Christ: The Treasure of Our Heartsنموونە

In vv. 3-12, the apostle tells his readers that the Father is the cause of their regeneration—being born again (v. 3) and that there is an imperishable inheritance that awaits believers in heaven (v. 4). The result, says Peter is that we “greatly rejoice,” even though we may undergo many painful trials (v. 6). However, the upshot of all this is that we “love him” and we are filled with an “inexpressible and glorious joy” (v. 8). Moreover, Peter notes that the prophets of the Old Testament “searched intently and with the greatest care” to learn anything they could about the coming of Jesus Christ. Astonishingly, those prophets understood that their service was not for themselves but for us—the readers of the letter (v. 11–12). It is in light of these facts that v. 13 is to be understood.

Peter uses the image from the ancient world, where men wore a long outer “shirt” that would fall to their ankles. If a man needed to move quickly, the fabric was likely to trip him up. As a result, when strenuous work or agility was needed, a man would tuck his shirt into his belt. Thus, he would “gird himself for action.” That is the imagery Peter uses when he urges us to “gird up the loins of [our] minds” (KJV). The NASB captures the right idea when it translates this as “prepare your minds for action.”

Interestingly, in the Greek text, there is only one verb in v. 13: (ἐλπίσατε) “set your hope.” Everything else is a participle in the service of that one idea. Our minds should be ready and focused, contemplating the grace God will grant at Christ’s return. Note the progression: What God has already accomplished in Jesus Christ (vv. 3-13) is the basis and the fuel for our actions. Or, put more simply, good theology is the source of good ethics. That is where our focus should be this Advent season, not merely on the grace we received in the past but also on the grace that will be given to us in the future.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you have given us new birth into a living hope. Thank you for the extraordinary grace you have lavished on us. We pray that you will help us focus not on the trivialities of this life this Advent season, but to set our hope fully on the grace you will give us when Jesus Christ is revealed. Give us eyes to see your eternal perspective. We ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Jeffrey Anderson, Ph.D., D.Min. serves as associate professor for the Regent University School of Divinity.