READ: Titus 2:11-15
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. – 1 Pet. 1:13
In our text, Peter compares the Christian life to a journey. On our way to the end goal mentioned in verse 9, it is important not to stumble. We have been led by Christ our Guide, who has bought us and given us His Spirit. This Spirit gives us new birth, renews our life, and thus gives us a living hope for an eternal and glorious inheritance (verse 3, 4). So, the end goal of our Christian life is the salvation of our souls (verse 9).
But now, we must not be distracted from that hope, from that end goal, so as not to stumble. The image Peter uses for this is girding up long clothing, with a belt. Only then can you set your feet well and walk without stumbling. In this world, you can easily focus your mind, your attention, on the worldly life around you. This can cause you to stumble and thus lose your hope. If you pay too much attention to all the difficulties you face as a Christian because of your faith and church you run the risk of losing sight of the end goal.
Along the same lines, Peter says: be sober, do not let yourself be intoxicated, so that you do not stray. But focus on your end goal: your salvation. Rest your hope fully on the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. That grace, that undeserved gift of God, is here eternal salvation. You do not see anything of it now, but soon it will become a reality at the appearance of Jesus Christ. In this way, we are also urged here: hope completely, do not be distracted, do not stumble, but focus completely on your Guide.
Where is your attention focused this workweek?
Singing: Ps. 84:4