1 Pe. 1:13-16
I suppose this one of the hardest concepts to grasp in a meaningful way. Both the Jews and the Greeks understood the concept of holy. To be holy is to be devoted entirely to the deity or the work of the deity. They had temples and objects that were physical, visible, and recognizable. The culture around them recognized that "this" or "that" is devoted to "the god". While the gods that were being recognized were most often not gods at all, the concept of holy was present. In our culture, we struggle with the concept as God wants it. God is not concerned about a holy building anymore. He is not concerned about holy lampstands, basins, or even arks and altars. God is concerned about his holy people and his holy dwelling, which are the same thing. Oh, that I could completely recognize my call to holiness throughout my day!
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, [1] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Footnotes
[1] 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind
Footnotes
[1] 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind
- What does the "therefore" connect to? [Consider previous days passages]
- What is involved with girding your minds for action?
- What action is expected? - What is involved in keeping sober in spirit?
- How completely is your hope fixed on the grace to come?
- When will you receive this grace?
- What other things compete as anchors for your hope? - How does obedience relate to not conforming to lusts?
- Why does Peter call them "former lusts"?
- What is involved in dealing with or getting rid of lusts? - What is contrasted with being conformed to lusts?
- What is holy behavior?
- How often do you consider yourself holy?
- Why is being holy sometimes seem impossible?
- Why are you to be holy?
- What are the implications of your not being holy?
- How often is your goal to be holy?
- How often is your goal to fit in with your friends and neighbors?
I suppose this one of the hardest concepts to grasp in a meaningful way. Both the Jews and the Greeks understood the concept of holy. To be holy is to be devoted entirely to the deity or the work of the deity. They had temples and objects that were physical, visible, and recognizable. The culture around them recognized that "this" or "that" is devoted to "the god". While the gods that were being recognized were most often not gods at all, the concept of holy was present. In our culture, we struggle with the concept as God wants it. God is not concerned about a holy building anymore. He is not concerned about holy lampstands, basins, or even arks and altars. God is concerned about his holy people and his holy dwelling, which are the same thing. Oh, that I could completely recognize my call to holiness throughout my day!
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