Sobriety—found seventeen times in seventeen verses

Variations: sober, soberly, soberness, sobriety

First usage: Acts 26:25 (soberness)

Last usage: 1 Peter 5:8 (sober)

Defined: of a sound or serious mind or the absence of being overcome by emotions, alcohol, or other outside influences

Interesting fact: The qualifications of the bishop are given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. The separate lists of qualifications demonstrate some uniqueness but also share some overlap. One of these common qualifications is sobriety (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:8). Sobriety in the ministry is of the utmost importance. For this reason, Paul admonished Timothy to let no man despise his youth. Instead, Timothy was to endeavour in every facet of his life to be an example to other believers.

Bible study tip: In order to fully understand biblical terminology, word connections are crucial to formulate. These connections can be easily classified as comparisons or contrasts. In the case of sobriety, the Bible student should create two different word association columns with the variations above (sober, soberly, soberness, and sobriety) in the middle of the two columns. On one side (left), identify all the words associated with your study in a comparative way. On the other side (right), identify all the words associated in a contrasting manner. Write those things closest to the middle if the word more closely associates to the word study. The less something associates with the word study, the farther away it should be from the middle (where the words of study are listed). Ultimately, the Bible student should end up with a rather clear concept and a more concise biblical definition.

Sunday, Day 295—Church Day (no devotional)

Monday, Day 296—What Is Sobriety?

Tuesday, Day 297—The Expectation of Sobriety

Wednesday, Day 298—Church Night (no devotional)

Thursday, Day 299—Salvation Teaches Sobriety

Friday, Day 300—The Last Days Demand Sobriety

Saturday, Day 301—Sobriety Protects from the Enemy

 

Day 295: Church Day

1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;