holiness

‘For I am not ashamed’

Unless we are mindful of doing what pleases God, we will naturally do what pleases our self and senses.

Let’s be reminded of the preceding verses.

1Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

In our previous studies, we learned that we should most definitely expect challenges as followers of Christ. When we recognize what Jesus did for us, we have the opportunity through our own difficulties, because of faith in God’s grace, to offer up our lives as a sacrifice to Him. This should cause us to rejoice as we are assured of our relationship with God as His children and look forward to our future in Heaven with Him. The next two verses in this section of scripture continue building on the truths Peter has written.

Peter 4:15-16 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

We are to make certain that our suffering is not because of our own wrong choices. We can bring all sorts of unhappiness and difficulty into our lives simply because we are not careful to consider our actions. The admonition Peter uses is definitive – ‘make sure’, or in the KJV, ‘but let’. This is like saying, ‘You should in no way’, or ‘let none of you’. It is an intense instruction towards Christians. Notice there is no possibility of an exception using this imperative. Our text reads, ‘make sure that none of you’. This is important; this is absolutely necessary and worthy of our attention.

We are prone to explain our wrong behavior with the word ‘but’ or ‘they did …’. This puts blame for our sin on someone or something else. We are unable to control circumstances and others’ actions; however we can, in God’s strength, control our own behavior. We are to take special care that we do not cause our own problems brought on because of our own misguided doings. Some people can become highly creative in weaving all kinds of excuses and stories in order to make their own failures look like someone else’s problem. The reality is that God always knows the entire truth and our motivation.

How do you ‘make sure’ of something?

What parameters do you place around yourself to keep from causing your own problems?

“But let not any one of you, who have the honour to bear the Christian name, …”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

The quote above causes me to remember who I am representing. Ultimately, if I call myself a Believer, my life should reflect the character of one who is following Christ. It truly is an honor to live for Him; a privilege to be a Christian and to uphold the laws of God.

1Peter 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Consider. We may not be able to avoid suffering as a Christian, however we must avoid sin which causes suffering. We must be purposed and intentioned to act according to God’s ways. The emphasis is that we make a point of doing the right thing at all times. You can gather that this behavior does not always automatically happen. If we are unprepared and have our head somewhere up in the clouds, then we are likely to act without thinking. Unless we are mindful of doing what pleases God, we will naturally do what pleases our self and senses. We will answer criticism with harsh words and may even show our anger with physical gestures. Think of a child stomping their foot or someone clenching their fists.

The apostle addresses specific problems prevalent to the culture and lifestyle he saw around him. These were the obvious pitfalls at that time. This does not mean other forms of sin are excluded. In other words, we may be able to say we are not a murderer, thief, evildoer, or troublesome meddler; but this does not negate the general application of Peter’s admonition. Our words and actions should glorify God’s name.

We’ll quickly go through each defined behavior listed so that we are complete in our study. Murderer is exactly what we would think – it is homicide; an unlawful killing of another human being. A thief is someone who steals, who rips off another person, who takes something without the owner’s consent. An evildoer is a general term encompassing the first two descriptions of murderer and thief – basically we are not to be part of anything that will cause the hand of justice to come down upon us. This would include any criminal act, someone who is wicked or guilty of injustice and wrong. When we suffer as an evildoer, we choose to go against public law; punishment is our own fault, it is deserved.

If we repeatedly and intentionally go against God, we must take a critical look at our own heart motivation. Someone living for God will seek to glorify Him in all things. We will make mistakes and at times fail in our thoughts and actions, but this will not be our lifestyle. Instead, we will be characterized by seeking to follow God, asking forgiveness when we fail.

Think! How are you doing? Are your words and actions – including attitude and thoughts – pleasing to God?

Matthew 15:19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.

Mark 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

The last action we are warned against in 1Peter 4:15 is being a ‘troublesome meddler’. Basically, this is being a busybody in other people’s affairs. This may hit a bit closer to home. Whereas we might easily consider ourselves having no problems with purposefully breaking the law, most of us have at one time or another meddled with other’s concerns. Being a troublesome meddler is inspecting someone else’s decisions, often at the expense of paying attention to our own. Consider your thoughts, are they filled with things that don’t really concern you? Do you involve yourself in the matters of others, and tell them how to manage things?

