Sobriety and Dignity

Solomon’s School of Experience

To what extent did Solomon test the pleasures of this world?

“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Ecclesiastes 2:10.   

How much true enjoyment did a course afford?

“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” Verse 11.

Of what does Solomon bid the young, in the buoyancy of youth, to be mindful?

“Be happy, young man while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of the heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that all these things God will bring you to judgment.” Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Grace Gives Sober Counsel

How does the grace of God teach us that we should live?

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:11,12.

What classes of individuals are admonished to be sober?

‘Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love an in endurance. Like wise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. They can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subjects to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.”

Verse 2-6.

What similar advice is given in the Epistle to the Romans?

“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissention and jealousy. Romans 13:13.

Foolishness, Sin, and Satan

Why are foolish talking and jesting to be avoided?

“Nor should there be any obscenity, foolish talk or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:4.

Note – To indulge in such things is not becoming a Christian. Life, with all its responsibilities and great issues at stake, is too serious a matter to be spent in such vanities. Levity, foolishness, light and loose talking, throw us off guard, and open the way to temptation and sin. To avoid sin, we must be sober and constantly on guard.

Why are sobriety and vigilance especially necessary?

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.  

Sobriety and Christ’s Second Coming

‘Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13.

What other consideration should lead us to sobriety and watchfulness in this day and time?

‘The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” 1 Peter 4:7.

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