Living in Living in HolinessHoliness

• Lesson Passages:Lesson Passages:

• 1 Peter 1: 13 – 251 Peter 1: 13 – 25

• Background:Background:

• 1 Peter 1: 13 - 251 Peter 1: 13 - 25

Peter the apostle’s life was very close to the Master, by Jesus’ choice. We probably know more about his relationship with Jesus, than any other believer in the New Testament, except Paul.

The influence and person of Jesus shines through Peter’s letters, which were written to a number of churches at large.

Peter saw, both in Jesus life and especially his resurrection life… (next slide)

Jesus won

the Fight…

for eternal

Life!

Like the other apostles,

Peter witnessed

Jesus’ “golden gloves”

defeat the prince of

darkness in this world -- firsthand!

Churches where Peter’s letter was to be circulated

Peter the apostle writes to the elect exiles scattered of Israel, ~A.D. 63-64

:2 They (we) are saved by God’s Spirit. “May peace increase to you!”

:3 Without deserving it, by boundless mercy believers are born again into

1 Peter

Everlasting LIFE, thru Christ’s resurrection. God could have KO ’ed us !!:4 We are instead given great privileges,and an inheritance that’s like “the Gold” ___ :5.. AND are guarded by God’s Spirit!:6 We should be VERY glad – even though we’re now in this very troubled world

Review of 1 Peter 1: 1-6

.

:7 Trials / tests are smelting fire refines our gold “ore” to be pure, to last. Trials: 1. Prove our faith (James 1: 2-4, Heb. 11; 2 Cor. 4:17,13:5) 2. Make our crowns as we grow in Christ (Rev. 4:10, 2 Tim. 4:8, Eph. 4:15)

:8-9 Like a fiance’ with engagement ring, waiting for the Blessed Day to be totally His (He whom you love)

Prophets & angels were “jealous” (not really!), but told by God’s Spirit that Christ would suffer, & glories would follow. “You” have seen these things!

Review of 1 Peter 1: 7-12

What is Holiness?

Who needs it (Why is it important) ?

How can we ‘get it’ ?

Let us explore…

13 So brace up your minds; be sober; set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed. 14 [Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires from your former ignorance, 15 but as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. 16 For it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy”. :13 Self-control…. How can a person’s mind be ‘drunk’? How crucial is it for Christians to think soberly? (Luke 21:34) How does thinking about Jesus’ return help us (1 John 3:3)?

The whole purpose of creation AND redemption is to ‘have it ALL’ in FINAL worship of God’s Son!:14 Why is it important for us to obey God? Why is this a part of God’s will (Why doesn’t He just allow us to sin?)

The proof of Jesus’ triumph is our behavior that’s victorious (Php. 4:1, 1 Thess. 2:19-20)

Jesus longs to share His glory and joy with us – but only truthfully, as we imitate Him. We are remade conquerors in Him, submitted –HOLY!

1. Because God Is Holy (1 Pet. 1:13-16)

1 John 3:3•3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself just as He is pure.

Philippians 4:1•4 So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20•19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy!

More VERSES for 1. Because God Is Holy (1 Pet. 1:13-16)

17 And if you address as Father the One who judges impartially based on each one’s work, you are to conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your temporary residence.

•Our earthly fathers disciplined us, & we respected them (Heb. 12:9)

•God wants us as His heavenly (New) children to have a pleasing sacrificial life like Christ, respect-FULL

•God will examine our works, and ‘shake’ them for final, eternal quality (Heb. 12:25-29)

•If God is your FATHER, then you’ll love Jesus’ commands (Jn. 8:42)

•“Reverence” is phobos: fear, dread (see Heb. 12:25-29; Luke 12:5)

•God will not hear excuses for not being devoted to Him. If we are skirting Him, salvation may be missing! (Lk. 12:5, Matt.7:22, Heb. 6a)

•Reverence starts at salvation – continues with repentances throughout life (Rev. 3:19; Heb. 12:6)

•If not repenting, we will be judged out of His church, or perhaps even this world (Matt. 18:17; Rev. 2:22; 1 Cor. 5:5, 11;30)

•We are to receive Jesus’ love & respond as His bride (Rev.19:7-9, 21:2)

2. Because God Is Judge (1 Pet. 1:17) [HCSB]

•Jesus did not just give us His opinion, or commands – He is our Leader, Example, Purchaser out of sin, at the price of His own blood (death) – and that for the whole world’s sins (1 John 2:2).

•He made the New Order (Creation) that the entire world is now required to CHANGE (Acts 17:31, Jn. 5:22), or be judged forever guilty

•The ransom paid was eternal, DIVINE blood – perfectly infinite, beyond any ransom for earthly slaves – beyond any value we could put on it.

•:21 We (believers) are NOW IN HIM, having submitted (salvation) and inducted into His body, identified with His victory (Rom. 6:3, Gal. 3:27)

. Because of Our Redemption (1 Pet. 1:18-21) [The Message]

•:22 Having obeyed in repentance, now: MOVE IN LOVE like Christ!

•Love obeys God, cooperates with Him to dig a pure ‘channel heart’, for His love to flow through! (1 Tim. 1:5, Jn. 14:23).

•Love is absolutely essential to working in God’s Way (Jn. 13:34; Gal. 5:6; 1 Cor. 13; 1 Thess. 1:3).

•:23-24 (Isaiah 40:6-9) "old order" plants (this life) are passing away

•Jam. 1:9-11, Luke 12:27-31 – We are to show the “New Order” Seed of Christ, God’s “Unbelievable” New Life–beautiful!

•His life, if His Words (Life) are in us, WILL last forever! (John 10:28-30, 14:3, 15:7)

4. Because of Our Purification (1 Pet. 1:22-25) [The Message]

I am full of earthYou are heaven’s worthI am stained with dirt, prone to depravityYou are everything that is bright and cleanThe antonym of meYou are divinityBut a certain sign of grace is this: From a broken earth flowers come up, Pushing through the dirt…You are everything that is bright and cleanAnd You’re covering me with Your majestyAnd the truest sign of grace was this:From wounded hands redemption fell downLiberating man…I am full of earth and dirt and You…(exerpts from the song Wholly Yours)I cannot do Him “justice” with just Bible knowledge alone. LOVE requires my devotion – my all, loving as He first loved me! (1 John 4:19, James 1:22)

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