We are not here to judge others; God does the judging. We are not here to point out all the injustices we see, especially those of unbelievers. We are not to be consumed with letting others know how they might have done better. Let’s not become so consumed with figuring out the intentions of others that we neglect to be mindful of our own. Have you been in a situation where someone shares gossip in the form of a prayer request or concern? Often, we do not need all the details of a circumstance dumped on us. Consider asking yourself what the purpose is of sharing something? Is it to edify or build up or to make yourself look better or injure someone’s reputation?

1Th 4:11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,

2Th 3:11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

1Ti 5:13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

Our text moves on to verse 16, explaining how we are to respond to suffering as a Christian.

1Peter 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

The words ‘but if’ suggest it is possible that Christians will suffer. Let’s look at what is meant by suffering as a Christian. Most of us would be able to place a definition on suffering, although how we might define suffering is probably a bit different and less intrusive than what was experienced when this epistle was written. This same word for ‘suffer’ is used in Acts 1:3, and is translated “passion”, of the suffering of Christ. Christians were persecuted directly because of their faith. The Jews had been subject to the Law and had built up a hierarchy of priests and religious leaders. Anyone contradicting the long-accepted sacrifices and rituals was seen as a threat. In fact, to say the Law was no longer needed was a direct contempt against Judaism. Yet Christ had come to abolish the Law and those who had left Judaism understood that faith alone in His death and resurrection was the only way to be saved. If you step back for a moment and place yourself in this volatile environment, you can almost feel the clashing of beliefs.

At this time in American society, we are not forced to follow one belief or another. We still have the freedom to choose Biblical Christianity without experiencing much discrimination, if any. Yet, in small ways, consider how you might experience difficulty because you are a Christian. Perhaps you have felt ostracized by friends or family because you no longer accept the same traditions. Even worse, you follow the Bible as your guide for living and there are clear instructions on what is right and wrong – many of which do not fit our culture today. In any case, whether we are speaking of Christians of old or modern-day, we are not to be ashamed of who we are and who we follow.

How would you describe someone who is ashamed? Looking up the definition in our English dictionary, we read it is “someone who is embarrassed or guilty because of their actions”. If we are innocent, there is no need to hang our head low or hide. Now consider, if we are utterly convinced Jesus is our Lord and Savior and that He is the only way to our redemption, then why would we be embarrassed? Why would we feel guilty? ‘Ashamed’ translated from the original text, means ‘to have a feeling of fear or shame which prevents a person from doing a thing’. This definition also holds the possibility of being ashamed before the Lord Jesus at His judgment seat or being ashamed of suffering as a Christian. Are we ashamed to be called a Believer? This begs us to contemplate if we are truly sold out to Christ. When push comes to shove, where do we stand? What do we proclaim? Have you ever backed away from an opportunity because of fear of what someone might think of you?

“But is to glorify God in this name.” We are to glorify God in our representation of Him. This means He is praised, and He is honored; His attributes, His actions and His name are lifted high. It is often easy for us to think ‘out of sight, out of mind’ when it comes to our decisions and the words we share. We seemingly think we place God in a pocket only to be taken out when we desire His blessings or need His intervention. It is good for us to remember there is never a moment in which we are separated from God in our relationship with Him. We are not to be ashamed of God – who He is and what He has done. We should be ashamed when our fear of man takes precedence over our representation of Jesus. We should be ashamed when we choose to follow a path of sin rather than live pleasing to our Savior. This is what the Apostle Peter was trying to get across to those who were suffering because of their faith. We cannot control the responses and actions of others, but we can trust in God’s strength which allows us to represent Him well, through good times and the not-so-good times. Adversity allows us an opportunity to give glory to God’s name as we stand firm in our faith and pursue righteousness. God’s holiness sets a standard for us to follow.

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Revelation 15:4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; for ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED.”

1Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Why do you call yourself a Christian? A Christian is a Christ-follower. Each of us is identified by the name given to us at birth. Many of us are identified by our strengths, likes, talents, character, and position. If you were to make a list of those things which would describe you, what would we read? Would Christian, Believer, God’s child, be at the top of your list? In fact, being a Christian should not only be at the top of our list but should be the overriding value of everything else which describes our character. We are to live in Christ; “Yet not I but through Christ in me”.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Purpose

Looking at our own application of these verses, we are to live in sincere holiness, desiring to follow God’s word at any cost. We are to honor Him and keep our focus towards our life with Him in the future – no matter the obstacles we might face in the present.

Continuing in 1Peter Chapter four we read the exhortations from Peter, written to the Jewish and Gentile converts, to live according to the example of Christ in doing God’s will. It is enough that they had been following sin; they were to turn from their former life even though there was pressure from others to continue in sin. Their sights were to be on God with whom they were ultimately held accountable. The apostle persists in assigning reasons to these Christians why they should live according to the will of God.

1Peter 4:6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to [the will of] God.

Recall, in 1Peter 3, we were referred back to the time of Noah and the opportunity that was given for all to believe while he was building the ark. Noah was ridiculed for his belief, and so too would these new converts be reproached for their faith. Christians may be judged wrongly according to men but regardless, must live according to the word of God.

1Peter 3:19-20 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits [now] in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through [the] water.

It is important for us to remember that God’s judgment is perfect, and all will be judged. This is motivation to live according to His will. Through faith and obedience those who lived before Christ were saved.

How often do we make decisions based on what others might expect or think rather than what God says? We can become too concerned about the judgement of others when we truly ought to be considering the will of God instead.

Spurgeon says this in his commentary, “Our departed brethren heard the gospel to this end that, though condemned to die by their cruel persecutors, they might win the immortal crown and glorify God as his witnesses”.

Are you living in the Spirit according to the will of God? Give an example of how this might change your thinking or actions.

Romans 8:9-10 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

Ephesians 2:3-5 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

1Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober [spirit] for the purpose of prayer.

This letter goes on to encourage the recipients in their purpose of living for the will of God. The ‘end’ means the point aimed at, the goal, or the conclusion. A few years after Peter wrote this epistle, Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. This marked “the end of the temple, the end of the Levitical priesthood, the end of the whole Jewish economy”, (Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

However, in a more general sense, and keeping with the Apostle’s encouragement to live in holiness, looking toward that final judgement, these words seem to point either to physical death or the prophetic end of Christ’s return. Each follower of Christ is to live in a manner which has more regard for what is to happen rather than focusing on the difficulties that weigh heavy in the present – because the end is near.

Perhaps a good question to ask ourselves is, ‘what are we living towards?’. Consider what direction you are headed. When you drive, you cannot go in opposite directions at the same time. You must choose one way or another.

Matthew 3:2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Matthew 24:13-14 "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.

Matthew 26:41 "Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Luke 21:34-35 "Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth.

James 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober [in spirit,] fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

2Peter 3:10-11 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

Revelation 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward [is] with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.

This is our charge to live in holiness while we await the day of Jesus’ return. He alone has the “power and authority to recompense every man according to what he hath done”, Poole. Are you prepared?

Be of sound judgment and sober [spirit] for the purpose of prayer. “Serious; thoughtful; considerate. Let a fact of so much importance make a solemn impression on your mind, and preserve you from frivolity, levity, and vanity”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

1Thessalonians 5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

1Thessalonians 5:8 But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

2Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

To be sober in spirit is to be of sound mind, to watch, to be aware. Our salvation is not to be taken lightly. Christ suffered and died for us; we are to live for Him.

“How strongly are vain and sinful men attached to the amusements and interests of this mortal life, and to the gratification of their lusts! But the important end of all things is at hand, when this earthly globe, and all things which are therein, shall be burnt up, when the eternal state of all its inhabitants shall be determined, and immutable happiness or misery shall be their final portion. Be sober, therefore, and watch against all occasions of intemperance and of impurity, and endeavour to preserve your souls in so divine a posture, as that you may be habitually qualified for joining in prayer and those other exercises of devotion, which have such an influence on our whole conduct”, Philip Doddridge N.T.

Does this mean we do not laugh or enjoy things around us? Where do your greatest affections lie? What are your goals, your motivations? One commentary reads, “Be ye therefore sober, temperate in all things, not inordinately pursuing nor immoderately using any thing in this world knowing how short the time is”, Thomas Haweis.

