Series: Saved, Settled, and Sanctified
An Appeal for Holiness
1 Peter 1: 13-17
In recent weeks we have considered the gracious salvation provided for humanity and the hope we have in Christ, even in the midst of great difficulty. Having assured believers in their faith through the certainty of God’s promises, Peter now turns his attention to the life we are to live following salvation.
There are countless benefits associated with salvation, in this life and the life to come. However, the salvation experience is just the beginning of a wonderful journey with the Lord. Salvation provides the strength and resources we need to live victoriously in this life, but it does not shield us from adversity or release us from our obligations to be a witness for Christ. In fact, coming to Christ will likely increase our opposition from others, and it carries a responsibility to be a witness for the Lord. We are called to a life of holiness in the Lord.
This is a subject that is often overlooked and neglected in modern society. Many Christians never realize the obligation to live their lives according to God’s desire and will. Few today seek to strengthen their walk with the Lord, genuinely desiring to be conformed to His image. It is a difficult task; one that requires crucifying the flesh and living in light of Christ’s holiness, but this is the expectation for every believer. I want to examine the expectations within the text as we consider: An Appeal for Holiness.
I. The Conduct of the Believer (13-14) – Here Peter discusses the conduct we are to possess, the actions within our day to day lives. He reveals:
A. Our Obligations (13) – Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As we consider these obligations, we are immediately reminded of the gracious salvation we have received. In light of such grace and provision, we are challenged to live upright before the Lord. This isn’t an exhaustive list of obligations, but these are essential to holiness before the Lord. Peter speaks of:
Our Attitude – Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind. He uses a common occurrence in their daily lives to reveal great truth. In that culture, even men wore long, flowing garments. Typically this wasn’t a problem unless they needed to walk quickly or run. If they needed to move in haste, they would often pull up their garment and stuff it into a belt around their waste in order to prevent it from hindering their movement. Often we allow our minds to become cluttered with cares and desires of the flesh which impede our thinking and attitude toward holiness. We must give attention to gathering up, and dealing with anything that hinders a godly attitude. Failing to do so will always hinder our progress in living upright before the Lord. 2 Cor.10:3-5 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Our Actions – be sober…This phrase is often referred to in light of abstaining from intoxicating beverages, and it certainly has application for that, but it isn’t limited to that. It means “To be sober in mind and behavior; to be controlled in all things; not to be given over to indulgence, license, or extravagance.(i)” Just as strong drink alters our judgment and behavior, so does a heart not right with the Lord. We must always live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, seeking to please the Lord instead of indulging the flesh.
Our Aspirations – and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Bear in mind the difficulty believers faced during that moment in time. Although they faced great adversity and persecution, their hope was not limited to this world. They had been saved by the grace of God, and He would keep them throughout eternity. Peter encouraged them to maintain a spiritual focus in the midst of physical adversity. The Lord had begun a great work in them, and He would see it through to completion. Phil.1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
B. Our Obedience (14) – As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. We are reminded of the great change that happened in our lives at salvation. We were bought with a price; we are no longer our own. Jesus shed His life’s blood on the cross, redeeming us from sin and placing us within the family of God. We have been delivered from a life of bondage in sin, liberated in Christ! As believers, we are now called to live in obedience to God, not the former lusts of the old man of sin.
Peter offers an interesting thought: according to the former lusts in your ignorance. While we lived in sin, we were condemned by sin and accountable for that sin, but we sinned in ignorance to the truth of God. Our eyes had not been opened to the truth of the Gospel. After salvation, we can no longer claim ignorance. We have been delivered from darkness into light. The Holy Spirit now resided within, bringing guidance and conviction. We are without excuse in regard to sin and are expected to live in obedience to the Lord! Rom.6:4 – Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
II. The Conformity of the Believer (15-17) – Having dealt with the expectations regarding our conduct, Peter now addresses our conformity to the image of Christ. Notice:
A. The Example (15a) – But as he which hath called you is holy…We are reminded of the holiness of the Lord. This is a very humbling thought for me. Every believer ought to be aware of the holiness of God, but I fear we lose the awe and wonder over time. God’s very nature is absolute holiness. He will not fellowship with those who are unholy or tolerate iniquity of any kind in His presence. Sin created separation. If we were to be reconciled to God, having any opportunity of dwelling in His presence, we too would have to be made holy. The only way that was possible was through the sacrifice of Christ His Son, and His holiness being imputed to our account. The saved are now viewed in light of the holiness of Christ.
