Gird Up The Loins

[1Pet 1:13; Col 3:2]

1Pet 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;

The world is in turmoil. Things are getting pretty confusing in these last days in which we live. Situations around us are becoming more stressful day by day. Lawlessness abounds and many people do not know which way to turn as the day of our Lord approaches. But so far we have it pretty easy compared to the saints in the first century. Even though, we have some similarities to deal with (like paid protesters, to set fires and burn businesses, then blame innocent people).

Peter was writing his first letter to the Christians who were under pressure in and around Rome shortly before a crazy emperor named Nero set the city on fire and blamed the Christians for arson. The reason I believe Peter wrote this letter before Rome burned is that in the next chapter, verse 17 he says to honor all, Love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king. So Peter could still say in this letter to honor the king.

Peter knew how to comfort and encourage the saints during those horrible years of persecution. Peter’s epistles are still good reading for those who are going through hard times.

1Pet 1:13 (KJV) 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;

The word “wherefore” in verse 13 connects this verse with the verses before it. When it comes to Bible study, my number one rule is to keep things in context. One cool way to do this is – when you see a verse that begins with a wherefore or therefore, you need to see what it’s there for! So lets back up a few verses and find out what the wherefore is there for.

Context 1Pet 1:1-12

(v.1) Peter was addressing people who had suffered for their faith. These Jews were scattered throughout 5 Roman provinces because of persecution.

(v.2) In verse 2 we have the Trinity. It says God the Father had chosen them, God the Spirit had sanctified them through the atoning blood of God the Son, Jesus Christ.

(vv.3-4) Peter reminds the Christians of their living hope because of the resurrection of Christ from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus changed everything. It provided the new-birth in our spirit-man and gives us hope in the future resurrection of our bodies. Regardless of how bleak things get here on earth, we have a better world coming.

And that our inheritance is incorruptible and reserved for us in heaven. This word inheritance is the same word that these Jewish people’s ancestors used to describe, the promised land (Num 34:2; Josh 11:23).

(vv.5-6) say that, not only is the inheritance guarded, but heirs who have been born into that inheritance are shielded by God’s power. To guard is a military term and refers to a garrison within a city. The same word is translated keep in Phil 4:7, where Paul told us that the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.)

It gives us great hope while undergoing persecution to know that the power of God guards us from within, to preserve and save us until the last time.

(v.6) Here in 1Pet 1:6, Peter basically calls this time here on earth a season of temporary harassment compared to an eternity of all the benefits that will be ours in heaven.

(v.7) Like gold is refined by fire, our faith is purified by persecution. Our faith which is eternally precious, will outlast the value of gold. Where our faith takes us, gold will be used for pavement.

(v.8) Although we don’t see Jesus with our physical eyes, we can see and know Him by faith, and that is better than knowing Him by sight. (2Cor 5:7 – we walk by faith, not by sight).

If we are truly in faith, we will be rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Our joy is related to what we believe, not our experiences. A lack of rejoicing and joy is evidence of a lack of believing.

(v.9) The spirit is the part of us that was instantly born again (v.3 tell us that according to God’s abundant mercy He has begotten us again), but salvation of the soul is a process; This takes place when we renew our minds by God’s Word. Conquering The Thought Life is a product of faith in His promises. And is the mind, will, and emotions receiving the benefits that are already complete in our spirit.

(vv.10-12) The prophets did not fully understand all that the Holy Spirit had spoken through them. Isaiah didn’t understand the timing or the place when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow (in Isa 53). The prophets did understand that they were not writing for themselves but for those who would live later, those who would hear the gospel proclaimed by the Holy Spirit and follow Christ. Even the angles longed to see these things.

Awesome!

The Old Testament prophets and angels ought to be jealous of what New Testament believers have. They surely wish that we could fully appreciate what we have. The patriarchs in heaven must wish that we would enjoy and proclaim more fully what God has done for us. Because Old Testament prophets and even angels don’t have the wonderful salvation that we have received, we need to think on what the Lord has done for us and get the full understanding of what we have.

Now we are back at Verse 13 (KJV):

1Pet 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;
Now I will share some of my word studies of this verse.

To gird up the loins, a man would bend his knees a bit. and reach down between his legs and grab the back part of his robe at the ground. Then he would pull that up between his legs and tuck it into his girdle or belt. This allowed him to run or work without getting tangled up in his robe. Peter is saying here, that you need to prepare your mind for action. This is talking about “to be ready, or make ready,” with your mind and affections, gird up. Today we might say, “You need to use your head!” Think! Get your head out of the sand and take action!

Be sober: This Greek verb be calls for definite decision, to begin to do this now and don’t just try! The word sober, is Gk. nepho (nay’-fo) is to abstain from wine. “Keep sober in spirit,” also means to be self-controlled, watchful. Don’t ever surrender your hope in the promised salvation!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, in this verse, is talking about His second coming, what we call the rapture.

Peter reminded the saints in their persecution that the prophets and angels didn’t have or understand the hope of salvation that we Christians have. We also need to keep our heads on straight and think on what the Lord has done for us, and hold onto our hope of the return of Jesus.

We can’t afford to let our thoughts become loose like a comfortable garment of leisure while we are running our race. Our minds must continually “be ready” and not allow circumstances and distractions to cause us to slow down, or stumble, or wander off track.

In these last days many people will need help getting back on track. It is our job to be ready with the Word of God to encourage and strengthen the faith and hope of others.

One more Scripture:

Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Set: This Greek verb indicates that this is a commitment to a long-term way of doing something. A command to keep on setting your affection. Make it a habit, part of your life style.

Affection: Gk. Phroneo; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be (mentally) disposed in a certain direction. This word is translated “mind” in Phil 3:19, where Paul is speaking of the lost, says, “Those who mind earthly things.”

Col 3:2 (NASB) Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth.

You cannot think two different thoughts at the same time. One way of thinking will allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life and the other way of thinking will allow the enemy access.

Proclamation or Declaration:

I choose to control my thoughts, so that when things go bad, or look hopeless, I am not distracted by bad news or world chaos. I don’t lose hope. I gird up the loins of my mind by actively thinking on, anticipating, and being ready for the return of Jesus. I set my mind on a living hope and a sure salvation and there is no room for the devil! I constantly set my mind on things above. I don’t entertain thoughts about the problems of the world. I continually study God’s Word, and stay in fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

God bless you my friend,

— Dwight Hammond