1 Peter 1:13-19 – "Exercising a Biblical Worldview"
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I. Introduction
I. Introduction
A. “People are basically good.”
A. “People are basically good.”
“Feelings, experience, or the input of friends and family should be your most trusted source of moral guidance.”
“Feelings, experience, or the input of friends and family should be your most trusted source of moral guidance.”
“Having faith matters more than which faith you have.”
“Having faith matters more than which faith you have.”
“All religious faiths are of equal value.”
“All religious faiths are of equal value.”
“If a person is good enough, or does enough good things, they can earn their way into heaven.”
“If a person is good enough, or does enough good things, they can earn their way into heaven.”
“The Holy Spirit is not a real, living Being but is merely a symbol of God’s power, presence, or purity.”
“The Holy Spirit is not a real, living Being but is merely a symbol of God’s power, presence, or purity.”
“Determining moral truth is up to each individual.”
“Determining moral truth is up to each individual.”
“There are no moral absolutes that apply to everyone, all the time.”
“There are no moral absolutes that apply to everyone, all the time.”
B. “The vast majority of American adults (69%) self-identify as ‘Christian’ and embrace many basic tenets of the faith. But a closer look shows that at the same time, many in this group hold views clearly in conflict with traditional teachings and only 9% actually possess a biblical worldview … And within this larger universe of self-identified Christians is a segment known as ‘Integrated Disciples,’ a minority of American adults (6%) who possess a biblical worldview and demonstrate a consistent understanding and application of biblical principles.”
B. “The vast majority of American adults (69%) self-identify as ‘Christian’ and embrace many basic tenets of the faith. But a closer look shows that at the same time, many in this group hold views clearly in conflict with traditional teachings and only 9% actually possess a biblical worldview … And within this larger universe of self-identified Christians is a segment known as ‘Integrated Disciples,’ a minority of American adults (6%) who possess a biblical worldview and demonstrate a consistent understanding and application of biblical principles.”
American Worldview Inventory, 2021 – “What Does It Mean When People Say They Are ‘Christian’?”
Dr. George Barna, Cultural Research Center
C. “Your worldview is the filter that you use to see and understand and experience and respond to the world around you. Because your worldview enables you to make sense of the world, you need a worldview just to get through every day … In fact, every single decision that you make, and you make hundreds of them if not thousands of decisions every single day—every one of those flows through your worldview. The choices you make are a result of what you believe, as described by your worldview (Dr. George Barna, FRC Address, 2022).”
C. “Your worldview is the filter that you use to see and understand and experience and respond to the world around you. Because your worldview enables you to make sense of the world, you need a worldview just to get through every day … In fact, every single decision that you make, and you make hundreds of them if not thousands of decisions every single day—every one of those flows through your worldview. The choices you make are a result of what you believe, as described by your worldview (Dr. George Barna, FRC Address, 2022).”
As Christians exercising a biblical worldview, you must …
As Christians exercising a biblical worldview, you must …
A. Roll up the ‘shirt sleeves’ of your mind (v. 13)
A. Roll up the ‘shirt sleeves’ of your mind (v. 13)
B. Pattern your life after your heavenly Father (vv. 14-16)
B. Pattern your life after your heavenly Father (vv. 14-16)
C. Know the high price that was paid for you (vv. 17-19)
C. Know the high price that was paid for you (vv. 17-19)
II. Roll Up the ‘Shirt Sleeves’ of Your Minds (v. 13)
II. Roll Up the ‘Shirt Sleeves’ of Your Minds (v. 13)
A. Christian or not, you are currently in a war and the battleground is your mind.
A. Christian or not, you are currently in a war and the battleground is your mind.
1. Therefore is the transition from the blessings of vv. 3-12 to the exhortations Peter gives his readers.
1. Therefore is the transition from the blessings of vv. 3-12 to the exhortations Peter gives his readers.
2. The phrase gird up the loins of your mindrefers to the ancient custom of pulling up one’s long robes and wrapping them around the waist, so as to prepare for some sort of strenuous activity [1 Kgs. 18:46; 2 Kgs. 4:29; 9:1]
2. The phrase gird up the loins of your mindrefers to the ancient custom of pulling up one’s long robes and wrapping them around the waist, so as to prepare for some sort of strenuous activity [1 Kgs. 18:46; 2 Kgs. 4:29; 9:1]
a) 1 Kgs. 18:46 (NASB) – “Then the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he belted his cloak around his waist and outran Ahab to Jezreel.”
a) 1 Kgs. 18:46 (NASB) – “Then the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he belted his cloak around his waist and outran Ahab to Jezreel.”
b) Ex. 12:11 (NASB) – “Now you shall eat it in this way: with your garment belted around your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand.”
b) Ex. 12:11 (NASB) – “Now you shall eat it in this way: with your garment belted around your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand.”
c) Eph. 6:14 (NASB) – “Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth …”
c) Eph. 6:14 (NASB) – “Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth …”
3. Be sober refers to an attitude of the mind. Peter cautions readers against allowing their mind to wander into any activity which would hinder their spiritual alertness or invite them into mental laziness (carelessness) leading towards sin.
