Is it okay if we are motivated towards being holy because we want to avoid feeling guilty? Of course, not OK! In fact, it is wrong!
What is the bottom of our motivation? We must check and know clearly it is for God or for self. Wrong motivation will last temporary. It focuses on the external and outward appearance. It always has no substance. Right motivation will last for eternity because the source of motivation is from God and the goal is to glorify God. God is an eternal God!
What is the bottom of our motivation? We must check and know clearly it is for God or for self. Wrong motivation will last temporary. It focuses on the external and outward appearance. It always has no substance. Right motivation will last for eternity because the source of motivation is from God and the goal is to glorify God. God is an eternal God!
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Are you proud to be called into God's kingdom? Are you afraid of rejection because of God's name? This is what always happened in HK movie: a rebellious youngster who is almost killed from gang fighting, a 'big' brother from another gang came and saved his life. How grateful and loyal will he be to his 'big' brother who rescued him? He would give his life fully to follow his new master since his life 'belong' to him.
Are you proud to be called into God's kingdom? Are you afraid of rejection because of God's name? This is what always happened in HK movie: a rebellious youngster who is almost killed from gang fighting, a 'big' brother from another gang came and saved his life. How grateful and loyal will he be to his 'big' brother who rescued him? He would give his life fully to follow his new master since his life 'belong' to him.
1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
What do you think is God’s heartbeat when He gave us the command to be holy because He is holy?
I think a loving father would want his son to possess and imitate his good traits. God loves us and wants the best in us so he command us to be holy. One important theology we need to know about holiness: we are created in God's image - man are made to be holy according to God's design. when we are holy, we are like God and we can give glory to Him. We are able to draw people closer to our holy God. If we are not holy, we draw people closer to our 'unholy gods'.
What do you think is the meaning "living in ignorance" in verse 14?
This means we don't care about the word of God, neglect seeking the truth. We can't be sanctified by God. Bible is the manual of our lives - basic instruction before leaving earth. So it is important that we align our lives with God's word. Sanctification is a life long process. We need to be intentional in seeking God's truth in order to be sanctified by God.
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