Mark 14:38 "Keep watching and praying, that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Romans 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

For the purpose of prayer. We are here to worship God, to give glory to Him in all things. Back up to 1Peter 4:6 and recall our purpose is to live according to the will of God.

Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

The KJV reads “and watch unto prayer”. Keeping close to God keeps us covered in His protection so that we do not fall into the temptations of the world. On our own we are weak and frail in our fight against sin. We need His power and strength to live worthy.

Even with the understanding of our need and the seriousness of our calling, there is an excitement of what is to come. There is joy to be had in the knowledge of our future in heaven and Christ’s return to earth. So, this is not a call to walk around in sackcloth and ashes; rather, it is a call to take your faith and your purpose seriously. God’s children have been appointed to live in holiness according to His will, and in His strength.

Living for God

Consider who you were before being saved and who you are now. Your pursuits, your way of thinking, and your priorities should be as different as night and day. Only God can change a soul to desire His holiness. This was true a few thousand years ago and remains true today.

1Peter 4:3-5 For the time already past is sufficient [for you] to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4 And in [all] this, they are surprised that you do not run with [them] into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign [you]; 5 but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Looking back to verses 1 and 2, we are to follow Christ’s example which is living for the will of God – this is our purpose. Our trajectory has been changed from a focus on self to a focus on holiness.

1Peter 4:3 paints a clear picture of the change that is wrought in someone who is following Jesus. The audience Peter writes to understands the former life he describes. He calls the believers to recognize the sin they had been entrenched in and tells them this way of life is now in the past.

‘For the time already past is sufficient [for you] to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles’ – the apostle is continuing his exhortation to live in the example of Christ, giving yet another argument or explanation of what they used to contrast with what they are to be now. Recall that the Gentiles had been actively involved in a sinful lifestyle which included all forms of idolatry. And the Jews had also fallen into the wiles of sinful behavior. The word sufficient does not mean this lifestyle was acceptable for a time; it does mean emphatically that it must not continue. This is like saying, ‘I’ve had enough already, it’s done!’. Think of all the time wasted in living a way that dishonors God. Once you are called to understand His truths, you are motivated to turn completely from your sin and move in the opposite direction.

Matthew Poole’s commentary suggests Peter’s words were “to stir them up to holiness by minding them of their former sinful life; ‘Ye are concerned to run well now, when ye have for so great a part of your time run wrong’.

One commentary reads, “for not even the past time ought to have been wasted in lust; but since you cannot recall it, at least lay out the future to better account”, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary.

Romans 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

Ephesians 2:1-2 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

Ephesians 4:17-18 This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;

Titus 3:3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

1Peter 1:14-15 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts [which were yours] in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all [your] behavior;

We could go on to investigate each corrupted behavior listed in 1Peter 4:3, but it seems better to look at them as a whole lifestyle of sin. Perhaps we are not able to identify with the specifics of the words used, however, we are able to identify with living for selfish desires. Consider who you were before being saved and who you are now. Your pursuits, your way of thinking, and your priorities should be as different as night and day. Only God can change a soul to desire His holiness. This was true a few thousand years ago and remains true today.

In this passage, the new converts, Jewish and Gentile Christians, are being reminded to live for Christ – behaviors quite different than before. When you change completely in your actions and thinking, those around you are either pleased and impressed and encouraged, or they are bothered and feel disdain because there is pressure on them to make a change also. When you no longer follow the ‘status quo’, you stick out, and it causes friction. This is the arena these new believers found themselves in. It is no different today.

Think of the culture we are in right now. What happens if you do not go along with majority thinking? The wording in the KJV for verse 4 reads, “wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them …” It is quite possible that others will think you are strange. Are you singled out for not having the same views? Do you think people are pressured to think and act in a way which accepts sin? There is a choice to make, are we choosing to glorify God with our lives despite any negative feedback?

Remember how the Jewish leaders acted when they saw others being drawn towards the Apostles’ teaching of Jesus? Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and [began] contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming. They felt threatened by this different thinking and were concerned that people were listening and perhaps they would become less important. So, they spoke against the truth. The response of Paul and Barnabas was to continue to boldly live for God. Acts 13:46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

The Apostle reminds the converts that they ultimately will answer to God for their actions. It is not for us to judge, but instead to share the truth because we know judgement is coming.

