The Story: Christians are called to pursue holiness (2 Cor. 7.1), to be transformed in every area of their lives so that they reflect the reality of the risen Lord Jesus Christ, and herald His Kingdom by their lives and words. Before coming to know Christ believers were run around by their passions and ignorant of the true nature of their calling. Now, in Christ, not even suffering or trials must be allowed to deter the believer from his calling in life. Rather than living in ignorance of who we are and what our lives are supposed to be, we are to be sober-minded and clear-thinking, so that we can pursue holiness as God intends. Holiness is a condition of living that reflects the reality and glory of God in all our conduct. So even in times of trial, Christians press on to realize their high and holy calling, to be like Him Who died for them and in Whose righteousness alone they have been made acceptable to God.
The Structure: Certain pastors and teachers in the evangelical community these days give the impression that what God wants most of all for His people is that they should be happy or be prosperous. These are worldly distractions, rooted in self-serving passions, and will keep us from our true and only calling, which is to be like Jesus in every area of our lives. Peter will have a few things to say about false teachers in his second epistle, and his words are firm and fearful.
How do you measure progress in holiness in your own life?
Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “This is the Gospel: 1 Peter 1.12-25,” simply click here..
T. M. Moore
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.