Volume 2 Issue 2 April 1996
by Jeremy Joy
himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Rom. 12:3).
Every gift/talent is a dispensation of God's grace (Rom.12:3,6 "through the grace given") so Paul asked the rhetorical question, "if thou hadst not received it" (1Cor. 4:7)? To think "more highly" of oneself means "to be over-proud" or “highminded” (Vine). One's role/function/position in the kingdom is no ground for boasting (1Cor. 4:7 "puffed up" with pride) because we are "members one of another" (Rom. 12:5) and belong to Christ (1Cor. 3:21-23). If God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent, on what basis can man boast before Him and others?
The second and third occurrences of "think" in the text mean "to be minded in a certain way" (Vine). One should not be a proud thinker, but a sober thinker. To think soberly involves a "self-controlled" or a "sound mind," resulting in sound judgment.
"Sober" is used variously in the New Testament. In the text, the term is used in relation to oneself and others. As a qualification of elders, "sober" means "temperate" (1Tim. 3:2;Titus 1:8) and among other qualities, the aged men/women are to teach the younger men/women to be "sober" or "of soul and mind" (Titus 2:1-6). With respect to passions and desires, one should exercise "self-restraint" (Titus 2:11-12) and be watchful (1Thes. 5:2, 8; 1Pet. 4:7; 5:8). If sober thinking is fundamental to the christian's life, what can I do to think soberly?
I MUST MAINTAIN A PROPER VIEW OF MYSELF IN RELATION TO GOD AND
OTHERS. One's role/function/position in the kingdom is no ground for boasting before others
(Rom. 12:3-8) as discussed in the second paragraph. Before God, "a contrite and humble spirit" is preferred (Isa. 57:15; 61: 1-3; 66:1-2) while "a proud look" is the first in a list of seven things which the Lord hates (Prov. 6:16-19). The "brokenhearted" mourn because of sin (Isa. 61:1-3; Mt 5:4), but are healed by humbly accepting the Gospel (Lk 4:16-19).
The source of alienation from God is "friendship of the world" (Jas. 4:4), but " God resisteth the proud" giving more grace unto the humble (Prov. 3:34; Jas 4:6). One must "submit" to God while "resisting" the Devil (Jas. 4:7) and God will "lift you up" (Jas. 4:10). Humility, then, is the cure for sin reconciling one to God.
I MUST BE SPIRITUALLY ALERT TO THE TEMPTATIONS OF THE DEVIL. Peter
instructs, "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober" (1Pet. 1:13). To "gird up" means to be ready because "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1Pet. 5:8). To "be sober" means to be free of intoxicants and is used metaphorically of any pollutant adulterating the mind (e.g., 1Pet. 1:14 "former lust") and causing spiritual sleep which must be removed immediately (Rom. 13:11). Soberness implies watchfulness.
Evil times demand that one "walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise" (Eph. 5:15). The phrase denotes one walking accurately because of carefulness with an awareness of the
surroundings. Walking circumspectly is a characteristic of one walking in wisdom (i.e., wisdom advises spiritual alertness).
I MUST FOCUS ON CHRIST'S COMING. God's grace teaches to deny ungodliness and
worldly lust and to live soberly, righteously, and godly while " looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-13). Soberness involves one's relation to himself and is associated with focusing on Christ's coming. Are you looking for Christ's coming?
The certainty of judgment impresses the urgency with which God's laws regulating personal
conduct must be applied. Namely, increasing and abounding "in love one toward another, and
toward all men" is essential (1Thes. 3:12-13). The result is "boldness in the day of judgment" (1Jn. 4:16-17).
Thinking soberly allows one to choose what is right/lawful (e.g., 1Cor. 10:1-13, 23) and in
matters of judgment/indifference, the best choice among several alternatives must edify and promote good in others (Rom. 14:19; 1Cor. 10:14-33). May God help all of us to think soberly.
