Crumbs37

 

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 37

1 Peter 1: 13-16 A call to holiness

Having described our salvation Peter makes a fourfold call to a changed way of life; 1: 13- 16 be holy, 1:17-21 live as strangers, 1:22-25 love one another and 2:1-3 Crave the word. This call to a changed life is not a means of salvation but our response to God’s great grace.

Scripture 1 Peter 1:13-16 New International Version 13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Crumbs In verse thirteen the phrase “ with minds that are alert” has been translated “get ready for action” or “gird up your loins.” . The flowing robes of New Testament times had to be tucked under the belt for any physical endeavour. It indicates the removal of any obstacles to work ( Heb 12 : 1). Our spiritual lives require frequent repenting and purging of the sinful and harmful.

Total abstinence from alcohol is not generally commanded in Scripture but clear headedness is It is a good idea to examine our life styles for things that make us addle headed. Here as so often in the New Testament severe admonitions are balanced by something positive. Hope is to be found in our relationship with the Saviour. One day we shall see Him who we have loved from afar, face to face and begin to realise what was involved in the forgiveness of our sins.

Becoming a Christian involves arouses our conscience. What once seemed harmless now appears as an affront to our Father and a damage to our relationship with Him. He wants us to be Holy, exclusively dedicated to Him, to be like Him As we become more like Him our love for Him deepens and strengthens. The scope of this revolution is in all that we do. Every action a believer is a sacrament. Every action is holy. Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion) 1. How do we prepare our minds to live the Christian life ? 2. What is meant by “evil desires” in verse 14 ? 3. What is holiness?

 Please note that this is also published on my blog along with poems and other items on https://pmgsblog.blogspot.com 

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