Intentional Holiness

1 Peter 1:13-16

Verse 14  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

    Yesterday we discussed how obedience to the teachings of Jesus gives us the foundation needed to live as God desires us to live.  But what does that look like in practical terms?

    Peter was no stranger to the dangers that can arise by radically obeying Jesus’ teachings.  He had a front row seat to the persecution that the early church was subjected to.  He eventually was put to death because of his obedience to Christ.  In today's key verse he speaks of this obedience being as that of children.

    Children are expected to obey their parents and yet we tend to live as if our obedience to God is optional.  We obey the commands that we agree with and that won't make us stick out as odd.  We don't like to think that God would want us to obey if it means we would be uncomfortable, but God isn't concerned about our comfort, He is more concerned about our faithful obedience as that reveals our love for Him.

    Peter explains in this verse that obedience takes being intentional about conforming to God instead of conforming to this world.  This clarification draws a distinct line in the sand about what does and doesn't qualify as acceptable obedience.  Peter continued by saying that we are to be holy as God is holy.

    Holiness is something that God is known for, but as His children shouldn't we be reflecting that holiness?  Obedience – the way God desires it – is living in a way that glorifies Him and His purity.  It really comes back to the fact that we aren't to be living for ourselves.  Peter knew the difference between saying we will be obedient and actually being obedient.  Peter had told Jesus that he would live for Him even if it meant death and then within 12 hours he denied even knowing Jesus.

    Peter understood that disobedience is honestly a matter of denying Christ and His role in our lives.  Peter’s words to us in the passage before us today were given knowing the separation that comes from denying Christ.  We need to heed Peter’s words and understand our need of intentional, radical obedience.

Making It Personal

    What is holding you back from radical obedience?  Which is greater, your fear of God or man?  Which should you fear more?

Making It Personal Kids

    What does being holy mean?  Is obeying Jesus very important?  How often does Jesus want you to obey?

Closing Prayer

    Father, we are beginning to see how important it is to obey You fully and wholeheartedly.  Give us wisdom to know the truth of who we are obeying so we will know if it isn't You.  In Jesus' name, amen.