Redeemed to Holy Living

We have a Holy Calling in Christ because of the High Value of His Sacrifice!

Five Aspects of our Calling in Christ - We are Called to:

Mindful Preparation (13a)

Get your mind prepared (literally, gird up the loins of your mind).

In ancient days when a soldier would prepare for a fight, or a runner would prepare for a race, they would take the hem of their garment and tuck it in their belt in order to be unhindered.

Peter is telling us to get ready for a spiritual battle of the mind.

You need to know how to think biblically about the issues in the world. Too many Christian’s today are relying upon the culture to tell them how to think about life, marriage, children, work, politics, rather than allowing the truth of God’s word to guide their thinking.

Be sober - be in your right mind. Be influenced by the Lord. You need to understand who God is and how HE has designed the world.

You need to recognize that this world will most often be at odds with your walk with the Lord.

Hope Filled Anticipation (13b)

The motivation for our holy calling is the certainty of Christ’s return.

Jesus told his disciples to watch for his return. Matthew 24.

Matthew 24:42–44 ESV

42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Live for Christ’s glory in joyful anticipation of His return!

Titus 2:11–14 NKJV

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Obedient Transformation (14-16)

First, Peter says we are obedient children, we have been made a part of God’s family. He is talking to believers

Second, don’t be conformed (pressed into the mold) to your former way of life. Romans 12:1-2

Third, be transformed, be set apart for the Lord (holy). You have been made partaker of God’s nature!

2 Peter 1:3–4 NKJV

3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

What does it mean to “Be Holy” - it is set apart for the Lord.

We call the marriage covenant “Holy Matrimony.” Why? Because it is a man and woman before the Lord vowing that they are separating from others to one another.

In the same way, we are called out of our sin, and called to be separated unto the Lord.

Reverent Appreciation (17-21)

Our calling in Christ should produce a reverent fear of the Lord. We are saved by grace alone in Christ. However, we will still give an account to the Lord of our life.

Our calling should produce a worshipful appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice.

We think of gold and silver as having lasting value. Peter says they are “perishables” when compared to Christ’s blood that cleanses from sin!

The high calling we have received is because of the high value of Christ’s sacrifice.

Brotherly Love Application (22)

Because of what Christ has done for us, because of his redemption. We are called to love those that he loves. The application is love of the brethren. “Feed my sheep” Jesus said to Peter!