The two participles, as noted, explain how believers are to set their hope completely upon Jesus Christ. First, they are to “prepare your minds for action.” More literally, they are to “gird up the loins of your minds.” The image of “girding up the loins” (anazōsamenoi tas osphyas) means that one tucks in one’s long flowing garments to run or do serious work (cf. 1 Kgs 18:46; cf. also Exod 12:11; 2 Kgs 4:29; 9:1; Job 40:7; Jer 1:17; Nah 2:1; Luke 12:35).93 Perhaps we have a reference to exodus traditions here, where Israel prepares itself to leave Egypt.94 The NIV captures the sense well. Hope will not become a reality without disciplined thinking. Thinking in a new way does not happen automatically; it requires effort, concentration, and intentionality. Second, believers set their hope completely on the end by being sober. The NIV’s “be self-controlled” is adequate, but the metaphor Peter used is lost. Peter was not merely saying that believers should refrain from drunkenness. There is a way of living that becomes dull to the reality of God, that is anesthetized by the attractions of this world. When people are lulled into such drowsiness, they lose sight of Christ’s future revelation of himself and concentrate only on fulfilling their earthly desires.

Hope will not become a reality without disciplined thinking. Thinking in a new way does not happen automatically; it requires effort, concentration, and intentionality.

Peter was not merely saying that believers should refrain from drunkenness. There is a way of living that becomes dull to the reality of God, that is anesthetized by the attractions of this world. When people are lulled into such drowsiness, they lose sight of Christ’s future revelation of himself and concentrate only on fulfilling their earthly desires.