Pursuing Holiness In The Mind

Therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

 

 

1 Peter 4:7b

 

 

 

It is self-evident that godly thinking is at the heart of communion with God, since the more one knows a person's mind, the richer the relationship will be (See Romans 12:3; Ephesians 4:23-24; Philippians 4:8). When we look closer to the words rendered "be of sound judgment" we see that it comes from the Greek word sophroneo, which means to be under control and not be carried away by errant view of oneself (See Romans 12:3; Proverbs 23:7), or undue emotion, or uncontrolled passion. (Side Note: The verb form of this Greek word also refers to guarding the mind [See Proverbs 4:23] and keeping it lucid.) The Christian mind must be clearly fixed on spiritual priorities and righteous living (See Joshua 1:8; Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:2 and 16; Titus 2:11-12)—objectives that a self-indulgent, deceptive world, heavily influenced by Satan, constantly seeks to distract from, deflect, and destroy (See 1 John 2:15-16).

 

Holy living also requires spiritual alertness and "sober spirit", these words come from the Greek word nepho, which is closely related in meaning to "sound judgment", and denotes being spiritually observant. Jesus expressed a similar sentiment when He warned the apostles to "be on the alert" (See Matthew 24:42) and to "keep watching" (See Matthew 26:41).

 

Godly thinking and spiritual alertness are crucial for the purpose of prayer.

 

Prayer is the access to all spiritual resources, but believers cannot pray properly if their minds are unstable due to worldly pursuits, ignorance of divine truth, or indifference to divine purposes (See 1 Corinthians 14:15; Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 5:14-15). As believers, when we seriously study God's Word, we discover its profound truths about God and experience rich communion with Him (See Psalm 42:1; John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3)—this is what Paul called "the mind of Christ" (See 1 Corinthians 2:16).

 

This essential element in one's relationship to God is seen in the Spirit's relationship to the Father. Paul wrote, Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:27). This verse illustrates exactly how the Holy Spirit and the Father know each other's minds perfectly; there is perfect agreement in the Spirits intercession.

 

Thus, we can conclude that holy living comes when believers read and meditate on God's Word daily, so as to know the thoughts of God and commune with Him according to His will—Jude calls this "praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 1:20).