Acts 10:42 "And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.

Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Our purpose is to live for God. Your pursuits, the way you spend time, the words you share, should bring glory to His name.

Think of how God has changed you. Are you willing to stand for Him?

Unfortunately, it is easy to judge others. Yet what we are called to do is share the truth so that others are saved from God’s eternal judgment.

Praise God for what He has saved us from and what He has saved us to!

A Changed Heart

By God’s grace, when we understand and appreciate the truths of the gospel, we will cease to live in sin and will instead live according to His word.

1Peter 2:1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,

Look back to 1 Peter 1:22-25. 1 Peter 2:1-10 is a continuation of the exhortation in the previous chapter meant to encourage the converted Christians. They were surrounded by the world yet no longer of the world. The enticement to fall into sin was apparent however, their faith in following God was to be their strength and focus. We can relate. Because we have been redeemed by Christ, because the Holy Spirit is working in our life, we are changed, and that change should be displayed in our character. We are weak and wanting in moral strength, purpose, and courage, and our time on earth is short. God’s word is our strength, not lacking in anything, perfect and lasting forever. Therefore, we are to …

Put aside the behavior that was once ours. This means to cast off the thinking and actions that were consistent with our old self.

Ephesians 4:22-31

Romans 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Ephesians 5:11 And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;

Because the power of God’s hand has changed us, we should no longer practice or participate in the sin that once ruled our life. Christ has redeemed us, the Spirit is renewing us, therefore we are to be different, think different, and act different from the world around us. This is only possible through God’s power. Without God, we are unable to fight sin. The power to put off sin is a gift of our salvation.

Ephesians 3:16, “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man”.

Refer again to 1 Peter 1:22, “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart”. There was difficulty amongst those who had chosen to follow Jesus. The witness through their actions to those who opposed them was extremely important. Were others drawn towards God by their changed lives?

How about us? Do our lives point toward the holiness of God? Do we act in a consistent manner of God’s calling?

If our faith has been placed solely in Christ, we have blessings and privileges in Him to help us live in accordance with His truths in obedience. Peter specifically calls out the worldly behaviors he has seen among those he is addressing.

Malice <kakia> badness, depravity, malignity, trouble, evil, naughtiness, wickedness. This is to threaten evil, actively seeking to see others suffer, having a disposition to injure others without cause, from mere personal gratification, or from a spirit of revenge, -- Webster.

This is a general term for all sorts of evil, be careful to address it. We can quickly brush something off as not being a part of our life, yet we have all seen threats of evil against another and many of us are guilty, at least in thought, of the same. We cannot lay aside an error if we are unable to admit our fault.

Consider, have you ever been spiteful toward someone? One commentary says, “Malice delights in another’s hurt”, (JFB). This is in direct contradiction with the actions of a saved soul. Titus 3:3 addresses this sin, For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

Guile <dolos> trickery, craftiness, deceit, subtilty. Unfortunately, most of us understand manipulation. This is presenting something just a bit different than it truly is, in order to get someone to respond in a way that you desire. The use of the word guile here is to be shrewd or skilled in deception.

The familiar phrase ‘sly as a fox’ pertains to someone who is particularly crafty or tricky. According to Idioms by The Free Dictionary, this term means you are ‘especially devious or underhanded’. These actions are almost always for one’s own advantage. Something that is meant to deceive is fraudulent, an imposter, and purposes to hedge around the truth. Think of guile as the small print in a contract, or the part of a spoken commercial at the end where the words are so fast it is impossible to hear their meaning. Psalm 34:13 says, “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit”.

Hypocrisy <hupokrisis> acting under a feigned part. Deceit or dissimulation, to act falsely. This is pretending to be something you are not, in other words, saying one thing while doing the opposite. When your words are not supported by your actions you are a hypocrite. Someone who is insincere might give lip service, but their words are not supported by real conviction. This action may include flattery as someone might share positive words and actions yet think differently in their heart. Being a hypocrite is the opposite of being genuine.

Matthew 22:15-18 is an example, “Then the Pharisees went and counseled together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they *sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. "Tell us therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?”

