Embracing Holiness: Our Response to Living Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Holiness as a Response to Salvation

Our call to holiness is a response to the salvation and joy we have in Jesus. It is not merely an ideal but a practical command that impacts our daily lives. Understanding God's holiness as His perfect freedom from all evil should inspire us to pursue holiness in our own lives. This means that our actions, thoughts, and decisions should reflect the transformative power of Christ's salvation. Holiness is not about perfection but about a sincere effort to align our lives with God's will, knowing that His Spirit empowers us to overcome our sinful nature.

Holiness is a journey that requires daily commitment and intentionality. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we begin to see the areas of our lives that need transformation. This process involves both a conscious effort to turn away from sin and a reliance on God's grace to sustain us. By focusing on the joy and salvation we have in Jesus, we are motivated to live lives that honor Him and reflect His character to the world. [36:19]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "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.'"

Reflection: What specific areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to pursue holiness? How can you practically respond to this call today?

Day 2: Preparing Our Minds for Action

Peter instructs us to prepare our minds for action and be sober-minded. This means focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By girding up the loins of our minds, we prepare ourselves for the challenge of keeping our thoughts on Christ in a world full of distractions. This preparation involves a disciplined focus on God's truth and a conscious effort to reject thoughts and influences that lead us away from Him.

Being sober-minded requires vigilance and intentionality. It means being aware of the spiritual battles we face and equipping ourselves with God's Word and prayer. By setting our hope fully on the grace of Jesus Christ, we can navigate the challenges of life with a clear and focused mind. This disciplined approach helps us to stay grounded in our faith and to make decisions that align with God's will. [46:46]

Philippians 4:8 (ESV): "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to prepare your mind for action and stay focused on Christ throughout your day?

Day 3: Obedient Hearts

Our hearts should be obedient, not conforming to the passions of our former ignorance. This transformation involves living as new creations in Christ, making different choices in terms of what we consume, how we think, and how we act. Our obedience is a true test of our faith, demonstrating our commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings.

Obedience to God requires a willingness to let go of old habits and patterns of behavior that do not align with His will. It means being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and allowing Him to shape our desires and actions. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our hearts become more attuned to His voice, and we find joy in living a life that pleases Him. [52:22]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate obedience to God in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you need to seek His guidance and strength to make different choices?

Day 4: Mortifying Sin

We are called to mortify, or put to death, the sins of the flesh. This involves a twofold reality: actively putting to death sinful behaviors and relying on the Spirit to guide and empower us. Mortifying sin is essential for living a life that reflects God's holiness. It requires a conscious effort to identify and eliminate sinful patterns in our lives, while also depending on God's grace and strength to sustain us in this process.

Mortifying sin is not about achieving perfection but about a sincere commitment to pursue righteousness. It involves daily repentance and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds. By actively seeking to put to death the sins that hinder our relationship with God, we can experience the fullness of life that He desires for us. [55:20]

Colossians 3:5 (ESV): "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

Reflection: What specific sins do you need to put to death in your life? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you in this process?

Day 5: Partnership with God

Our growth in holiness is a partnership with God. Just as a farmer diligently pursues his responsibilities while relying on forces outside himself, we too must actively pursue holiness while depending on God's Spirit. This partnership enables us to become the people God has created us to be. It involves a balance of our efforts and God's grace, working together to transform our lives and reflect His character.

In this partnership, we are called to be diligent in our spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and serving others. At the same time, we must recognize that true transformation comes from God's Spirit working within us. By trusting in His power and guidance, we can grow in holiness and become more like Christ. [45:17]

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Reflection: How can you actively pursue holiness in your daily life while relying on God's Spirit? What spiritual disciplines can you commit to in order to grow in your partnership with God?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound call to holiness as outlined in 1 Peter 1:13-16. We began by expressing gratitude for the vibrant community and the various ways we support each other, especially through our children's ministry. The focus then shifted to the theme of "Living Hope," a concept Peter uses to encourage believers facing challenges and difficulties. We heard a moving testimony from Eric Bierenbaum, which set the stage for our deeper dive into the scripture.

Peter's letter, written to a community under Roman oppression, serves as a timeless guide for us. He emphasizes that our response to the salvation and joy we have in Jesus should be a life of obedience and holiness. This call to holiness is not just a lofty ideal but a practical command that impacts our daily lives. We explored what it means to be holy, understanding that God's holiness is His perfect freedom from all evil and His moral perfection. This divine attribute should inspire us to pursue holiness in our own lives.

We discussed the importance of preparing our minds for action and being sober-minded, setting our hope fully on the grace of Jesus Christ. This involves a disciplined focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Our hearts should be obedient, not conforming to the passions of our former ignorance but living as new creations in Christ. This transformation is a partnership with God, where we actively mortify sin in our lives while relying on His Spirit to guide and empower us.

The analogy of climbing Mount Everest was used to illustrate the daunting yet worthy pursuit of holiness. Just as climbers face insurmountable challenges, we too face the Everest of being holy as God is holy. Yet, we are not alone; Jesus carries us, enabling us to overcome our sinful nature and live in a way that reflects His glory.

