I Peter 1:13-21
After speaking of the marvelous salvation we enjoy in Christ, Christians are a privileged people because to whom much is given, much is required! These verses outline our responsibilities as Christians. The first of these is hope (v. 13). Our hope is to be fixed on “the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The grace that we now enjoy will be poured out fully when Christ returns. While waiting on His return, we are not to be idle. We are exhorted to “gird up the loins of your mind.”
As believers, we need to prepare our minds for actions. Instead of retreating because of the challenging times of this age, we need to be planning our next move as we seek to spread His word. This age needs the gospel and we ought not to be afraid to present it to a hostile world. We are also exhorted to “be sober” or prudent and cautious in our actions. In our actions, we should not allow the world’s system to permeate or influence our lives. We exhibit our obedience by not being fashioned by the fleshly lifestyle of the world (v. 14). We are called upon to live a life of complete obedience to God because we share His nature (II Peter 1:4).
As obedient children, not only should we leave behind our former lusts, but we are to imitate the Holy God who called us (vv. 15-16). When we imitate and embrace God’s holiness, there will be a change in our “conversation” (behavior). Our behavior should reflect our belief; our conduct should be a reflection of our calling; our deportment should be a reflection of the fact that we have been delivered! Peter’s call to be holy came from an Old Testament reference in Leviticus 11:44-45 which states: “Be ye holy, for I am Holy” (v. 16). Because of the fact that God the Father will evaluate all human deeds without respect of person, we owe Him the utmost reverence (v. 17). The word “fear” means reverential awe, not frightful terror!
The reason why we owe God reverence and obedience is that He paid an awesome price for our redemption (v. 18). Silver and gold (highly prized yet perishable metals), cannot compare to the price less blood Christ offered to ransom our souls (v. 19). Christ, the perfect sacrifice for sin, was set apart for the work of redemption, but was “manifest in these last time for you” (v. 20). The reason God purchased us through Christ’s blood was so that “your faith and hope might be in God” (v. 21).
The same God, who we owe utmost reverence, has planned our salvation, produced our salvation, will preserve our salvation. God will preserve our salvation, for Philippians 1:6 says: “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.” Finally, Jude states that God will bring our salvation to its consummation for verses 24-25 say: “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
