Gary Demarest, in his sermon, emphasizes the importance of discipline or 'sound mind' (sophronismos) as a saved mind that is self-controlled, disciplined, and properly prioritized. This sound-mindedness in action is marked by sobriety, sound judgment, and prudence, contrasting with a mindset of excessive self-indulgence. Paul reminds Timothy that God has given us the power to keep ourselves in check and free from excitement, reflecting a spirit of self-control. Various commentators like William MacDonald, Guy King, and J. Vernon McGee further elaborate on the significance of discipline in maintaining a sensibly minded and balanced life.

When the Bible says "Awake to righteousness and sin not," it indicates the possiblity of a sudden awakening, like when an alarm clock going off rouses you out of sleep. There is such a thing as being asleep and suddenly being wakened, and this is surprising to people. People often say, "You know, I was living a life displeasing to God. I was a church member, but though I didn't know it, I was displeasing to God. My life wasn't right. Then suddenly I was wakened by God. It was a surprise." . . . People who are awakened from moral sleep say, "Well, what's the matter with me? I've been living a life that's been displeasing to God, and I simply did not know it. "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it. . . . This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven'" (Genesis 28:16-17). Jacob must have been rather disconcerted when he awoke and found that he had been in the presence of God all the time, but he had been asleep. He was not morally dead; he was not cut off from the covenant--he was merely asleep.