Because of our spectacular salvation, we are therefore ready for action, sober and alert, and focused on the return of Christ. With God as our Father, we determine to reject worldly desires and imitate His holiness in every part of our lives.
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1:13-16 What We Are to Be – and Why
1 Pe 1:13 Therefore, 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. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but 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.”
“Therefore.” Why is this word so important? Why is it used here?
Note the imperatives (commands).
“Prepare your minds for action” renders the Greek, “Gird up the loins of your mind.” Cf. 1 Kg 18:46; 2 Kg 4:29; Jer 1:17; Luke 12:35
Not conformed to former lusts, but to the Father. Lev 11:44f; 19:2; 20:7
“Keep sober” originally referred to abstaining from alcohol. Why would a Christian not want to dull his or her senses when preparing for action?
On what do some people fix their hope, other than on their final salvation?
How does society pressure us to conform, and to what?
Discuss pressure from peers, work, school, family, entertainment, ads, etc.
Why are Christians called to be holy?
Does “holy” imply retreat from the world, in a cave, convent, or monastery?
Does “holy” imply heavenly minded, but no earthly good?
Does “holy” mean engaged in full-time religious service or church work?
Does “holy” require sacred garments, priestly collars, and clerical robes?
So, what is holiness? And how can we be holy in all our behavior?
Describe someone today that you think of as holy and explain why.
What does “holy” mean? In all behavior? What about “secular” stuff?
1:17-21 Whom We Are to Fear – and Why
17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.
We are saved by grace. So, why would God examine and judge our work?
We are saved by grace, So, why must we conduct ourselves in reverent fear?
To redeem is to buy back an item, cash in a coupon, or release a captive. At an auction, one might redeem an object of value by exchanging cash for it.
Have you ever been to an auction? Describe your experience.
How much is any particular item worth at an auction?
If an object is worth what someone will pay for it, what is your value to God?
How would you describe a “futile” way of life?
What in today’s culture is truly empty, meaningless, and without value?
How would you compare the blood of Christ to silver or gold?
Describe the OT significance of a lamb without spot or blemish.
How is Christ like a lamb? How different?
What in today’s culture is truly empty, meaningless, and without value?
Why couldn’t silver or gold or anything else redeem us from sin and death?
1:17-21 Whom We Are to Fear – and Why – Continued
20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
How long ago was Christ foreknown to be that sacrificial lamb?
How far back does God’s plan of salvation go? Cf. Tit 1:2; 2 Tim 1:9.
Note the repeated emphasis:
Christ’s resurrection and glory.
God as the object of our faith and hope.
1:22-25 How We Are to Relate – and Why
22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, 23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
Purified souls: How? Obedience. To what? Truth. For what? Love.
Ro 6:17 obedient from the heart to that form of teaching …
Fervent: earnest, focused, extensive, heart-felt. Lk 22:44; Ac 12:5
Our fervent love for each other proves our obedience and birth.
Why love? Because it’s what we were born (again) to do! 1 Pet 1:3
Not of human seed, but of the seed of God’s Word. Lk 8:11; Jn 1:13
How can you tell when love is sincere, deep, and fervent? Or when it’s not?
1:22-25 How We Are to Relate – and Why – Continued
24 For, “All flesh is like grass, And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls off, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you.
Isa 40:6-8; Ps 103:15-18; Jas 1:10-11
Ps 119:89 Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands.
Mt 5:18 “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Mt 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”
What things do worldly people prize that will ultimately fade like a flower?
