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Again, in Eph. 4: 1, 2, at the outset of the practical section of the epistle, we find the
Apostle stressing the need for "all lowliness and meekness".
In contrast with "high mindedness", and being "wise in your own conceits"
(Rom. 11: 25; 12: 16) the Apostle places "think soberly" and "condescending to men of
low estate" (Rom. 12: 3 and 16).
The English word "sober" is derived from sobrius, the opposite of ebrius, "drunk".
The first thought that it brings to the mind is associated with temperance, especially in
connection with intoxicating drink, while its secondary meaning indicates that a sober
person is grave, serious, and solemn. Connected with this second meaning we have the
rather colloquial word "sobersides", indicating that a sober-minded person is rather a
"wet-blanket" or "kill-joy". With all this the original of the word "sober" has nothing to
do. The word in the Greek is derived from so*, meaning "save" (giving us "salvation"
and "Saviour") and phronema, "mind". The latter has reference to the "bent" or
"inclination", and so, coupled with the word that means salvation, it indicates that quality
of mind, bent or inclination that arises out of the condition of being saved. This would of
necessity be a bent that would avoid drunkenness, and intemperance of all kinds, but it
would also increase, and not decrease, the keenness of one's wits, and the response of the
mind to joy, mirth and gladness as well as giving sanity and clearness of judgment.
While all this is true, however, the uppermost thought in the Apostle's mind in writing
Rom. 12: 3, is that of humility which necessarily accompanies salvation from sin, or, as
the corresponding passage puts it, "condescending to men of low estate". The word
translated "condescend" here is remarkable. It is sunapagomai, and means "to be led
away with". The word can have an evil meaning, indicating a weak will being led
away to evil things by yielding to a stronger, but here it is in contrast with that
high-mindedness which is so unchristian. The word suggests the gentleness and
simplicity of the little child. We are never called upon in the N.T. to be "childish", but
we are enjoined to be "childlike", for such lowliness of mind is in harmony with
salvation.
The remote sequence of the injunction to think soberly is found, as we have seen, in
the corresponding section; "Condescend to men of low estate" (12: 16). The immediate
sequence is, of course, found in the words of Rom. 12: 3: "Think soberly, according as
God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." What the Apostle means by "the
measure of faith" is seen in the argument that follows:
"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same
office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of
another. Having then gifts differing according to the proportion of faith . . . . . . ."
(Rom. 12: 4-6).
[* - The reader will notice that the prefix so is also found in
the English word "sober". This, however, is purely accidental
and indicates a negative through the French and Latin.]