1 Peter 1:13-16
Scripture: 13Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." (NASB)
Exposition: In the previous section, Peter was concerned with Christians having a right perspective. In the proceeding section, Peter's focus is on right living. "Therefore" connects this current section (vv. 13-25) with the previous one (vv. 3-12). Peter is basically saying, because we now have a right perspective of salvation, especially concerning hope, we are now to walk (live) in holiness, love, and reverence.
His readers are to "gird up their loins," which basically means "roll up your sleeves" in our culture, and take hold of these following attitudes as a means of Christian living. To have a sober spirit, describes a Christian who is in full control of themselves. This includes their speech, actions, and thoughts. They are not to let the lusts of the flesh (sin nature) rule their lives. Christians are to live with an unwavering hope. This hope is grounded in the return of Christ. Peter is basically saying to his readers at that time to endure the persecution with sound judgment, in full control of yourself, and in the hope of Christ's return.
As part of Christian living, we are to be obedient to God as children are (should be) to their parents, only better. Peter exhorts his readers to stay clear of their "former lusts," for that is not in accordance with obedience. It is not stated, but Peter assumes that these readers have been transformed by Christ, for he states the reversal of such an action when he says, "do not be conformed." To be conformed to their former lusts, would imply that they have already been transformed from such lusts. These "former lusts" were part of their habits before they came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, which replaces their previous ignorance.
To emphasize his call to holy living, Peter focuses on God's holiness. Holy means that something/someone is set apart from sin to God. Our behavior should reflect our standing with God. If one claims to be Christian, their behavior should reflect such a claim. In their behavior, they should strive for holiness and not sin. Peter backs up his call to holy living with Scripture when he quotes Leviticus 11:44: " YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." What other imperative does Peter need to give for his readers to live holy lives? God has blatantly stated it right there.
Application: What areas of your life are not holy? How are you still living in ignorance? Are you in control of yourself (i.e. speech, thoughts, actions)? Are you being obedient to God's call on your life? What do you need to do to live a holy life? What does God need to do for/through you so that you are able to live a holy life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are such a holy God that we will never be able to accomplish what You ask of us. And for that reason, we are grateful that You have provided a means of holiness for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Help us in our endeavors to walk according to Your desires. Help us to be obedient to Your will and not live in ignorance of Your grace. You have called us to be holy, and only by You can we be as You desire. May Your desires be the desires of our hearts as well. Grant us the strength, wisdom, and grace to live according to Your Word. In the name of Jesus, and by the Spirit we pray. Amen.
Scripture: 13Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." (NASB)
Exposition: In the previous section, Peter was concerned with Christians having a right perspective. In the proceeding section, Peter's focus is on right living. "Therefore" connects this current section (vv. 13-25) with the previous one (vv. 3-12). Peter is basically saying, because we now have a right perspective of salvation, especially concerning hope, we are now to walk (live) in holiness, love, and reverence.
His readers are to "gird up their loins," which basically means "roll up your sleeves" in our culture, and take hold of these following attitudes as a means of Christian living. To have a sober spirit, describes a Christian who is in full control of themselves. This includes their speech, actions, and thoughts. They are not to let the lusts of the flesh (sin nature) rule their lives. Christians are to live with an unwavering hope. This hope is grounded in the return of Christ. Peter is basically saying to his readers at that time to endure the persecution with sound judgment, in full control of yourself, and in the hope of Christ's return.
As part of Christian living, we are to be obedient to God as children are (should be) to their parents, only better. Peter exhorts his readers to stay clear of their "former lusts," for that is not in accordance with obedience. It is not stated, but Peter assumes that these readers have been transformed by Christ, for he states the reversal of such an action when he says, "do not be conformed." To be conformed to their former lusts, would imply that they have already been transformed from such lusts. These "former lusts" were part of their habits before they came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, which replaces their previous ignorance.
To emphasize his call to holy living, Peter focuses on God's holiness. Holy means that something/someone is set apart from sin to God. Our behavior should reflect our standing with God. If one claims to be Christian, their behavior should reflect such a claim. In their behavior, they should strive for holiness and not sin. Peter backs up his call to holy living with Scripture when he quotes Leviticus 11:44: " YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." What other imperative does Peter need to give for his readers to live holy lives? God has blatantly stated it right there.
Application: What areas of your life are not holy? How are you still living in ignorance? Are you in control of yourself (i.e. speech, thoughts, actions)? Are you being obedient to God's call on your life? What do you need to do to live a holy life? What does God need to do for/through you so that you are able to live a holy life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are such a holy God that we will never be able to accomplish what You ask of us. And for that reason, we are grateful that You have provided a means of holiness for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Help us in our endeavors to walk according to Your desires. Help us to be obedient to Your will and not live in ignorance of Your grace. You have called us to be holy, and only by You can we be as You desire. May Your desires be the desires of our hearts as well. Grant us the strength, wisdom, and grace to live according to Your Word. In the name of Jesus, and by the Spirit we pray. Amen.
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