Envy <phthonos> ill-will, jealousy, spite. We see this often, especially in politics. Maliciously attacking another in order to bring them down. The source of this behavior is strong jealousy which leads to a desire to see others suffer by causing them emotional pain or offence. Jealousy has a nickname, the green-eyed monster. According to Wikipedia, jealousy is often brought on by ‘feelings of insecurity, fear, and concern over a relative lack of possessions or safety’.

Read the instruction given in 1 Corinthians13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind, [and] is not jealous; love does not brag [and] is not arrogant”.

Do you have ill-feelings towards another’s welfare? A good question to ask ourselves may be ‘Am I able to rejoice with other’s accomplishments and blessings’?

How do you respond when your importance or position are threatened? Often you will see envy in the family structure, among children vying for attention, wanting to be the one who gets noticed. You may see this when extended family enters the picture through marriage. If you have grown children with spouses, are you able to be thankful for the attention given and time spent with another family?

Slander <katalalia> defamation, backbiting, evil speaking. Consider – have you been guilty of talking bad about another? Slander can be words that are falsely spoken that damage the reputation of someone. It can also be a purposeful attack on someone’s character or name. To slander someone is to falsely charge with malicious intent.

Are we careful with the words we use? Do we check our true motivation? Do we interpret someone’s actions without having all the facts? Do we check the source of our information or do we carelessly repeat what someone has said without thinking of the consequence? Do we readily listen to and believe gossip?

Slandering someone is the opposite of encouragement. It causes deep hurt and breaks trust between individuals. Read the exhortation in James 4:11, “Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge [of it]”.

If we are busy judging others, we are prideful. A heart of humility is most concerned about its own actions and purpose honoring God.

Each of the actions listed above are the rule of a life untouched by God’s grace. They are products of a life controlled by sin. They begin in the heart and are reflected in speech. We are to put away, cast off these behaviors.

Recall Ephesians 4:21-24, “if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth”.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary says the advice is to “lay aside or put off what is evil, as one would do an old rotten garment: ‘Cast it away with indignation, never put it on more’.

Colossians 3:8-10 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, [and] abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its [evil] practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.

In Hebrews 12:1, we are told to put away sin – “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us”.

The book of James gives us the same instruction, “Therefore putting aside all filthiness and [all] that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls, James 1:21”.

Are we aware of our sin?

Do we ask God to show us the subtilty of it so that we can address it?

Do we actively seek to turn away from sin and turn towards God?

1 Peter 2:1 connects to the chapter that precedes it. Because you are in Christ, for this reason, you are to put aside the former self which is dominated by sin. This is important because the only way we are able to fight the pattern of sin in our lives is through Christ. On our own we are weak and ill-equipped for the battle. By God’s grace, when we understand and appreciate the truths of the gospel, we will cease to live in sin and will instead live according to His word. Living in sin is inconsistent with living in Christ. A changed heart will seek to live in holiness.

Consider the symbolism of baptism. It is a picture of being cleansed from our old way of life, having the power of sin washed away and replaced by the power of grace.

Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship.

Be Sober, Be Ready, Be Focused

When we eat food, we nourish our body. When we take in God’s word, we nourish our soul.

1Peter 1:13 Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober [in spirit,] fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Because of the great privileges we have in Christ, we are to act accordingly. Make it count, use what is available, keep your mind set on the Truth. We have been entrusted with a valuable gift, and we are expected to care for it.

How is your life affected by God’s mercy?
How is your life effective for God’s message?

Three responses are highlighted –

Gird your minds for action,
Keep sober [in spirit],
Fix your hope completely on grace.

The KJV of 1 Peter 1:13 uses the phrase, “gird up the loins of your mind”. This refers to the garments typically worn in the culture of that time. When they traveled or worked, people needed to secure their long robes in order that they did not get in the way. It is preparation for what is at hand. Picture an individual pushing up the long sleeves of their shirt as they tackle a project.

Is your mind ready for action, fortified with Truth?

