“Re-focused by Salvation”

“Re-focused by Salvation”

By Pastor Rich Paradis

1 Peter 1:13-25

With the power of their salvation explained in contrast to the limitations of the trials in their lives, Peter now moves to something that at first seems very unnatural to do. And he’s right; what he will ask these believers that are under persecution to do is unnatural and even impossible in their own power. He will ask them, because of the information in the preceding paragraph, to consider and respond obediently to the Source of their salvation (God) and the means of their salvation (the word of God) instead of being overwhelmed by the troubles that are all around them.

I.                 The Source Of Their Salvation    1 Peter 1:13-21

a.      As often occurs after a doctrinal section of Scripture, a section follows that is more application-oriented. We have that transition on display as Verse 13 begins. The “therefore” that begins the verse is a giveaway to this pattern. In light of the things that were just said, there will be an application that will demonstrate the previous truth as it is lived out.

b.     The immediate appeal from Peter to these persecuted believers is to “prepare your mind for action”. I am immediately struck by this appeal in that often when people are going through difficulty, action is the last thing on their minds. Often difficulties “freeze” us from action as discouragement grows and time goes by. But Peter says that the believer that is putting the truths of the earlier verses to work will literally “gird up the loins” of his or her mind for action instead of inactivity.

c.      Secondly, the verse appeals to the reader to “keep sober in spirit”. The idea is to be calm and collected in spirit. How can someone do that in the midst of trouble? The verse continues with an answer to that difficult question. It says to “fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ”. We have seen that wording in verse 7 related to the praise and glory that can be offered toward Christ during even the most difficult times in our lives. There is both a “now” and a “not yet” aspect of provision in this verse. We can praise and honor Him now and we will praise and honor Him later.

d.     Romans 12:2 is directly in mind as Verse 14 unfolds. Peter continues to instruct and appeal to these “children of obedience” by telling them to not “conform” to the previous way of life that you embraced in your ignorance. Before knowing Christ, there is an ignorance of the truths that were described in verses 1-12. But now, these believers are both in difficulty and knowledgeable of all that is available to them in Christ. Verse 15 continues with an astounding call to be like “the Holy One”. Who is this? None other than God Himself. WOW!! Really? I used to compare myself to those around me in determining direction, but now the call is much higher. I am, as a believer, to “be holy in all of my behavior”. Even in tough times? Especially in tough times! The One who “called you” is also the One that will supply you during the days of difficulty and persecution.

e.      This holiness that is being called for is further explained in Verse 16. The appeal and call by Peter to these believers is to be holy because He is holy. This quote is from Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, and 20:7. The idea is that of separation. God is separate from the things that are base and evil, and so should those that follow Him be. Believers should be separating themselves with the Spirit’s provision from the world’s power and appeal, and setting themselves apart to God and His ways and plans.

f.      As we continue in Peter’s appeal and explanation, Verses 17-19 again offer some language that we have already heard in the letter. Verse 17 is a reminder of Matthew 6:9 in that it shares with us the correct and appropriate way to call out to God. That way is “Father”. If we are children of the One who judges impartially each man’s work as to its heavenly value, than we should conduct ourselves with “fear” while we are here on earth. Remember that believers have already been called “aliens”, “strangers”, and “pilgrims” which clearly reminds us that this earth is not our home. This “fear” is not terror, but awe and reverence for the One that changed everything in our lives.

g.     The reader is reminded again in Verse 18 that his or her redemption was not made with temporary, even valued temporary things. The reader’s redemption was made from the futile ways of their forefathers with blood according to Verse 19. Who’s blood, and what kind of blood is it? John 1:29 tells us that this lamb is the Lord Jesus Christ. And so does the verse before us. This blood is also noted as “precious”. One meaning of that word is lovely and loveable. But another meaning may be the idea here. “Precious” may also have the idea of “rare”. There is no other blood like the blood of Jesus as it relates to redemption! The lamb must be “unblemished and spotless”, so only His blood will do.

h.     God the Father knew before the foundation of the world and chose before the foundation of the world that Jesus Christ would need to be the Source of our redemption and salvation. Verses 20-21 remind the reader that He has appeared both in eternity past and in the present days for the sake of those that would call on Him and receive the gift of eternal life in Him. Jesus Christ deserves our praise and our glory, but God has also given Him glory according to John 17:5, and 24. Our faith and our hope are in Him! Hallelujah!!

II.               The Means Of Their Salvation    1 Peter 1:22-25

a.      The appeal of Peter continues in Verse 22 with a call to obedience being repeated that will live itself out in love, even fervent love, for the brethren. This kind of love comes from a heart devoted to Christ.

b.     We know the Source of this salvation, the person of Jesus Christ and His finished work at Calvary and subsequent resurrection from the grave. But what is the means of this salvation?

c.      The final section of this chapter is given to the answer to this question. Verses 23-25a tell the reader that the means of our salvation is the living and enduring word of God. It is not a seed that will perish; it is a seed that is imperishable. It will live through even the most ruthless attacks and persecutions. Isaiah 40:6-8 are loosely quoted here to demonstrate and illustrate the enduring nature of this word of God. It will last through what? Everything! It will last how long? Forever!!

d.     This “enduring word” is the one that is being preached to all that are readers of this letter that know Him, according to Verse 25b.

III.             An Application For All Of Us

a.      The God that is the Source of our salvation, and the word of God which is the means of our salvation, is more permanent and powerful than any trial or persecution that will come our way. Count on it!!!