Good morning people who exercise self-control and moderation

1 Peter 4:7 (NIV) The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Now these are interesting verses.

The words ‘alert’ and ‘sober mind’ include the following thoughts: be of a sound mind, be sober, abstain from wine, to exercise self-control, to curb one’s passions.

Peter, through the direction of God, tells us that in order to pray and be aware of and overcome the devil’s plans, we need to have a clear mind and be self-controlled. Giving ourselves over to passions of the flesh, including drinking, will render us ineffective in prayer and will give the devil free access in our lives.

Now I hear you react; some of you are angrily protesting that drinking is not wrong, only getting drunk is. In my defense, I said, “Giving ourselves over to passions of the flesh, including drinking…” The Bible is clear that we should not be mastered by or controlled by anything other than God.

And on that note, I want to challenge some of you: your version of “moderation” is in fact “excess”. If alcohol affects your behaviour or judgement, then it is too much. For some of you, it’s time to come back from the line of compromise and to always stay completely sober minded. Here’s a little test: if your question is “How much can I drink and be OK?” then you are probably drinking too much and placing too much importance on alcohol.

A praying Christian is a Christian safe from the power of the enemy. A praying Christian and a safe Christian is a sober minded and self-controlled Christian. This type of Christian is a free person.

“Are there any passions in your life that stop you from praying or that open the door to the attacks of the enemy? What decision are you going to make and who are you going to be accountable to?”