Imagine being a police officer preparing for a shift in a dangerous part of a metropolitan city. You would check in at headquarters for the latest information. After dressing in uniform, you would put on your radio that connects you with headquarters. Next, you would put on your belt equipped with mace, a baton, flashlight, gun, and bullets. After girding yourself with all these, you would gird your mind with an alertness to danger, a willingness to serve and protect, and a purpose to come home safely at the end of your shift.

As Peter addressed Kingdom saints who were awaiting the Tribulation and ultimate Second Coming of the Lord Jesus, he told them: “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope [meaning to expectantly wait for His coming in faithfulness] to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation [or revealing] of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:13). Peter realized his fellow believers were in hostile territory, whether in metropolitan cities or rural areas. Therefore, they needed a sober, or serious, spiritual mindset as they faced many dangers. In order to keep from becoming weary in their faith and remain faithful, they needed to maintain a focus on the return of Christ. Peter continued his instruction, urging them to not revert back to the sinful lifestyle prior to their salvation (vs. 14). Instead, they must strive to be “holy in all manner of conversation [or lifestyle] (vs. 15), because “…He which called you is holy…” (vs. 15). While the people, program, and promises are different in I Peter, Paul told believers in the Dispensation of Grace essentially the same thing. We too are to be “sober” minded while “…putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation” (I Thessalonians 5:8). Each day we are to put off our old man, be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:22-23), and expectantly wait for our “blessed hope” of Christ’s return (Titus 2:13). While there are many distinctives only for Israel in the Hebrew epistles, there are also many parallels to encourage us in our daily walk, if we’re willing to look for them.

Believer, you too are in hostile territory. Be alert to spiritual dangers, stay in touch with your heavenly headquarters, arm yourself with God’s Word, remain willing to protect and serve the saints, and purpose to go home safely to Christ as a good example.