In this next paragraph of chatper 1 of Peter's epistle (1.13-21) we enter a new thought. Well, not an entirely new thought, but rather the working out of the Truth Peter just reminded his readers. We spent some time musing on what that inheritance is referring to in a post last week
Once he has reminded his readers of the importance of KNOWING THEIR INHERITANCE, he now begins to tell them it is important to KNOW THEIR MISSION. In other words, so what? What impact does the reality of this inheritance have on my daily living? That is precisely what Peter means to do by starting this paragraph with “Therefore.” Based on what I just said, now let me tell you what to do about this.
This paragraph contains three direct imperative verbs – three commands – which serve as the outline for this paragraph.
1.13 “set your hope fully”
1.15 “be holy”
1.17 “conduct yourself with fear”
There is much here and I cannot take time to review our 4 weeks of study so far in verse 13-16. But I do want to ask a couple of questions and recommend a couple resources.
What does it mean to “be holy for I am holy?” How is God Holy, what does that mean? And how am I to be holy like that? It certainly is declarative and positional, but here in this passage, as well as in the Lev 11, Lev 19 and Lev 22 passages from where the quote is taken, it is an imperative verb. It is a command to Be Holy. What does that mean?
And next, why is Peter now bringing up this call to holiness? What roles does our pursuit of holiness have to do with our ability to endure and honor God in trials?
For a more in depth look at this idea of God’s holiness and out call to be likewise holy, I recommend tow resources
Get a copy of Dr. Jerry Bridges excellent little book The Pursuit of Holiness
What do you think?
Grace to you,
2 comments:
The sermon by Mr. Carson is a remarkable exposition of Isaiah 6, thank you for sharing this and I too would advocate for all of your students to listen to it.
The lifestyle of holiness is not one of arrogance or one that should be chosen simply out of a desire to be different, but an effort on our part to fit into the plan of God for our lives.
The KJV says: ". . . gird up the loins of your mind . . ." The imagery is of the ancient oriental who wore loose, flowing robes, so that, in order to run, fight, or apply themselves to any work, it was necessary to bind the garments close around the waist. If we are to get any serious work done in God's vineyard we must be mentally prepared to get down to business. We must have our minds in constant preparation to discharge the duties, or to endure the trials of life -- like those who were prepared for labor, for a race, or for a conflict. Let us, therefore, set our minds to the task of holiness.
The need for Christians to exercise self-control or to be of sober mind is often mentioned in the New Testament ( 1 Thess 5:6; 1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:2,6; 1 Pet 4:7; 5:8). The word means to be free from intoxicants, but is used metaphorically in the New Testament to refer to self control, thinking soberly, and is often used in connection with watchfulness. There are many things that can intoxicate our minds and render us useless in serving God. Such things as pride, self-will, arrogance, greed, revenge, hate, slothfulness, lust, etc. We must constantly be on guard against those things which would weaken our resolve to be faithful, take our minds off the goal or convince us that there is some better or easier way. The way of spiritual self-discipline is not the way of the world, but it is the only way to make it to heaven. When Jesus said; "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matt 7:14), I believe the few he had in mind are those who exercise enough self-control to attain holiness in God's sight.
Another requirement of holiness is a strong, complete and never failing hope. Our hope for heaven is secure and well grounded because it is based on the unchangeable nature of God. In speaking of this foundation, the writer of Hebrews says: "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Heb 6:19). The hope is available, but not everyone has taken hold of it. Even some Christians are not firm in their hope for heaven. Thus, they are weak and susceptible to temptation. Just as the writer of the book of Hebrews appeals to God's history of keeping promises with Abraham and others as the basis for their faith, we must also be familiar with the history of God's dealings with mankind and that awareness will work toward bolstering our own hope. If it is your hope (desire, plus expectation) to live with God in heaven when this life is over, it will then be much easier for you to live holy.
Holiness requires that we obey God's commands, recognizing a need to pull away from ignorance and evil (two constant companions). Romans 12:1,2 states; " . . . offer yourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." What patterns of living did you have to break in order to become a Christian? What patterns of living should you now break in order to attain the level of holiness that God requires of you?
Finally, God both challenges and encourages us with the reminder that he is holy, and becoming so ourselves makes us more like him. In the very beginning God created us in His image. Part of that image, I believe, is the ability to attain holiness. Even though our holiness is attained though the shed blood of Jesus, we must still live a lifestyle which reflects that holiness. And this we can do if the ultimate goal of holiness (i.e. heaven) means more to us than anything else this life has to offer.
Thanks again for your insights. Your " comment" is longer than the post. Lol... Who ever you are
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