1 Peter 1:13-16 A Changed Life
Introduction: We saw in verses 3-5 that God has been good to the Christian. Peter tells us four
specific things God has done for the Christian.
He has saved us (v.3). He gives us a living Hope (v.3b).
He give us an inheritance (v.4). He guards us (v.5).
Christians should bless God because these things He has done for us.
In verses 6-12, Peter told us Christians can have Inexpressible Joy in trials if they:
see trials from the correct Perspective (v.6). see that trials have a Purpose (v.7).
see that trials produce a product (v.7). realize you don’t have rely on sight
see ourselves in a Privileged Position and time (10-12).
What should be the result of all this? Should we just say “that is nice” and go our way?
Peter wants to apply what he has said so far “Wherefore” (v.13) = refers back to v. 3-12.
If we have been saved, If we possess an inheritance, a living hope and are kept safe by
God, and if we have a joy that inxepresible – all of which was not ours before salvation
shouldn’t we different than the world around us?
Proposition: Every Christian should have a changed life.
In what way? By
Text: 1 Peter 1:13-16
I. Christians should prepare their minds for action
“gird up the loins of our minds” (v.13).
A. Picture: of man gathering up his long main outer garment and tucking it into his belt so
as to leave his limbs free for action. This allowed men to men to do quick, agile
motions and strenuous work. Some scriptural examples are:
(Elijah running; 1 Kings 18:46),
(Servant waiting on a table; Luke 17:8),
(Passover was to be eaten in haste with girded; Ex. 12:11). they were ready…
Signifying: We need to be prepared by putting away that which gets in our way.
I wonder, what is our mental state, when it comes to spiritual things. Are we distracted?
God wants you to be ready in your mind; be mentally alert. Minds centered on Christ…
II. Christians should be self-controlled (v. 13). “be sober” (v.13).
A. Picture: of one who is abstaining from alcohol. Alcohol controls and affects you mind.
Signifying: Stated Negatively: You should not let anything intoxicate you.
Stated Positively: You ought to be self-controlled, and clear thinking…
Application: It is okay to like something and even to have a hobby – but
If they start controlling you…
If they consume your thoughts…
If they consume your time…
If they cause you to neglect your duties…
Men: motorcycles, cars, sports, job, television….
Women: Reading, Crafts, Shopping…
We need to take control and not let things control us.
III. Christians should have eye for the future (v. 13).
“to the end” in KJV is literally “unwaveringly, perfectly, completely, steadfastly”
We can have degrees of Hope and Peter tells us to have a “hope that doesn’t wave”
We are to have a perfect, unwaving hope.
Hope = confident expectation that is well grounded, more than a wishful desire.
“hope to the end” (v.13). tense = aorist imperative (command to begin doing this)
Paul put it this way in 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”
Hebrews 11:8-10 “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
IV. Christians should be good Children of God (v. 14-16).
God is our Father (v.14 & 17)
A. Good Children should be obedient (v.14)
1. Change your behavior after instruction is received
a. Based on new knowledge (14) formerly had “ignorance”
1). New knowledge comes from the Holy Spirit Indwelling
Jn. 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will
send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”
Jn. 16:7-8 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”
2). New knowledge comes from the Holy Scriptures
Ps. 119: 9-11 “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
B. Good Children should try to reflect their Father’s standards (v15-16).
1. God’s Holiness is our Standard (15) “as he…is holy…so be ye…”
Holy means “Clean, undefiled, pure…”
a. God’s Holiness is seen in His very essence (an inherent quality).
30X God is called the “Holy One” in Isaiah,
He is called the “Holy One of Israel” or the “Holy One of Jacob”…
1 Jn. 1:5 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
God’s Holiness is Pictured by the TABERNACLE:
Thick Veil to enter the Holy of Holies (only once per year by one man).
Curtain to enter the Holy Place
Curtain around Court Yard
Also, had to wash and offer sacrifices…
This all pictured How God was so separate from sin and far above sinful man.
b. God’s Holiness is seen in all His deeds
c. God’s Holiness is seen in His commands
In Leviticus we are told over and over God is Holy. This is the basis for various commands.
1). Lev. 11:44-45, certain things are okay and not okay to eat (dietary laws)
2). Lev. 18; certain sexual relations were forbidden
3). Lev. 19 God gives commands concerning obeying parents and various social relations
God’s Holiness should have far reaching impact on our life (1 Peter 1:15; “All
manner of converstation”)
Summary: Every life should change when they become a Christian. Has yours?
1. Is your mind prepared for action?
2. Is your life characterized by self-controll?
3. Do you have eye for the future?
4. Would God call you and obedient child?
Invitation: Has your life changed since becoming a Christian?
