1 Peter 1:13-25: Called to Be Different
I GREW UP in a church of fervent Christians. We knelt to pray, carried Bibles to school, wore "modest" clothes—even to gym class—and talked a lot about Jesus. Needless to say, kids from our church never made the "most popular" lists at the local public high school. Instead, we feared the taunt "Holy Roller."
It's possible that our attempts to be separate and holy did more to close people out of our beliefs than to invite them in. Yet God does call his people to be different; different from what they would be if they did not believe in Jesus and different from the unbelievers around them.
Warming Up to God
Think of a Christian you admire. In what ways does that person resemble Christ? Praise God for what you learn about him through others.
Read 1 Peter 1:13-25. »
Discovering the Word
- Peter lists several ways that followers of Jesus ought to respond to his gift of salvation. Define each of these responses more fully (vv. 13-16).
- Select one of these responses. If you were to put that response on the "front burner" of your priorities, what changes would you have to make in your life?
- What events from the past would help the recipients of Peter's letter to appreciate God's concern for them (vv. 18-21)?
- How could the conditions that Peter describes in verses 21-25 promote sincere love among Christians?
- Peter links the Word of God with salvation and new birth. (Compare verses 10, 12, 23 and 25.) What do you think Peter meant when he said that this Word is "enduring" and "stands forever"?
Applying the Word
- How might an honest attempt to "be holy" improve your relationships with people close to you?
- In what situations might it make you, as verse 17 says, more like a stranger?
- Jot a quick list of all you have to do today (or tomorrow). How could you begin to tackle this list with the goal "Be holy in all you do"?
Responding in Prayer
Pray specifically from your list that you would be holy and would improve relationships with those around you.
For Further Study
The Fight by John White