Shaped by Divine Influence: A Call to Holiness

In our journey through life, we are constantly being shaped and molded by various influences. As we delve into the teachings of First Peter, we are reminded of the call to holiness, a call that requires us to fashion ourselves not after the old patterns of ignorance and lust, but after the new, holy pattern set by God. This transformation is not a passive process; it requires active participation and a conscious decision to expose ourselves to the divine influences that shape us into the likeness of Christ.

Human nature is inherently fluid, much like clay in the hands of a potter. This fluidity means that we are not fixed or finished products; we are continually being shaped and reshaped by the choices we make and the influences we allow into our lives. The hope of change is a powerful motivator, reminding us that no matter how deep in sin we may find ourselves, transformation is always possible. This hope is not just for the addict or the sinner, but for every believer who seeks to grow in holiness.

The process of being fashioned into the image of Christ involves a deliberate exposure to the right influences. Just as a person gets a suntan by exposing themselves to the sun, we are shaped by exposing ourselves to the divine powers that work within us. However, we must be cautious of the influences we allow into our lives, as they have the power to shape us for better or worse. The literature we read, the music we listen to, the pleasures we indulge in, and the friends we keep all play a role in shaping our character.

Ultimately, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, to discern and live out the good, perfect, and acceptable will of God. This transformation is a lifelong journey, one that requires us to be vigilant and intentional about the influences we allow to shape us. Let us strive to be fashioned into vessels of honor, reflecting the holiness and glory of our Creator.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Fluidity of Human Nature: Our nature is not fixed; we are like clay, constantly being shaped and reshaped. This fluidity means that change is always possible, offering hope to those who feel trapped in sin or despair. As long as we are alive, we have the potential to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. [04:56]
• 2. Active Participation in Transformation: Transformation requires our active participation. Just as a person must expose themselves to the sun to get a suntan, we must expose ourselves to divine influences to be shaped into the image of Christ. This involves a conscious decision to engage with the right influences and reject those that lead us away from God. [16:05]
• 3. Influences That Shape Us: The literature we read, the music we listen to, the pleasures we indulge in, and the friends we keep all play a significant role in shaping our character. We must be intentional about the influences we allow into our lives, as they have the power to mold us for better or worse. [23:51]
• 4. Hope of Change: The hope of change is a powerful motivator, reminding us that transformation is always possible. No matter how deep in sin we may find ourselves, we can be changed and shaped into the likeness of Christ. This hope is not just for the addict or the sinner, but for every believer seeking to grow in holiness. [07:30]
• 5. Lifelong Journey of Transformation: Being transformed by the renewing of our minds is a lifelong journey. We must be vigilant and intentional about the influences we allow to shape us, striving to be fashioned into vessels of honor that reflect the holiness and glory of our Creator. [35:24]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - Call to Holiness
• [00:35] - Positive and Negative Truths
• [01:50] - Fashioning Ourselves
• [03:22] - Human Nature as Fluid
• [05:13] - Hope and Change
• [08:06] - Not a Finished Product
• [12:18] - Conversion and Fluidity
• [14:12] - Divine and Secondary Powers
• [17:21] - Exposing to Wrong Influences
• [23:20] - Eight Influences That Shape Us
• [27:09] - Music and Its Impact
• [29:21] - Language and Friendships
• [32:09] - Thoughts and Their Power
• [34:21] - Final Exhortation

1. 1 Peter 1:14-16 - "As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
2. Romans 12:2 - "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

1. What does 1 Peter 1:14-16 say about the pattern we should follow in our lives? How does this relate to the concept of holiness? [00:16]
2. According to the sermon, what does the metaphor of clay and the potter illustrate about human nature? [04:01]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of divine influences in our transformation into the likeness of Christ? [16:05]
4. What are some of the influences mentioned in the sermon that can shape our character, either positively or negatively? [23:51]

1. How does the concept of being "fashioned" relate to the idea of transformation in Romans 12:2? What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of our minds? [35:24]
2. The sermon mentions that human nature is fluid and can be shaped. How does this understanding provide hope for those struggling with sin or addiction? [07:30]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christians can actively participate in their own transformation? How does this compare to the passive approach of simply waiting for change to happen? [16:05]
4. How does the sermon address the potential negative influences in our lives, and what strategies are suggested for dealing with them? [19:11]

1. Reflect on the influences in your life, such as the books you read or the music you listen to. Are there any that you feel are shaping you in a way that is not aligned with your faith? How can you address this? [23:51]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of exposing ourselves to divine influences. What practical steps can you take this week to increase your exposure to these positive influences? [16:05]
3. Consider the friendships you cherish. Are there any relationships that might be pulling you away from your spiritual goals? How can you navigate these relationships while staying true to your faith? [29:55]
4. The sermon talks about the hope of change. Is there an area in your life where you feel stuck or hopeless? How can the message of transformation and fluidity encourage you to seek change? [07:30]
5. Think about the ambitions you entertain. Are they aligned with the call to holiness and the will of God? What adjustments might you need to make to ensure your ambitions reflect your faith? [28:46]
6. The sermon suggests that we can use negative experiences as motivation to pursue holiness. Can you identify a recent negative experience and consider how it might be used to strengthen your faith? [20:00]
7. How can you be more intentional about renewing your mind daily? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your routine to support this transformation? [35:24]