Christian Sobriety

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” –Romans 12:3

“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” –1 Thessalonians 5:6

“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” –1 Thessalonians 5:8

“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach” –1 Timothy 3:2

“Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things” –1 Timothy 3:11

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” –2 Timothy 4:5

“Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness” –Titus 2:2

“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.” –1 Peter 1:13

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” –1 Peter 4:7

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” –1 Peter 5:8

Sobriety: a concept that has lost some of its historical meaning in light of modern times. Yet, it’s something very frequently discussed as we read through the NT epistles. As it finds its roots in biblical truth, I have to believe that it has a deeper and more profound meaning and scope than it does when talked about today. And as it is a common exhortation to Christians by Paul & Peter, it must be something that we as Christians (especially Christian men as leaders, husbands & fathers) are called to pursue, endeavor towards, and live in. So what exactly is all this talk of sobriety about?

The most common word in the NT for sober is the word nepho (nay’-fo, nhvfw), meaning to be calm, collected, self-controlled, impartial, and/or careful, depending on the context. (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 1:13, 4:7, 5:8). And even with that basic understanding of what biblical sobriety is, we can see how practical Paul’s words are for us. Using these synonyms, a few applications come to mind:

How fitting it is for us as Christians to be calm, collected, and careful in light the pervasive nature of sin and the fallen the world we sojourn.

How fitting it is for us as Christian men to be self-controlled and impartial, as we are called to demonstrate wisdom, leadership, and maturity both inside and out of the church.

How fitting it is for us as Christian husbands to exercise sobriety, as we are called to lead our wives and families.

And as a new husband, this word could not have more relevance to me. I’ve been burdened with the reality that I am called to be sober in all things - sober in judgment, sober in speech, sober in thought, sober in word, sober in deed. I’ve been entrusted with the physical and spiritual well-being of a daughter of the King of kings. He has called me to lead His daughter to the Cross of Christ, through His word and prayer, in love, and by example. The decisions I make as a husband no longer impact just one, but two that were made one in Christ. I think about the reality of this and, like I said, am burdened by its importance.

But God’s word should never leave us just feeling burdened. And so, I am also encouraged by the counsel I receive from Holy Spirit through Paul & Peter, knowing that God’s grace will equip me to live a life of sobriety. As God always promises to equip where He calls, I can trust Him for the daily strength I need to walk in the Spirit, put to death the deeds of the body, and to live soberly. Knowing my end and my aim is Christ, I will cast my care upon him for his yolk is easy and his burden is light. Never neglecting by responsibility, yet always entrusting myself to His sovereignty, I know sobriety in all things is attainable.

Moreover, I think Paul had sobriety in mind when he addressed the Colossian church in this way:

“We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this…” (Colossians 1:28-29a)

Paul’s heart was to labor soberly for the church of Christ that they might be mature in Christ. The end of our sobriety is ultimately our maturity in Christ.

And with that, Paul counseled fellow Christians to imitate him as he imitates Christ.

“Remember your leaders who have spoken God's word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)

“Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who walks irresponsibly and not according to the tradition received from us. For you yourselves know how you must imitate us: we were not irresponsible among you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6-7)

We have much to learn from those that lead us. I pray that I may take Paul’s call to sobriety to heart, learn from those that lead me, and walk in a manner worthy of the calling of Christ.