In light of the sacrifice of Christ, consider the hatred God has for sin and His great love for humanity. If all of that was done to secure our righteousness, we ought to live in light of that. We cannot minimize sin in the sight of God. God has set the example for us. We must strive to follow the example of holiness set before us. When sin enters our lives, we must be willing to immediately confess and forsake that sin!
B. The Expectation (15b-16) – so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. God set the standard we are to follow and strive to obtain. I will agree, we will never achieve sinless perfection in this life, but we must strive to obtain it! Every believer is expected to strive for holiness in this life. We must notice this isn’t limited to Sunday mornings or while attending church activities; we are expected to be holy in all manner of conversation. Now, I realize the word conversation in our modern day is limited to our speech, but it involves much more than that. The word literally has the idea of “our entire conduct and manner of life.” In essence, every thought, action, and deed must be done in light of the holiness of God.
God’s standard of holiness and expectation for His people has been consistent throughout the life of humanity. Peter offers the charge for us to be holy in every area of life and even quotes the command for holiness God gave the children of Israel in Leviticus 11:44. Even though modern society cares nothing for the ways of God and reject His holiness, we remain obligated to live upright before Him. In fact, the need is greater today than at any other time in our nation’s history. Those around us need to experience and interact with believers who live upright for the Lord. We will never be an effective witness for the Lord if our lives are no different than anyone else. Much damage has been done to the cause of Christ by those who profess a relationship with Him, but their actions reveal something entirely different. May we live upright for the Lord in the midst of a sinful and perverse generation!
C. The Exercise (17) – And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. Finally Peter speaks of the exercise of our faith and hope which leads to conformity in Christ. Notice, he speaks of:
Worship – And if ye call on the Father…The exercise of calling on the Father involves the attitude of “reverence and adoration.” Our prayers before the Lord should always be considered an act of worship. I am convinced we can’t pray if worship is absent from our prayer. Worship is always essential when we approach the throne of grace. Actually I can think of no better motivation for holiness than faithful worship of the Lord. As we sense His holiness, goodness, and grace, we will be compelled to submit ourselves unto Him, seeking to live upright before Him!
Wisdom – And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work…Peter speaks of the great wisdom God possess, having the ability to rightly judge without prejudice according to man’s work. Our lives are not hidden before the Lord. He sees and knows the very intents of our hearts. He knows every detail of our lives. Such wisdom and knowledge should serve to motivate us to be open and honest before the Lord, seeking to live in a way that pleases Him. He desires every believer to enjoy the very best He has to offer. He wants to bless us in this life and use us for His glory. The only way that is possible is for us to seek holiness before Him as much as we possibly can.
Wonder – And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. As we exercise worship in light of God’s infinite wisdom, our hearts will be filled with wonder. Peter admonishes us to ever keep the holy nature of God before us. We are to live in wonder of the Lord, possessing a reverent fear for Him. I can assure you that fear of the Lord will transform our lives. This doesn’t indicate that we are afraid to enter His presence or attempt anything for Him, but that we love and adore Him so much that He is the desire of our hearts. We have a longing to live for Him and honor Him in all we do!
Conclusion: This has been a comforting passage that offers a great challenge as well. We have received much in Christ our Lord. We can’t begin to comprehend all we have in Him or the glory that awaits us. Surely such grace, compassion, and provision would compel us to live upright before the Lord. There is a great work to do, and we need to be in a position spiritually to accomplish what the Lord desires of us.
I will admit that the Lord dealt with my heart as I prepared this message. There is room for needed improvement in my life and walk with the Lord. What about you? Is your life pleasing unto the Lord? Are you living in light of His holiness? If not, seek Him; confess your faults and receive His guidance and help. If you do not know Christ as your Savior, you are not walking with Him. Come to Him and receive the salvation He offers!
i Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – 1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2 & 3 John; Jude.
Electronic Version - WORDsearch, Lifeway, Inc.