3. Be sober refers to an attitude of the mind. Peter cautions readers against allowing their mind to wander into any activity which would hinder their spiritual alertness or invite them into mental laziness (carelessness) leading towards sin.
a) 2 Cor. 10:3-6 (NASB) – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”
a) 2 Cor. 10:3-6 (NASB) – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”
4. Set your hope fully refers to an eager expectation, much more than a mere wish.
4. Set your hope fully refers to an eager expectation, much more than a mere wish.
“This is reality in a universe without God: there is no hope; there is no purpose.”
– William Lane Craig
5. V. 13 – Paraphrase
5. V. 13 – Paraphrase
a) “First, gird up your minds – get ready to think on God’s works and obey him at once. Then, while continuing to be spiritually alert, begin to expect eagerly and confidently that you will receive from God great blessings when Christ returns (Grudem).”
a) “First, gird up your minds – get ready to think on God’s works and obey him at once. Then, while continuing to be spiritually alert, begin to expect eagerly and confidently that you will receive from God great blessings when Christ returns (Grudem).”
III. Pattern Your Life After Your Heavenly Father (vv. 14-16)
III. Pattern Your Life After Your Heavenly Father (vv. 14-16)
A. Peter here introduces the Father-child relationship between God and His children, children whose lives are characterized (evidenced) by obedience to their heavenly Father.
A. Peter here introduces the Father-child relationship between God and His children, children whose lives are characterized (evidenced) by obedience to their heavenly Father.
B. V. 14
B. V. 14
1. Do not be conformed means ‘to pattern one’s life after.’ As Christians we are called to pattern our lives after God and His moral nature, not what the world claims is ‘natural’ or acceptable.
1. Do not be conformed means ‘to pattern one’s life after.’ As Christians we are called to pattern our lives after God and His moral nature, not what the world claims is ‘natural’ or acceptable.
a) Rom. 12:1-2 (NASB) – “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
a) Rom. 12:1-2 (NASB) – “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
b) Ps. 1:1-2 (NASB) – “Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night.”
b) Ps. 1:1-2 (NASB) – “Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night.”
2. Peter always uses the word lusts (passions) in a negative sense: sinful desires which lead people into direct disobedience to God.
2. Peter always uses the word lusts (passions) in a negative sense: sinful desires which lead people into direct disobedience to God.
a) Paraphrase – “Don’t let your character be molded by the desires of your ignorant days.”
a) Paraphrase – “Don’t let your character be molded by the desires of your ignorant days.”
C. V. 15
C. V. 15
1. But life the Holy One who called you indicates a contrast between the once held life of ignorance and the newfound life through the mercy of God and the resurrection of Christ (1:3).
1. But life the Holy One who called you indicates a contrast between the once held life of ignorance and the newfound life through the mercy of God and the resurrection of Christ (1:3).
a) As a child models their behavior after their parent, so Christians, spiritual children, are expected to model their behavior after their heavenly Father. In every way that He is holy, so Christians are likewise called to be holy.
a) As a child models their behavior after their parent, so Christians, spiritual children, are expected to model their behavior after their heavenly Father. In every way that He is holy, so Christians are likewise called to be holy.
2. Holy means ‘that He [God] is separated from sin and devoted to seeking His own honor. Thus, things that were ‘holy’ in the Old Testament were both set apart from ordinary or evil use and devoted to use in glorifying God (Grudem).”
2. Holy means ‘that He [God] is separated from sin and devoted to seeking His own honor. Thus, things that were ‘holy’ in the Old Testament were both set apart from ordinary or evil use and devoted to use in glorifying God (Grudem).”
3. Conduct speaks to the pattern of life
3. Conduct speaks to the pattern of life
D. V. 16
D. V. 16
1. Because introduces the reason for the preceding statement: because it is written.
1. Because introduces the reason for the preceding statement: because it is written.
a) Lev. 11:44-45 (NASB) – “For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy … For I am the Lord who brought you up from the land of Egypt, to be your God; so you shall be holy, because I am holy.”
a) Lev. 11:44-45 (NASB) – “For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy … For I am the Lord who brought you up from the land of Egypt, to be your God; so you shall be holy, because I am holy.”
AS A CHRISTIAN, NEVER BE AFRAID TO STAND BEHIND THE WORDS ‘BECAUSE THE BIBLE TOLD ME SO.’
