S) "8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
1 Peter 5:8 (NASB)
O) We have an enemy, and in his closing thoughts of his letter, Peter reminds us of this reality. To be sure, in Jesus Christ we have every reason to believe we have victory over the devil. However, I think what Peter is getting at here, is that we have to be in Christ. Being of sober spirit seems to be a deeper warning than it would be to simply be sober (i.e., physically, or mentally sober). I think it's hard to argue that a person could be sober in spirit, if they are intoxicated in body. Particularly, the way our body tends to follow the lead of our inner self. If my spirit is directing my body, and my body is not sober, then my spirit was probably well on its way. Even more to the point, I think there is a danger that we could be spiritually dull, like a spiritual intoxication. That's why Peter says to be on alert! That would be the goal of sobriety in this case. To be truly spiritually alert, I think we really need to rely on the Holy Spirit, to lead and guide us. He is never deceived, never caught off guard. If our spirit is in sync, so to speak, with the Holy Spirit, then we will not become the devil's prey.
A) This is a pretty straight-forward instruction. It's a reminder that being sober is more than a blood-content issue. Also, this isn't just about me avoiding spiritually toxic things. Submitting myself actively to God, prayerfully and constantly, will keep me not only sober, but truly alert. When I am in for a long drive, a big road trip, it's not enough to to drive sober. I want to do things that will keep me alert. Spiritually, this means I should avoid sinful pitfalls, but I should also be taking in God's words daily, worshiping constantly, and sitting under godly teaching often.
P) Father, I want to glorify You always. Whenever I am reading Scripture, or singing Your praises, or hearing solid teaching, my spirit is livened within me, and I am full of a focused desire to glorify Your great name. It is when I am apart from those things, that my focus can become a little fuzzy, and temptations seem to creep in. I confess that my flesh is weak, though my spirit is willing. Help me to, not only remain spiritually (and physically) sober, but also be alert, Lord. Open my eyes and ears, God. I want to do a better, more consistent job of glorifying You. In this, I also never want to give the devil easy meals. Let Your will be done in my life, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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