1 Peter 1:13 (ESV) Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ
Sober (nḗphō) – properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, etc.).
3525 /nḗphō (“be sober, unintoxicated”) refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self-controlled). 3525 /nḗphō (“uninfluenced by intoxicants”) means to have “one’s wits (faculties) about them,” which is the opposite of being irrational.
Sober minded is not just about not being drunk on drugs or alcohol. Many, many things intoxicate us. Anxiety, lust and greed are a few. The Greek dictionary includes things like dreaming and fantasies (illusions). What do these things have in common? They all have the ability to intercept every good thought, impairing our judgement.
Sobriety gives us presence of mind. Only when present, are we able to set our hope fully on the grace of Jesus Christ. The result is sincere brotherly love. This love is exactly what Peter is calling us to when he says “Prepare your minds for action.” Earnest love that flows from a pure heart (v22).
Father, reveal to us the things that intoxicate us. Show us the thoughts and activities that consume our minds so that we can be sober-minded and put all our hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT).