A Holy Life (1 Peter 1:13-2:3)
1 Peter 1:13-2:3
Last week we started our new year's series on 1 Peter, a book that focuses on hope in the midst of despair. For Peter's readers, there were circumstances beyond their control that make hope seem like a luxury they couldn't afford. But Peter reminded them their hope does not come from the circumstances but from the resurrection of Jesus.
Like Peter's first readers, we need hope. We needed it before this week. We need it even more after the events of this week.
As we continue in 1 Peter, we're looking at how hope changes us. When the hope of the gospel gets in our bones, it gives us a sturdiness of soul that gives us confidence in the midst of turmoil. When we become hopeful people, it effects how we relate to God, ourselves, and one another.
Looking forward to worshiping with you either in person or online tomorrow!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Ps. I hope you’re reading and reflecting on 1 Peter on your own throughout the week! If you have any questions or insights you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about them. Email me at bob@gracesealbeach.org
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. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 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.
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good
-1 Peter 1:13-2:3