###

Key Takeaways

1. minded. This means focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By girding up the loins of our minds, we prepare ourselves for the challenge of keeping our thoughts on Christ in a world full of distractions. [46:46]
3. Obedient Hearts: Our hearts should be obedient, not conforming to the passions of our former ignorance. This transformation involves living as new creations in Christ, making different choices in terms of what we consume, how we think, and how we act. Our obedience is a true test of our faith.

4. Mortifying Sin: We are called to mortify, or put to death, the sins of the flesh. This involves a twofold reality: actively putting to death sinful behaviors and relying on the Spirit to guide and empower us. Mortifying sin is essential for living a life that reflects God's holiness.

5. Partnership with God: Our growth in holiness is a partnership with God. Just as a farmer diligently pursues his responsibilities while relying on forces outside himself, we too must actively pursue holiness while depending on God's Spirit. This partnership enables us to become the people God has created us to be.

### [46:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:53] - Gratitude and Community
[29:08] - Introduction to 1 Peter
[34:11] - The Call to Holiness
[36:43] - Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-16
[37:14] - Understanding Holiness
[38:05] - The Everest of Holiness
[39:28] - Changing the World
[46:46] - Preparing Our Minds
[48:02] - Being Sober-Minded
[52:22] - Obedient Hearts
[55:20] - Mortifying Sin
[58:09] - Partnership with God
[62:23] - The Rescue Analogy
[71:24] - Final Encouragement
[72:32] - Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Peter mean by "preparing your minds for action" and "being sober-minded"? ([46:46])
How does Peter describe the transformation from our "former ignorance" to living as "obedient children"? ([52:22])
What analogy does the pastor use to illustrate the pursuit of holiness, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? ([38:05])
According to the sermon, what are the two aspects of mortifying sin in our lives? ([55:20])

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding God's holiness as His perfect freedom from all evil inspire believers to pursue holiness in their own lives? ([41:07])
What does it mean to "gird up the loins of your mind," and how can this be applied in a modern context? ([46:46])
How does the concept of being "obedient children" challenge the way we make daily choices and decisions? ([52:22])
In what ways does the partnership with God, as described in the sermon, help believers in their pursuit of holiness? ([45:17])

Application Questions

Reflect on your current mental and spiritual state. What specific steps can you take to "prepare your mind for action" and stay sober-minded in your daily life? ([46:46])
Identify an area in your life where you have been conforming to the passions of your former ignorance. What practical changes can you make to live as a new creation in Christ? ([52:22])
The pastor used the analogy of climbing Mount Everest to describe the pursuit of holiness. What are some "Everest-like" challenges you face in your spiritual journey, and how can you rely on Jesus to help you overcome them? ([38:05])
Mortifying sin involves both actively putting to death sinful behaviors and relying on the Spirit. What is one specific sin you struggle with, and how can you actively work to mortify it this week? ([55:20])
The sermon emphasized the importance of partnership with God in our growth in holiness. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God's Spirit in your daily walk? ([45:17])
Think about the distractions in your life that keep you from focusing on Christ. What is one practical step you can take this week to minimize these distractions and keep your thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable? ([49:25])
Reflect on the concept of being "obedient children." How can you demonstrate obedience to God in a specific area of your life where you have been resistant or hesitant? ([52:22])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We have a promised future, an eternal future that God has given to us that we know is secure because of what Jesus has done. And so that makes a difference in our everyday life." [34:35] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Friends, that can happen too in your life. That can happen in your life. That can happen in our country if we seek to follow Jesus faithfully." [35:34] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God's holiness is perfect freedom from all evil. His holiness is the perfection of all his other attributes. His power is holy. His mercy is holy. His wisdom is holy. It is his holiness more than any other attribute that makes him worthy of our praise." [41:07] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you're worried, look to Jesus. If you feel anxious, look to Jesus. If you feel angry, look at Jesus. Remember the hope to which you've been called." [49:25] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The earth is filled with the glory because of you. Because you who have been claimed by Christ, who have been rescued by His grace, look at the glory of God. Then you reflect the glory of God with your life." [01:11:24] (214 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "That's our desire is to learn more about Jesus and who he is and the actual real difference that a relationship with Jesus makes. And that's why we study the scriptures. That's why we investigate what the word says so that we can have a bigger picture of God. We can have a greater understanding of who we are, how we can navigate living in a really difficult world." [34:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Peter is calling them and us to be holy. Now what does it mean to be holy? Holiness is a really significant idea in the Bible because it's one of the main attributes of God. It's something that defines who he is. It describes both the majesty of God and the purity and moral perfection of his nature." [40:17] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We know that we can't attain holiness as long as we live. So we're always going to struggle with what theologians of old have called indwelling or remaining sin. But we also are called to pursue holiness. Paul in Romans 6.14 says, sin shall not be your master because you're not under law, but under grace." [44:45] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Pursue holiness by having a mind that is prepared and sober. Then Peter moves to make our hearts obedient. Obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. The word for passions literally means over-desires. It describes those lusts or longings that we have which are inordinate or excessive." [50:53] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It's not that we're going to be perfect in this life, but if we live according to the spirit, we're going to be perfect. According to the flesh, we're going to die. This is the other hand. Owen suggests that we are either actively mortifying sin or it is mortifying us. It's leading to our death." [56:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?