Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: 1 Chronicles 18-20
     New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 1

Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy (1 Peter 1:13-16)

In the upper room at the Last Supper, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, Simon, look out. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers (Luke 22:31-32).

Jesus’ words came true as Satan did sift Peter like wheat. Peter understood persecution. Beaten and jailed. Threatened and punished. He knew the sting of the false word and the angry whip. He’d seen enough to know what it takes to stay strong in tough times. The two letters he wrote could be titled “Peter’s Survival Manual”. Not only did Peter strengthen his brothers, through these letters Peter still strengthens us today.

His counsel may surprise you. His counsel may sustain you. It may be just what you need so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (v7).

Peter’s emphasis is for Believes to walk in hope and to walk in holiness. Here in verses 13-16, Peter presents to his readers three spiritual incentives to encourage them to maintain a different lifestyle, a holy walk in a polluted world.

First is the Glory of God at the revelation of Jesus Christ (v13). Christians are to live in the future tense. Their present actions and decisions are to be governed by the future hope of Christ’s return. Christians are to live with the expectation of seeing Jesus Christ when He comes in glory in the clouds.

A Christian who is looking for the glory of God has a greater motivation for present obedience than the Christian who ignores the Lord’s return. Looking for Christ to return strengthens our faith and hope during difficult days.

The next incentive is the holiness of God. Children inherit the nature of their parents. God is holy, therefore, as His children, we should live holy lives. As obedient children, … the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct (v14-15). As Believers, we are to be holy (set apart) for God in our character and conduct.

Our third incentive is the Word of God. It is written(v16) is a statement that carries great authority for the Believer. God’s Word is a sword for battle (Eph 6:7) a light to guide us (2Pet 1:19, Ps 119:105) food that strengthens us (Matt 4:4, 1Pet. 2:2) and water that washes us (Eph 5:25-27)

Scripture reveals:
~  God’s mind, so we should learn it.
~  God’s heart, so we should love it.
~  God’s will, so we should live it.
The Word of God should control our mind, heart, and will.

We are not to study the Bible just to get to know the Bible better. We should study the Bible so that we might get to know God better. It is good to know the Word of God, but it is far superior to know the God of the Word!