"The Ancient of Days", c 1794 by William Blake
This is the 11th post in my series on the Book of 1st Peter. The resources used in this series are sermons from Jamie Rasmussen (Senior Pastor @ Scottsdale Bible Church), Dr. Wayne Grudem's The First Epistle of Peter: An Introduction and Commentary, and various Internet sources.
In the early verses of this book, Peter has focused primarily on the wonderful news of the gospel and reminded us that there is great joy to be found therein.
He was no doubt, in writing to the persecuted Christians, desiring to encourage and strengthen them.
Now, however, we find a shift in his letter to that of a more practical nature, in that he is going to call them to be holy in all of their conduct.
At first blush, I struggled with understanding why Peter would want to speak to them regarding their conduct, in light of the fact that they were being fed to lions and burned to death on posts to serve as lamps for Nero. There was tremendous persecutions of all sorts. I am reminded that Peter doesn't tell us specifically what these particular Christians were suffering, but they were suffering nonetheless.
It then dawned on me that if I were witness to this suffering, or worse yet, my own family and friends were suffering this persecution, I would likely be angry. I would likely desire to strike back. I would likely become bitter and perhaps over time the anger would turn to an evil, black heart.
Therefore, it would seem, Peter is going to now turn his attention to holiness, and call them to be holy in their conduct.
First stop? To desire the beauty of being like a holy God...
Notes from Dr. Wayne Grudem's The First Epistle of Peter: An Introduction and Commentary
1 Peter 1:13-16:
"13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
(vs 13) Therefore...is referring back to the great salvation in verses 3-12.
preparing your minds for action...some versions translate this as "gird up the loins of your mind". This would refer back to the ancient custom of gathering up one's long robe up between your legs so that you could run. Getting ready to move!
and being sober minded...certainly refers to forbidding physical drunkenness, but in context, it is also suggesting an attitude of the mind. Grudem talks about mental intoxications which might involve laziness of the mind, and those things that may pull us away from spiritual readiness. These might include things, for the modern mind, like career, possessions, recreation, reputation, friendships, scholarship, etc.
set your hope fully...the word hope (Greek: elpizo) refers to an expectation that is much stronger than simply a wish or dream. On the other hand, it does not imply an absolute certainty either. Unlike Paul, who was allowed to see the third heaven, we have no empirical evidence. Therefore, we must rely on hope that is fully set.
From Grudem:
"Such hope in great blessings when Christ returns not only encourages downcast Christians; it also prompts a reordering of priorities according to God's agenda and inevitably leads to ethical changes in one's life.
Since Peter is about to launch into an extended section of moral commands...this exhortation to hope appropriately forms the transition point to the rest of the letter. If Peter's readers will first know the great truths about their salvation and then begin a habit of visualizing themselves personally on a path of life leading without fail to unimaginable heavenly reward, they will be mentally and emotionally ready to strive for a life of holiness before God."
on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Dr. Grudem points out that this verse if full of action; prepare, be sober, set your hope, begin to expect eagerly God's future blessings.
(vs 14) As obedient children...we are children in the family of God. We are sons of God. As such, Peter expects us to live such that obedience is characteristic of our lives. The expectation of obedience is prominent throughout the whole of scriptures. Interestingly, even as I wrote the word obedient, something in me, desired to rebel. We have to now live with that constant tension don't we. When I was living a more carnal life as a money lover, I didn't really feel that tension as often.
do not be conformed...don't pattern your actions or your life after. Obedience to God is significantly different from listening to our "natural" desires and going where ever they may lead.
to the passions of your former ignorance...we live in earthly, finite bodies which have desires that are apart from the ways of God. The passions of these bodies can lead to direct disobedience to God and create patterns of life that are destructive to not only us, but our relationship with others, and God.
(vs 15) But...here comes the contrast. The turning of the corner.
as he who called you is holy..."he" refers to God the Father. "Called you" refers to our effectual call. We are chosen and elect, set aside. Understanding and remembering this is a crucial part of the picture. "Is holy" means that he is separated from sin. In the Old Testament, for example, things that were holy were set apart from the ordinary and devoted to use in glorifying God. So are we to be.
you also be holy in all your conduct...this speaks of a pattern of life that is in continual transformation. From Grudem: "It [holiness] involves not only avoiding outward sin but also maintaining an instinctive delight in God and his holiness as an undercurrent of heart and mind throughout the day."
(vs 16) Since it is written...means because, or for, which supports the preceding statement. Why should Christians be holy? Because it is written...
You shall be holy, for I am holy...this is a direct quote out of the Old Testament. As God children, it is only natural for us to desire to imitate our father. Imitation of this Father is the most desirable of all.
It never ceases to amaze me all that lies beneath the surface of God's holy word. Just these three versus provides enough fodder for days and days of meditation.