Be Holy Because I Am Holy
We gather to explore the timeless call to holiness – a call that resounds throughout Scripture and echoes the heart of our Heavenly Father. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we read, "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
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This divine injunction is not merely a suggestion but a commandment to reflect the character and nature of our holy God. Let us embark on this journey together, uncovering the significance of holiness in our lives and its transformative power in shaping our walk with Christ.
1: Call to Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Our exploration begins with the call to holiness as articulated by the apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:15-16. This call is rooted in the character of God Himself, who is inherently holy, pure, and set apart from sin.
As recipients of God's grace and mercy, we are summoned to emulate His holiness in every aspect of our lives – in our thoughts, words, and deeds. This call challenges us to live counter-culturally, standing apart from the moral decay of the world and reflecting the light of Christ in a darkened world.
2: The Origin of Holiness (1 Peter 1:3)
In verse 3 of 1 Peter 1, we discover the origin of our holiness – it is grounded in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has secured for us a new birth into a living hope, granting us forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
Our holiness is not self-derived or achieved through human effort but is a gift bestowed upon us by God's grace. It is through our union with Christ that we are empowered to live holy and righteous lives, reflecting His image to the world.
3: Holiness and Purification (1 Peter 1:22)
Peter emphasizes the connection between holiness and purification in verse 22 of 1 Peter 1: "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart."
True holiness involves the ongoing process of sanctification, whereby the Holy Spirit works within us to purify our hearts and conform us to the image of Christ. This purification is evidenced by our love for one another, which flows from a sincere and genuine heart.
4: Valuing Redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Peter underscores the value of redemption in verses 18-19 of 1 Peter 1: "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
Our holiness is predicated on the priceless sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who redeemed us from the bondage of sin and liberated us to live holy and righteous lives. Let us never take for granted the immeasurable cost of our redemption but instead, strive to honor God with our lives out of gratitude for His grace and mercy.
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5: Living with Reverence (1 Peter 1:17)
In verse 17 of 1 Peter 1, Peter exhorts believers to live with reverence and awe toward God: "Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear."
Our pursuit of holiness is characterized by a deep reverence for God and a recognition of His sovereignty over our lives. This reverent fear compels us to walk in obedience to His commands, knowing that He is holy and just in all His ways.
6: The Value of Faith Proof of Holiness (1 Peter 1:7)
Faith is the hallmark of our holiness, as Peter affirms in verse 7 of 1 Peter 1: "These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Our faith is tested and refined through the trials and tribulations of life, serving as evidence of our genuine commitment to Christ. As we persevere in faith, our lives become a testimony to God's transforming power and the reality of His holiness working within us.
7: The Call to Obedience (1 Peter 1:14)
Peter admonishes believers to live in obedience to God's commands in verse 14 of 1 Peter 1: "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance."
Obedience is a hallmark of holiness, reflecting our submission to God's will and our desire to honor Him in all we do. Let us strive to walk in obedience to His Word, knowing that true freedom and fulfillment are found in surrendering to His perfect will.
8: The Hope of Grace (1 Peter 1:13)
In verse 13 of 1 Peter 1, Peter encourages believers to set their hope fully on the grace to be given to them when Jesus Christ is revealed: "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming."
Our hope is anchored in the grace of God, which empowers us to live holy and godly lives in anticipation of Christ's return. This hope sustains us through life's trials and challenges, reminding us of the glorious inheritance awaiting us in the presence of our Savior.
9: Holiness in Communion with God (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Peter reminds believers of the intimate communion they enjoy with God through their union with Christ in verses 3-5 of 1 Peter 1. Our holiness is not merely an external conformity to moral standards but a reflection of our deep relationship with the Holy One Himself.
As we abide in Christ and walk in fellowship with Him, His holiness permeates every aspect of our being, transforming us from the inside out and enabling us to bear fruit that glorifies His name.
10: The Glory of Holiness Revealed (1 Peter 1:21)
Peter concludes this passage by highlighting the glory of holiness revealed in the gospel message in verse 21 of 1 Peter 1: "Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God."
The gospel message reveals the glory of God's holiness in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has triumphed over sin and death, securing for us the promise of eternal life and the hope of glory.
- Sermon on 1 Corinthians 15 The Significance of Christ's Resurrection
- Sermon on Eternal Life: The Gift of God
- Sermon on Divine Multiplication Matthew 14:13-25
Conclusion:
The call to holiness resounds with clarity and urgency in Scripture – it is a call to reflect the character and nature of our holy God in every aspect of our lives. As we have journeyed through the passages of 1 Peter 1, may our hearts be stirred to embrace this divine mandate with humility, reverence, and obedience.
Let us value the precious gift of redemption secured for us by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and strive to live lives worthy of the calling we have received. May our faith be proven genuine through the trials and tribulations of life, and may the hope of grace sustain us as we eagerly anticipate the return of our Savior.
May the glory of God's holiness be revealed in and through us, drawing others into the light of His love and the beauty of His holiness. And may we, as a holy priesthood, continually offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as we seek to glorify Him in all we do. Amen.
