#2 – Prepare Your Mind for Action
1st Peter 1:13-16 – Victory Fellowship
April 23, 2023 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
I. Introduction: “Not our Home”
Have you noticed that the world (our culture) is increasingly hostile to the faithful, conservative Christian? People of faith in Jesus Christ are being criticized, even condemned for their biblical values and worldview. The New Testament Epistle, 1st Peter, reveals that there is nothing new under the sun. Peter's audience in the early 60's A.D. was being severely persecuted for their faith. The Holy Spirit inspired Peter to share encouragement with them (and us) for how to live out our faith in such an environment. The next few weeks I will share insight from Peter's letter to the churches in Northern Asia Minor. As Peter relates, there is hope of a better home awaiting - this world is not our home.
a. It might sound simplistic, but our present circumstances are largely due to choices we have made – good, bad, or indifferent.
b. In our Christian walk, the level of our faith, the depth of our spirituality, and the holiness of our conduct is a result of the things we choose to do or not do, and of the choice and decisions we make on a daily basis.
II. Relating the text:
a. In vs 13 Peter says, “Therefore” (go back to see)
9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.
12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
b. Peter says that the result of our faith is salvation.
i. He is informing the persecuted churches in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia [Modern day Turkey] that no matter what, they should cling to their salvation. So should we!
c. The most important thing we can do in this unholy culture is to choose to cling to our salvation and nurture our faith and daily walk with Jesus Christ.
d. Our salvation is no trivial thing.
i. It was spoken of by the prophets before they knew Who the Messiah would be.
ii. It is a message from Heaven revealed by the Holy Spirit – good news that springs eternal.
iii. Even the angels are fascinated by it. Vs. 12 parakuptw parakupto – “stoop down to take a peek”
e. After all this we get Peter’s “therefore.” So, since it spoken of by the prophets, and since it was revealed by the Holy Spirit, and since it is an eternal salvation sent from heaven, and since it is such good news that even the angels want to bend over to look at it – Peter says therefore, BE HOLY!
f. That’s a summary. He actually says,
13 Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and 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 desires of your former ignorance. 15 But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.
III. Application:
a. Peter encourages the churches facing very life-threatening, trying times, to be prepared to make choices that result in holy conduct. Choose holiness! Make up your mind to do so.
i. Choosing holiness in heart and life requires obedience.
b. Peter concludes with a quote from Leviticus 19:2.
i. We make a choice to conform to the will of God in our life, and the Holy Spirit assists us in our action.
IV. Conclusion
a. Jesus says in Matthew 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
i. We can’t do that on our own.
b. We have the blood of Jesus to wash us clean of sin and the Holy Spirit to guide and equip us.
c. Peter and Jesus aren’t talking about a works righteousness. Jesus isn’t dangling us in the air waiting to catch us with the wrong answer.
d. He just wants our daily choice to be His way and not our own. He wants us to choose holiness and He will help us.
e. Do we have a heart after God? Have we set our minds on Christ?
COME for PRAYER and ANOINTING
SONG: Heart of God (Zach Williams)
