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.
Thank you for this blog post. Those are powerful verses you chose to use. I am praying for self control!
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