Endure Part 2
“Changing Behavior”
1 Peter1:13-25
Last week we learned how to carry our trials and trouble instead of simply trying to unload them.
He (Peter) spoke to us about the great gift of salvation and how life is not always about conquering; it is also about enduring! He gave us two simple points on how to endure in days of great pressure and pain; focus on hope and attach purpose to your trail. In verses 1-12 Peter wanted us to believe; now in verses 13-25 he wants to show us how our behavior is changed because of what we believe. Our behavior hinges on what we believe; behavior is hallow without belief. God does not want just your behavior; He also wants your belief.
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance.
The first change in behavior Peter mentions is a fresh call to action. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action…” The New king James says “gird up the loins of your mind.” What does this mean? Turn the robes of your mind into sweat pants so you can run and move about freely and quickly without tripping.
“…keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Peter is giving us an image of not being drunk when it comes to spiritual things. Sober implies alertness, and evaluating things correctly, because you see clearly, and your mind isn't numb with intoxicating influences.
15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” God has called you; it is time to stop looking back and put away the labels people have given you. Stop living in past moments that have been defeating you and realize that God knows your name and created you with a purpose.
“…be [holy yourselves] also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Holiness is not a word we use any more, but I believe we need to bring it back into our conversations.
“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” My holiness hinges on His Holiness. The holiness of God is both the pattern and the ground for our holiness. We are being called to be like God in His holiness; we are being called to walk like Christ!
Why is holiness important? Why does it play such an important part in our sanctification, shaping our behavior? Holiness is influence. Holiness reflects Jesus, which will enable you to shine His light to a world that does not know Him. Our influence will be dictated by holiness! Holiness affects intentions. In holiness you want to be shaped in His image; you want to be like Him; you want people to see Him when they look at you. You want to be pleasing to Him!
2 Corinthians 5:9 “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. There is nothing I can do to make Jesus love me more, but it is up to me how pleased He is with me.
1 Peter 1:17-21 “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality [judges] according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers. 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality [judges] according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; Peter now wants the church to have a new perspective on God.
Peter calls Him Father then He calls Him judge; then he tells us to conduct ourselves on this earth with fear. (This would be a reverent fear.) A new perspective on God will bring His pattern. What is His pattern? Order, glory and judgment. We all want His glory, but before God can manifest His glory, there must be divine order. Once His glory is revealed, there is great blessing; but once His glory is revealed, any irreverence, disorder, or disobedience will be met with immediate judgment.
The church in America needs a new perspective of God and His greatness. The more extensive our comprehension of God’s greatness, the greater our capacity will be for the fear and reverence of Him!
Psalm 89:6-7 “For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord? 7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.
Psalm 19:9 “The fear of the Lord is [clean], enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are [true]; they are righteous altogether.
God is restoring order in His house; when that order is completely restored, He will show His glory. When He pours out His Spirit and reveals His glory great blessing will come; yet at the same time greater and swifter will be the judgment of irreverence!
Hebrews 10:30-31 “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Receive a fresh call to action; Get a new perspective on God and His divine pattern! Where we have been and where we are right now is not where we are headed! Raise your eyes and look up; allow Him to bring divine order, which will prepare the way of the Lord, making you ready for His glory and judgments.
Numbers 14:21 “But truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord