Called to be holy
Warm-up: Can you remember how your parents explained to you why you should love your siblings? How do you explain this to your children?
Read: 1 Peter1:10-2:3
1) What is the “therefore” in v13 there for? i.e. How does v13 relate to the previous passage?
- While NIV translates ‘self-controlled’, the context asks for the word ‘sober’ (in thinking). Why does the situation of the readers call for active and sober minds ? cf vv6-7
- Hint: v10; v13b How does a slothful mind think of (or object to) grace? (e.g. Ro 6:1-2) To follow the example of the prophets and apostles, what action is expected of our minds? What characterized the sober thinking that Peter had in mind?
2) According to the following verses, what will an active and sober mind accomplish? What is a sound theology (knowledge of grace) good for in real life?
- v14: What are ‘passions of former ignorance’?
- What does it mean to not conform to such passions any longer?
- Should we expect any desires to vanish once we begin to live by faith?
3) vv14-18: Why can those who have learned of God’s grace and of the freely granted pardon in Christ no longer live in peace with such passions?
- v14, As obedient children: What role does this relationship play?
- v15, he who called you: What practical difference does it make to be called?
- v16, be holy in all you do because I am holy: What do you find powerful in this argument?
- v17, you call on a Father who judges each man impartially: What is the impact of knowing this? Why is Peter talking of potential punishment?
- v18: whose punishment did he have in mind?
4) Why did Peter seek to promote the “moral strength” of his readers by reminding them of their redemption?
- How did he define ‘redemption’?
- vv18-19, For you know…: If he knew that we know, why did he bring it up anyway?
- What effect does it have to be reminded time and again?
- v21: Why did he remind them that even faith in God is a gift ?
5) v22-25, How could Peter hope that the gospel of God’s free grace will spur believers on? Why was he not afraid that it makes them careless and lazy?
- What did Peter expect God’s word to accomplish, v23?
- What is God’s word: Did Peter mean the Lord Jesus, or his message, v25?
- Hint: What happens if you replace “word” by “Lord” in the quote from Isa 40:6-8?
- v23: Does the message of Jesus have the power to convert unbelievers? cf Jn 5:25-26; Eph 1:13; Ro 10:17
6) Personal & application
- Summarize in your own words how Peter motivated believers to make every effort to grow in grace (v13), in purity (v14), and in loving one another (v22)
- Do you think of the gospel’ as a message for believers or as one for unbelievers? Why?
- How does the gospel differ from self-help programs in how it seeks to mold you into the image of Christ?
- To promote love in the lives of your children (or anybody else in your sphere of influence), do you communicate the gospel? Or do you expect good behavior to come from preaching ‘morality’?
- Why is the latter so easy to fall into? [Needs no Christ => gives no offense]
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