Bible Chapter: I Peter 1

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    When we believe in Jesus we have the gift of salvation.  This includes a living hope, the promise of being with Jesus here on earth and then spending eternity with Him.  Because Jesus resurrected from the grave we are filled with hope for eternity.  When a believer dies, we can rest with confidence knowing where they are.
    There is a powerful challenge to how we are to live our lives.  We are to be prepared for action, to live life after Christ’s example of holiness.  We are commanded to not conform to the evil world around us, but to live a holy life.  There always seems to be pressure to conform to what everyone else is doing.  But, when that conforming includes participation in sin, we must reject it.  God expects believers to be holy.  This is living separated from ungodly patterns in the world and set apart for God.  We have been saved by the precious blood of Christ.  It was the most costly sacrifice in the history of the world and we must not cheapen it by playing around with sin.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The topic of holiness and what it means has been debated hotly over the decades.  Some think the goal of being holy is so unreachable that they don’t even try.  Yet, this chapter tells us to be holy.  So, what does it mean and how can I apply it?
    The simple response to that question is the goal to be like Jesus, to live a Christlike life.  While we will never be perfect, we can grow in the attributes He expressed.  Jesus lived a life separate from sin.  He was a friend of sinners, but didn’t participate in their sin.  A holy life is committed to Jesus.  A holy life is striving to mature spiritually.  A holy life recognizes the cost of the blood of Jesus on the cross and won’t defile that sacrifice.  A holy life looks forward to eternity with Jesus.
    We must not be overwhelmed by the concept of living a holy life, we must simply pursue the life that pleases Jesus.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help encourage those who claim Jesus to see that we all can live a holy life.  Many continually get discouraged by the battle.  We don’t have to give up, but we can continually focus on Jesus and live a life of a spiritual overcomer.