Scripture: 1 Peter 1:14-16

14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Observation:

Vs. 14 — Peter gives us a contrast with a way of life when we were not redeemed and regenerated by Jesus.  “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance.”

Now we are children of God, born of the Spirit and the Father’s will.

Now we have a capacity for obedience that we lacked before.

This capacity for obedience in our behaviour is enlarged as we experience the relationship with God that the Gospel now makes possible:  we are called into relationship with the Holy God.    vs. 15

For now by the Gospel we have been made holy.  vs. 16  “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Application:  Be holy, but how?

Holiness has to do with relationships.  It is a quality of God that is reflected in His relationships.  He is without fault, uncleanness, or imperfection.  God is holy.

To be brought into relationship with God required the work of Jesus expressed in the Gospel.  Through this Gospel we are forgiven, cleansed, declared righteous, and brought into relationship with God through the work of Jesus Christ at the cross.

To be holy in my conduct, means that in my conduct in relationships begins to reflect the character of God.  The Law is helpful to let me see God’s vision for relationships.  However, the rules do not accomplish holiness in me.  It is the grace of God through Jesus’ love and power that establishes holiness.  Now “being” holy, is a product of relationship with God.

What He has worked into me, I must now work out.  The Spirit is empowering us to pushing back against the conforming mold of our sinful passions.

Prayer:     Oh Heavenly Father, Yes I agree with you! I know my sin and I am far from your holiness in my own strength.  Lord have mercy on me and continue your transforming work.  Without the Gospel of Jesus, I would be consumed by your holiness.  Instead you have forgiven me, and cleansed me.  Now by your power, let me BE holy!  Show me my relational patterns that are not holy and lead me in the way of Jesus.  AMEN.