Notes for attributes of God (Holiness)

The Context is that the psalmist exhorts the people to praise God for His grace.

He begins with an invitation to praise, verse 1 (read it)

and then proceeds to furnish us with matter for adoration in God’s works and his dealings with his people, (read 2–9).

He closes his song with a commendation of the worship of the Lord and of the men who practice it (Read v10)

I’d like you to see this connection of His Name which is holy and awe-inspiring, that leads to ever enduring praise.

The whole name or character of God is worthy of profoundest awe, for it is perfect and complete, whole or holy.

It ought not to be spoken without solemn thought, and never heard without profound homage or worship.

His name is to be trembled at, it is something terrible; even those who know him best rejoice with trembling before him.

________________________________

Let’s turn to Hannah’s prayer in .

This is a prayer of thanksgiving which stands in stark contrast to the wickedness of Eli’s sons.

Listen to how she adores the Lord

“Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is lifted up by the Lord.”

[the horn is a symbol of an animal’s strength and power and is a symbol of human victory.

The Lord gave Hannah victory over barrenness.]

“My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.” ()

[Hannah is so joyous because the Lord delivered her and because she belongs to the Lord.]

Then she proclaims God’s incomparability.

2 "There is no one holy like the Lord.”

[God is set apart, distinct, and wholly other.]

“There is no one besides you! “

[The Lord alone is God, and there is “no one” like Him.]

“And there is no rock like our God.” ()

[There’s no “Rock” like God; God is a sure defense for His people.

Rock A huge, immovable boulder, indicating the certainty and sureness of the Lord’s protection.]

_________________________________

1 Peter’s theme is that we have hope through Christ in the midst of suffering.

And his whole purpose in writing 1 Peter is to encourage believers to persevere in their sufferings

by setting before them the hope of grace reserved for them, as well as the glory of Jesus Christ.

Peter is going to show us Christian character from v3-2:10.

In vv3-12 he communicates the believers living hope.

In vv13-21 we bring to mind the saying of “Like father, like son.”

Because Christians have been born again of God the Father, Peter is going to exhort them to be obedient children who bear a family resemblance to God.

And we pick it up in v13, because privilege brings responsibility.

13 "Therefore, with your minds ready for action”

[Prepare oneself and be equipped for the present task],

“be sober-minded” [be self-controlled]

“and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” ()

[Though Christians currently suffer and face persecutions, their hope lies in the future with Christ’s glorious and gracious coming.]

14 "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance.” ()

Beeke, J. R., Barrett, M. P. V., & Bilkes, G. M. (Eds.). (2014). The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible (p. 1820). Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books.

Peter continues the theme of the new birth by referring to those who have been given new birth as children of God the Father (cf. ).

The great duty of obedient children is to turn their back on the old, worldly lifestyle and, since God is holy, to cultivate holiness ().

15 "But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; 16 "for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.” ()

Moo, D. J. (2015). The Letters and Revelation. In D. A. Carson (Ed.), NIV Zondervan Study Bible: Built on the Truth of Scripture and Centered on the Gospel Message (p. 2540). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Spurgeon, C. H. (n.d.). The treasury of David: (Vol. 5, p. 1). London; Edinburgh; New York: Marshall Brothers.