Living Victoriously
Read 1 Peter 1:13-21
“But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behaviour; because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)
The Context to Our Call to Holiness (1 Peter 1:1-12)
The Apostle Peter reminded his disciples that it is by God’s abundant mercy that we have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This mystery, revealed to the prophets of old, carries the message that God is the source of our salvation. Our new birth is a result of His great mercy. A living hope is the reward for those who trust in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, the righteous foundation of our salvation and the cornerstone of our hope.
The Call to Holy Living
Holy living starts with the mind and requires action. Romans 12:2 challenges us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. We are no longer ignorant, bound to our former lusts. Instead, we are called to be sober-minded in the Holy Spirit.
Our pursuit of holiness rests on the hope of God’s grace revealed through Jesus Christ. We are no longer orphans—we have a Heavenly Father who redeemed us, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot. The One who will judge our works has declared us free, no longer slaves to fear.
Our conduct must reflect holiness because it reflects God’s image. The One who calls us to holiness will empower us to pursue it. Never lose hope or become discouraged. He is able.
Application
God who call us to holy living will enable us. Just as Psalms 119:9-11 declares: “I have laid your Word in my heart so that I will not sin against you”, we too can take courage that He will enable us to pursue after His Holiness. Let the Word of God be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I put my trust in you. Just as you are Holy, you call us to be like you. Give me the tenacity to pursue after your holiness, and if I should fall, give me the resilience to push on. Be my guide and bless this desire. I place it before you. In Jesus name. Amen.
1 Peter 1:13 - 21
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.” 17 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, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 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.