IV. Know the High Price That Was Paid for You (vv. 17-19)
IV. Know the High Price That Was Paid for You (vv. 17-19)
A. “The high call for Godly living makes sense in light of the price that was paid for our redemption (Guzik).”
A. “The high call for Godly living makes sense in light of the price that was paid for our redemption (Guzik).”
B. V. 17
B. V. 17
1. Who judges impartially according to each one’s work does not refer to the final judgement where everyone, Christian and non-Christian, will stand in judgment before Christ. Instead, it relates to the present judgment and discipline of this life.
1. Who judges impartially according to each one’s work does not refer to the final judgement where everyone, Christian and non-Christian, will stand in judgment before Christ. Instead, it relates to the present judgment and discipline of this life.
a) Rev. 3:19 (NASB) – “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.”
a) Rev. 3:19 (NASB) – “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.”
2. Impartially means that God does not judge only one group of people (i.e. Christians or non-Christians) but that His judgment is on an individual basis and shows no favoritism.
2. Impartially means that God does not judge only one group of people (i.e. Christians or non-Christians) but that His judgment is on an individual basis and shows no favoritism.
3. Fear in this context means primarily ‘fear of God’s discipline.’
3. Fear in this context means primarily ‘fear of God’s discipline.’
a) The translation ‘reverent fear’ is too comfortable for modern readers, for it suggest mainly the idea of awe during worship and allows readers to avoid a more difficult concept.
a) The translation ‘reverent fear’ is too comfortable for modern readers, for it suggest mainly the idea of awe during worship and allows readers to avoid a more difficult concept.
b) Fear of God relates to growth in holiness:
b) Fear of God relates to growth in holiness:
(1) 2 Cor. 7:1 (NASB) – “… perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
(1) 2 Cor. 7:1 (NASB) – “… perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
(2) Phil. 2:12 (NASB) – “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
(2) Phil. 2:12 (NASB) – “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
C. V. 18
C. V. 18
1. Knowing that can be translated ‘because,’indicating that Christians should live with a healthy fear of God’s power and authority because they have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.
1. Knowing that can be translated ‘because,’indicating that Christians should live with a healthy fear of God’s power and authority because they have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.
a) God is not pleased if we disregard the purpose for and nature of our redemption (Grudem)
a) God is not pleased if we disregard the purpose for and nature of our redemption (Grudem)
2. Redeemed (ransomed) means ‘to purchase someone’s freedom by paying a ransom.’
2. Redeemed (ransomed) means ‘to purchase someone’s freedom by paying a ransom.’
a) Used to refer to paying a ransom for a slave or hostage held by an enemy.
a) Used to refer to paying a ransom for a slave or hostage held by an enemy.
3. From does not merely mean ‘away from’ but ‘out of’
3. From does not merely mean ‘away from’ but ‘out of’
4. Futile meaning ‘empty, worthless, having no meaningful or lasting results.’
4. Futile meaning ‘empty, worthless, having no meaningful or lasting results.’
D. V. 19
D. V. 19
1. But acts as a contrast between the perishable (gold, silver, works, personal merit) to the precious blood of Christ which can fully redeem persons to right relationship with God.
1. But acts as a contrast between the perishable (gold, silver, works, personal merit) to the precious blood of Christ which can fully redeem persons to right relationship with God.
2. Lamb without blemish is likely an allusion to the frequent requirement in many Old Testament sacrifices (Num. 6:14; 28:3)
2. Lamb without blemish is likely an allusion to the frequent requirement in many Old Testament sacrifices (Num. 6:14; 28:3)
a) Jn. 1:29 (NASB) – “The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’”
a) Jn. 1:29 (NASB) – “The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’”
V. Conclusion
V. Conclusion
A. If merely ‘having’ a biblical worldview was enough to incite change, our country and our world would be radically different. However, you cannot merely possess a biblical worldview, you must also act on it. “The choices you make are a result of what you believe.” As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” Therefore, act on the hope and blessing you have found in Christ. You must exercise it and grow in it, recognizing that the incredible sacrifice paid for you is too great to simply sit on the sidelines and watch. Christians are called by God, empowered by the present work of the Holy Spirit, and redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. So go forth, prepare to get dirty, prepare to work, pattern your life after Christ, and recognize the immense price that was paid for you.
A. If merely ‘having’ a biblical worldview was enough to incite change, our country and our world would be radically different. However, you cannot merely possess a biblical worldview, you must also act on it. “The choices you make are a result of what you believe.” As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” Therefore, act on the hope and blessing you have found in Christ. You must exercise it and grow in it, recognizing that the incredible sacrifice paid for you is too great to simply sit on the sidelines and watch. Christians are called by God, empowered by the present work of the Holy Spirit, and redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. So go forth, prepare to get dirty, prepare to work, pattern your life after Christ, and recognize the immense price that was paid for you.