When we eat food, we nourish our body. When we take in God’s word, we nourish our soul. God’s love is real, trials will come, keep yourself prepared! In present culture this would be like saying ‘keep your head in the game’, or ‘stay focused’. We are to be ready with the blessings God has provided. When we do not remain focused on Christ, we cannot function according to His will.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,

Our current day definition of the verb ‘gird’ means to prepare oneself for a military confrontation. The word fortify is a good synonym. We are given a challenge to respond correctly using the benefits of our salvation – persevere, take effort to honor God in all things. Those before us payed close attention to the truths that were revealed to them. Family Bible Notes poses this question:

Are you attentive and steadfast in your faith and practice of the gospel?

When you prepare for something, it is a common practice to think ahead of the obstacles that may get in the way. While on this earth as a follower of Jesus, you are being prepared for heaven, your eternal life in God’s presence. There are many things that can hinder your walk with God and your growth in His truths. You must take the necessary steps to avoid those things that will cause you to lose your focus. We need to think ahead of how we will respond to adversity. We have an inheritance reserved for us (1 Peter 1:4); we have a race to run.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

1Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but [only] one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

The girdle was effectively used to tuck in long robes so that there was no physical hindrance to the work at hand. We need to be ready physically and mentally, hence the wording ‘gird up the loins of your mind’. The word mind is used for understanding and clarity. Matthew 22:37 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind”. Notice the word all in this scripture. All your mind is to be engrossed with truth from God’s word, then as you find yourself in the midst of trials (1 Peter 1:6), you will remain steadfast. Read Matthew Henry’s Commentary on girding up your mind, "Wherefore, since you are so honoured and distinguished, as above, gird up the loins of your mind. You have a journey to go, a race to run, a warfare to accomplish, and a great work to do; as the traveller, the racer, the warrior, and the labourer, gather in, and gird up, their long and loose garments, that they may be more ready, prompt, and expeditious in their business, so do you by your minds, your inner man, and affections seated there: gird them, gather them in, let them not hang loose and neglected about you; restrain their extravagances, and let the loins or strength and vigour of your minds be exerted in your duty; disengage yourselves from all that would hinder you, and go on resolutely in your obedience”.

After setting a course of action to be watchful, vigilant, and prepared, our text goes on with the exhortation to “keep sober [in spirit]. When we consider being sober, it is often associated with the effects of over-indulging in alcohol which leaves one lacking in their ability to think or act correctly. To be sober also means to be “dignified and somber in manner or character, committed to keeping promises”, according to WordWeb Dictionary. To keep sober is to see things as they are, while having the ability to respond accordingly.

Do you have an accurate awareness of the spiritual dangers and enemies that threaten to derail your efforts?
Do you show restraint against the thoughts, cares, and affections of this world?

One commentary gives this action, “Be sober-minded in opinion, as well as in practice, and humble in your judgment of yourselves” (MHCC).

Luke 21:34 "Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap;

2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober [spirit] for the purpose of prayer.

In light of the on-going events in our nation, with the Covid 19 pandemic, protesting, unrest, and restrictions, we, as Believers, have a charge to careful, concise, and controlled actions that are well-thought and purposed for God’s honor. Here is a quote from the commentary of Thomas Scott regarding 1 Peter 1:13, “… laying aside all carnal prejudices and superfluous cares, with such occupations, desire, and pursuits, as might prevent their clearly understanding, cordially choosing, and cheerfully obeying, the word of truth; and using all means of removing impediments, of invigorating holy affections, and of animating themselves and each other, in diligently serving and patiently suffering for Christ”.

Are you practicing holiness in your thoughts, responses, and actions in the current situation?

It is fitting to take a moment and look a bit deeper into the thought of “laying aside all carnal prejudices and superfluous cares …”. There is a need to act according to what God’s word says regardless of feelings or how something may inconvenience us. There are times when choosing to follow God will set you apart from what might be expected. We cannot allow popular opinion or the threat of being chided to cloud our thinking and decisions. To be sober means we are not allowing any influence other than the Holy Spirit to affect our thoughts, words, and actions. When we practice this, we will inevitably find ourselves asking the question ‘What does God’s word say’.

