We’ve been going through Peter’s first epistle to the church. He laid the groundwork for living a victorious Christian walk. Now the apostle transitions to his main subject.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
1 Peter 4:7 NIV
In this new section of Scripture, Peter gives us a glimpse into what the church needs to be like in the last days.
He literally tells us that the point everything is aimed at is approaching. If it was approaching back then, it’s now upon us.
This calls for a different level of living. He’s now showing us what Christians need to be like in the last days (right now!). We cannot get away with things the church used to do.
First, we’re told to be clear-minded or what the KJV calls a sound mind. That Greek word is actually a compound word. It’s saved and mind together. So, we are to operate with a saved mind.
The Apostle Paul tells us the same thing.
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. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV
He tells us that we’re not given a spirit of timidity, but a saved mind. He uses the same word that’s in 1 Peter. I believe that they’re both talking about having our mind renewed by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Getting back to 1 Peter, we’re also told to be self-controlled. This is an important thing to understand. What Peter actually wrote was don’t be drunk. In the context of this verse, I believe he’s not talking about alcohol, but not being drunk by the world.
It’s all about being able to pray effectively. You won’t be able to pray correctly unless you have a saved mind and you’re not distracted by the world. You can’t give in to all the attractions of society around you.
“O God, I NEED that new, big screen TV!”. That’s most likely a drunken prayer.
“Bring souls into Your kingdom” or “Strengthen us for the battle” are prayers that come from a renewed mind.
Remember, Peter is writing this letter to train leaders for the body of Christ. These issues are not about whether you’re save or not. It’s about how deep you want to go in the Lord.
We need to desire to follow the Holy Spirit as far as He wants to lead us. Keep moving forward in your walk with the Lord.
Question: How far are you willing to go in Christ?
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 