1 Peter 4:7 (ESV Strong's)
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
Subject: Conduct in the end of times
Peter has been speaking to the believers in regard to the tremendous suffering they are going through. They are suffering because of their faith in Christ. He is telling them that this is the ultimate way to defeat sin, since their suffering lead to death and death is the ultimate victory over sin (1 Peter 4:1). He is telling them that the end is at hand. The final days are upon us and we will more and more be suffering for claiming the Deity and Supremacy of Christ in our lives and in our world. What conduct should we have? Peter tells us to be self-controlled and sober minded. The mind that is upon Christ is focused on the same purpose of Christ in regard to suffering: Glorifying God and ushering in His plan and His will. The mind that is out of control and thinks about indulging their own flesh, can't find a purpose for suffering. Therefore they can't glorify Christ. Setting our mind on the things of God will enable us to have communion with Christ. This is why Peter gives us the motivation to be sober and self-controlled to assure our prayer life is fit. Prayer is communion with God. Having a mind focused on the right purpose of suffering is to have a mind of Christ. That is the ultimate communion. When we allow our mind to run away into worldly things we no longer can commune with God in prayer. Our mind is on the flesh. Prayers are hindered by minds adrift.
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