We keep sober by “fixing our hope completely on the grace to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ”. Our complete confidence is in God’s grace and the fulfillment of His promises. The hope a believer has is certain. It is trusting with a knowledge of God’s absolute consummation of His word. It is expectation and assurance without exception that your eternal destination is established and secure. Perhaps a good visual is thinking of the difference between nearsightedness and farsightedness. Hope that is fixed on Christ moves our focus from overwhelming concern for the troubles at hand to the overpowering peace of our future.

Are you near-sighted or far-sighted?

You have heard the phrase ‘tunnel vision’. According to one website, it is the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view. We do need to be aware of others as we serve, encourage, and share Truth. However, while we do live in this world, we are citizens of Heaven and our focus needs to be centered on Christ alone. We are to fix our hope completely, meaning without wavering, remaining secure and steadfast in the knowledge and understanding of the Gospel.

The only way it is possible to have certain hope that absolutely cannot fail is through God’s grace – His divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life of one who believes. Your salvation is secure therefore your hope will be continuous and steady as it remains fixed on the only thing that will never change, Jesus our Lord and Savior. Adam Clarke’s Commentary uses this explanation, we are to “continue to expect all that God has promised, and particularly that utmost salvation, that glorification of body and soul, which ye shall obtain at the revelation of Christ, when He shall come to judge the world”. This truth is a great answer for the question, ‘How can an individual be joy filled in the midst of trials?’ Because the foundation of faith in Christ does not change, the benefit of salvation remains certain.

We are to remain strong in the hope we have in the gospel. When circumstances seem topsy-turvy, when promises are broken, when poor decisions wield their consequences, and even amidst pandemic outbreaks, rioting, county-wide curfews, and all other opposition and temptations, we can still hold close to our hope. This was the charge given to those who were suffering because they had followed the Truth, and it is our charge given from the Word. Hall’s Explication of Hard Texts says, “perfectly and constantly hope for the full accomplishment of that grace and happiness, which partly is and perfectly shall be brought unto you in the revelation of Jesus Christ”.

Back up to 1 Peter 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We have a living hope! It is not dead, but active. Fix your hope completely, without wavering.

Are you confident in the promises of Christ?

Hebrews 3:5 Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ [was faithful] as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.

Romans 15:4, 13 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope … Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a [hope] both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,

2 Timothy 4:8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Hebrews 10:35-36 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

APPLY IT!

Keep your mind centered on Christ.
Be careful to respond according to God’s Truths.
Stay focused on the fulfillment of God’s promises and your future in Him.

What actions will you take to ensure you are prepared?

Obedience –> Holiness

As we seek to know God and follow Him, our actions on the outside will reflect the change God has wrought on the inside. The inside transformation of our soul will show in the outward actions of our life.

Obedience demands that we do not follow worldly ways. Instead, we are to live holy in all our behavior (v. 15-16).

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;

What does it mean to be holy?

We are to be physically and morally blameless. We are to strive to be like Jesus. This is only possible through His redemption of our soul. God is holy, He is perfect and pure. He is the One who called your name as His child. He is the one who has called you into understanding and faith in Christ. As His child, receiving all the benefits of His salvation, you also receive the means to be like Him, to imitate His character.

Specifically, what is mentioned is behavior, or all manner of conversation (KJV). People aptly take on the persona of those they admire. Look around and notice that styles of dress, speech, and even food begin with following someone’s example that another thought highly of. If you profess to follow Jesus, it is imperative that your entire life points to His holiness. We need to learn about Him so that we can imitate Him. We have examples to follow throughout the word of God. Read what Paul tells the Corinthian church, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). It is impossible for us to be perfectly holy, yet we are to endeavor to follow the pattern set before us and practice holiness in every area of our life. We are holy because we belong to God; our actions should increasingly speak of our inward salvation. Our thoughts should be held captive by Truth, and our words should honor God. As we seek to know God and follow Him, our actions on the outside will reflect the change God has wrought on the inside. The inside transformation of our soul will show in the outward actions of our life.

2Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Notice the word all in 1 Peter 1:15. All means everything, it is inclusive to your whole behavior. Matthew Poole’s Commentary has this explanation of all, “with whomsoever ye converse, believers or infidels, friends or enemies, relations or stranger; and in whatsoever condition ye are in, peace or trouble, prosperity or adversity”.

How are you seeking holiness?

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:12-16 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for [His] good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Focus Heavenward.

Tag: holiness

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