly, a believer who is not sober-minded is vulnerable to the devil’s attacks. To be sober-minded, therefore, is to always remain in control, able to judge all things rightly, and ready to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

But Peter’s command goes beyond physical sobriety. He warns against being intoxicated by the things of this world—pleasures, riches, and honors—that draw us away from God and make us susceptible to the devil’s temptations. Those intoxicated by worldly pursuits lose sight of eternal realities, focusing instead on fleeting, temporal pleasures.

The sober-minded believer values heaven above earth, conformity to Christ above worldly gain, and eternity over temporal indulgences. Such a mindset equips us to resist the devil, as our spiritual senses are attuned and unclouded by the distractions of the world.

Be Watchful

Peter’s second instruction is to be watchful. This term conveys the ideas of vigilance, alertness, and spiritual wakefulness. A watchful person is not spiritually drowsy or inattentive but remains aware of the devil’s presence and ready to confront his attacks.

While Peter uses the term figuratively, the implications are clear: spiritual alertness is vital. The watchful believer recognizes that evil is ever-present and stands ready to detect and rebuff the devil’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us of the spiritual nature of our battle: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” The watchful believer takes this reality seriously, remaining spiritually awake and prepared for any assault.

The Interconnection Between Sobriety and Watchfulness

Sobriety and watchfulness are inseparable. Thinking rightly (sobriety) naturally leads to being spiritually alert (watchfulness). A sober-minded believer understands the danger of spiritual complacency and remains vigilant, knowing that the devil seeks to exploit any lapse in readiness.

Peter likens the devil to a thief, waiting for an opportunity to plunder. The sober-minded and watchful believer, however, is always prepared, guarding against any intrusion. This preparation involves staying close to Christ, walking in the Spirit, and immersing oneself in God’s Word.

The Means of Staying Prepared

God uses specific means to keep us sober-minded and watchful:

1. The Word of God: Daily meditation and reflection on Scripture keep our hearts and minds aligned with God’s truth.
2. Prayer: As Jesus instructed in Luke 21:34-36, believers must pray for the strength to resist temptation and stand firm.
3. The Grace of the Spirit: Reliance on the Spirit enables us to remain vigilant and resist the devil’s attacks.

Christ’s Intercession: Our Ultimate Hope

We are not left to fight this battle alone. Jesus himself prayed for our protection from the evil one in John 17:15, saying, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” His intercession is our assurance that God will answer our prayers for spiritual readiness.

Conclusion: The Call to Remain Prepared

Peter’s exhortation to be sober-minded and watchful stems from the reality of the devil’s existence and his destructive plans. By staying near to Christ, depending on the Spirit, and utilizing God’s means of grace, we can remain prepared to stand firm against the enemy. May our constant prayer echo that of our Lord: that God would keep us from the evil one and enable us to live as vigilant, sober-minded believers, ready for the day of Christ’s return.

“The Devil Is Real” sermon (1 Peter 5:8-9)