'How To'
Instructions in Righteousness
printer-friendly Lesson 42: Be sober Watch with prayer Key verse: 1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
1 Tim 3:2 [referenced
above]
[Be ye therefore sober] Be sober, make
a prudent and moderate rise of all you possess; and watch against all
occasions of sin. –Clarke
Sober, [soofroneesate (NT:4993)] -
'self-restrained.' The opposite duties to the sins,
1 Peter 4:3, are
inculcated. "Sober," the opposite of "lasciviousness" (1
Peter 4:3). –JFB
[And watch unto prayer] Be looking out
for the end of all things in such a manner as to lead you to embrace all
proper opportunities for prayer. The word rendered watch, means to
be sober [and] temperate, especially
in respect to wine; then watchful, circumspect. The important truth,
then, taught by this passage is, "that the near approach, of the end of
all things should make us serious and prayerful."
–Barnes Watch, [neepsate (NT:3525)] - 'be soberly vigilant;' not intoxicated with worldly cares and pleasures. Temperance promotes wakefulness; both promote prayer. Drink makes drowsy; drowsiness prevents prayer.
Prayer-Greek, 'prayers:' the end for
which we should exercise vigilance. –JFB
(1.) The consideration of our approaching end is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religious affairs.
(2.) Those who would pray to purpose must watch unto prayer. They must watch over their own spirits, watch all fit opportunities, and do their duty in the best manner they can.
(3.) The right ordering of the body is of great use to promote the good
of the soul. When the appetites and inclinations of the body are
restrained and governed by God's word and true reason, and the interests
of the body are submitted to the interests and necessities of the soul,
then it is not the soul's enemy, but its friend and helper.
–Matthew Henry |