WHATEVER HAPPENED TO HOLINESS
Thanks for joining the conversation and growing together in Christ. I trust you will not only read and answer the questions on your own but you will add a comment and reply to others comments in the blog. Let's learn from one another this week as we explore 1 Peter 1 :13-16.
The book is written by Peter, one of three from the inner circle of disciples of Christ. He became a leader of the apostles and had an incredible ministry (read more in chapters one through twelve in the book of Acts). It seems Peter had help writing the letter benefiting from Silas (5:12). Peter sure seems to have be shaped by Christ from those earlier days of impulsiveness and acting before thinking. He writes from a pastors heart about some important matters in the Christian faith.
Paul is writing to a group of believers spread across a wide geographic region (v. 1) wanting to encourage and lift their spirits as they face many trials, persecutions and accusations. Even in the midst of difficulty Peter is calling them to live a life pleasing to God and to model God himself in his holiness. Verse sixteen seems impossible from a daily performance perspective for so many times we fall, fail and feel less than holy. Yet the command is given and thus it must be attainable.
How do you feel about such a command from God - be holy as I am holy?
What type of persecution exists in our culture today? Have you experienced persecution for your faith?
How important is it to know God's Word and commands and obey them?
In what ways does pursuing Christ help us grow to be more like him and experience holy living?
Read the entire chapter this week a few times and also read the second chapter in preparation for next Sunday.
Blessings as you study God's word this week.
4 comments:
Personally,it has been very important to me that I figure out what I believe in and value, and then make my choices based on those beliefs. I chose to believe in God and the Bible so I have to commit myself to learning and obeying. So my answer to the question is yes. My personal mantra is: Seek wisdom and understanding,, discern from the Truth, then choose the way that is right and good. Translated: learn and obey God's commands
Oops! I read the question as 'Is it important?'.... so answered yes..
How important is it?
So important that is will save my life
Is being ridiculed and having your opinion disregarded or discarded because it is grounded in the scriptures a form of persecution? If it is, then yes, I have experienced persecution.
The thought of persecution and holiness going together is not something I have heard much. Certainly the idea of faithfulness and devotion seem to go with persecution - to endure trials and challenges when they come.
I need to consider more about how times of persecution shape my faith and help me to be more holy.
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