The Demonstration of Your Salvation 1Peter1:13-19
The grace of God that provides for salvation (of those who receive it by faith) in Jesus Christ was preached to the sojourners to whom Peter wrote and, by reapplication, to us who have been chosen by God. All who have been saved have been saved by the Grace of God, the Father demonstrated by Jesus, God the Son, and revealed by God the Holy Spirit. The initiative and the power for salvation are all of God. But there is still responsibility on the part of the recipients of salvation. We are to continue in HOPE, HOLINESS, and HONOR.
THE OBLIGATION OF HOPE v.13
Hope versus Faith
Faith – focuses on what God has already said and done in His revealed Word ... trusting God in the present. (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:20)
Hope – anticipates what God will do as promised in the Scripture ... future faith for what is to come. (Hebrews 3:6)
Rest Your Hope Completely on Grace to Come
Put all your eggs in one basket (a command from God) – looking forward to / anticipating your inheritance reserved in heaven (vv.3-5).
Prepare Your Mind for Action (NIV & NASV) – Pull in all loose ends - Matthew 6:33
Keep self controlled (sober) – by the Word and by the Spirit. Colossians 3:16 – the Word dwelling; Ephesians 5:18 - the Spirit filling
“Amen. Come Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20b; The expected attitude of those who have received God's gift of salvation - 2Timothy 4:8b “...who love His appearing.”
THE OBLICATION OF HOLINESS vv.14-16
Obedience that characterizes every true child of God (Ephesians 2:10) distinguishes them from non-Christians - “sons of disobedience” (Ephesians2:2)
Obedience and holiness is the longing of a new heart. Effort is necessary to live holy while while our redeemed spirit is locked in a fleshly body where sin still dwells. So ...
Do not be conformed to your past lusts connected to ignorance of God and His power and grace.
Change your mind. Colossians 3:1-10; Romans 12:2
Do be holy...other as God is other Matthew 5:48 (not like the rest re. v.47)
Holiness that shows off God...because:
You are in relationship with God.
You bear the image of God Colossians 3:10; Romans8:29
Roadkill on the information highway: Porn is not OK.
Free internet filtering @ www.safefamilies.org
LIFE TRANSFORMATION GROUPS – two or three people of same gender, meet weekly, discuss daily Bible reading, ask each other character-building questions, pray for pre-Christian family and friends.
THE OBLIGATION TO HONOR v.17
If you call God “Father” Roman 8:15; Galatians 4:6
“Fear” = reverence, awe, respect Hope and holiness produce a life of worship. Proverbs 9:10, 14:26-27; Hebrews 12:28-29; Revelation 14:7
God is keeping records – even of believers (future) 1Corinthians 3:10-15; 4:3-5; 2Corinthians 5:9-10 (for now) 1Peter 4:17; Hebrews 12:5-11
Believers' conduct matters for now and eternity 1Thessalonians2:10-12
