"Alive and Sober in Spirit" - 1 Peter 4:6-7

"6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God. 7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer."  - 1 Peter 4:6-7

     The purpose of the gospel is to bring life to those who are dead.  When the knowledge of Christ's saving work enters someone's life, and is embraced, a radical change happens.  Peter was just talking about how the wicked will give their account to God, and now he is talking about how the gospel is to prevent as many as possible from that fate.   Our flesh will pass away no matter what, but our spirit has the opportunity to defy death, if it is surrendered to God.
     Interpreting the "those who are dead" could be tricky at first, but given our interpretation of verse 3:19 earlier, we know he's not talking about preaching to the dead.  It's more saying that they had the opportunity to hear while they were alive.  Also, God is outside of time, so even as Jesus is preaching, God knew who would accept His message and who would not.  He preached His message to all, even to those who would one day die without accepting Him.
     Peter then warns us that the end is coming soon.  I always find this interesting, the sense of urgency they felt in the first years after Christ left earth.  They were so focused on His return.  They heeded His words about being ready, His parable of the ten virgins and their oil lamps was ever on their minds.  He would return to take His bride, and they would be ready.  I think we look at the story, and how 2,000 years have passed, and we forget that urgency.  I think they were right to be expectant, and I wish my attitude was more like that.
     Anyway, what Peter tells us to do in the meantime is to be wise (having sound judgement), and to pray.  He is contrasting the drunkenness of the flesh from earlier with sobriety of the spirit, that because we wait expectantly for Christ to return, we should have our wits about us when He arrives!