Be sober
[Be ye therefore sober] Serious; thoughtful; considerate. Let a fact of so much importance make a solemn impression on your mind, and preserve you from frivolity, levity, and vanity. See the word explained in the notes at 1 Tim 3:2. –Barnes
 

1 Tim 3:2 [referenced above]
[Sober] soofrona (NT:4998) Properly, a man of "a sound mind;" one who follows sound reason, and who is not under the control of passion. The idea is, that he should have his desires and passions well regulated. Perhaps the word "prudent" would come nearer to the meaning of the apostle than any single word which we have.
 

[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

[Be you therefore sober] Let the frame and temper of your minds be grave, stayed, and solid; and observe strict temperance and sobriety in the use of all worldly enjoyments. Do not suffer yourselves to be caught with your former sins and temptations, v. 3. –Matthew Henry

Watch unto prayer

[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 unto prayer] Pray for the supporting hand of God to be upon you for good, that ye may escape the destruction that is coming upon the Jews, and that ye may be saved from among them when the scourge comes.  –Clarke
 

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

And watch unto prayer. Take care that you be continually in a calm sober disposition, fit for prayer; and that you be frequent in prayers, lest this end come upon you unawares," Luke 21:34; Matt 26:40-41. Learn,

(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

Lesson 42: Instructions – Be sober.  Watch with Prayer
 
 Be Sober
1] Be serious, thoughtful and considerate.
2] Follow sound reasoning. Possess and practice good theology.
3] Watch against all occasions of sin.  Be self-restrained.
4] Observe strict temperance and sobriety in the use of all worldly enjoyments.

Be Watchful Unto Prayer
1] Watch world events in light of Bible prophecy.
2] Pray for protection and courage in the end time.
3] Be vigilant and not distracted or blinded by worldly cares and pleasures.  Don't worry.
4] Remain calm and fit for prayer.
5] Pray frequently.  Constantly be looking for opportunities to pray.
6] Understand that the more you decrease as Christ, in you, increases, the more you will be watchful unto prayer.

back to Lesson 42