Faithful Friday Faves: 1 Peter

Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

I have a lot of verses underlined in 1 Peter; there's a lot of solid teaching on a variety of subjects there.

But, maybe because it's the start of the year, there was a repeated phrase that stood out to me as I skimmed through; I hadn't noticed the repeat before.  So I'm going to list all three verses in which that phrase appears:

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1:13)

The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. (4:7)

Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (5:8) 

Seeing the verses together like that, I see another concept that is likewise repeated, having to do with the mind:

prepare your minds for action...be clear minded...alert

One of the purposes of the upcoming fast is to eliminate distractions; it will be a practice of self-control.  This is not something to be endured, but something to be exercised.


It is not and end in itself, but a foundation for later.