I Peter 1:13 “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”
In this context, to “be sober” is to, even in the very midst of tribulation, “stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD” (Exodus 14:13) and to hear God’s instruction to “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalms 46:10). As we “stand still” and “be still” we must think clearly and consider that “God” is merciful and gracious to us because of who we are. Peter tells us that we are the “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:2); that “God” our “Father” “according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (I Peter 1:3-4); and that we “are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (I Peter 1:5). As we “stand still”, “be still”, and “be sober” minded, we realize that, because of who we are, by His Grace, we can “greatly rejoice” even though we “are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (I Peter 1:6). And then, our “sober” minds rejoice to know that “the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” (I Peter 1:7-9)! These blessed, uplifting, and encouraging truths “are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven” (I Peter 1:12). These truths are so magnificent that even “the angels desire to look into” them (I Peter 1:12)! So, let us honor our Lord and take every possible opportunity to attend Church to Hear this glorious “gospel” preached. It is called the “gospel” because it is Good News, even in the very midst of this life’s most awful tribulations and trials!