All, even prodigals, can be holy

 

READ 1 Peter 1–5

Last night reading the familiar story of the prodigal son, we discussed how both sons were prodigals. The younger one choose a wild and wasteful life, but the older son who stayed home was filled with self-righteous pride and resentment. Sin is sin, whether it is obvious or subtle.

God’s standard is high, and anything but subtle. This morning’s reading starts out with His call to holiness. Holy means to be utterly different from the world, totally pure, sanctified, set apart for God:

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

This is made possible through faith in Christ and being yielded to Him:

And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:13–21)

Peter goes on to describe what holiness looks like and the list is convicting. Holy people:

·         are purified by obedience resulting in a sincere and earnest brotherly love from a pure heart. (1:22)

·         have no malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy or slander, and a hunger for God’s Word. (2:1–2)

·         are spiritually alive, priests offering spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ. (2:5)

·         know their identity as chosen by God, royal priests, a holy nation and people for God who proclaim His excellencies. (2:9)

·         abstain from fleshy passions, behave honorably, cause unbelievers to glorify God. (2:11–12)

·         are submissive to political leadership. (2:13–14)

·         do not allow their freedom in Christ to cover up sin, honor others, love other Christians, fear God, honor political leaders. (2:16–17)

·         serve and respect employers, good or not, and endure all unjust treatment, trusting God as Jesus did, not reviling or threatening those who mistreat them. (1 Peter 2:18–23)

·         are submissive and respectful wives noted for pure behavior and a gentle and quiet spirit without fear, rather than being concerned for a fancy appearance. (3:1–6)

·         or are husbands who are holy understand their wives and honor them. (3:7)

·         with other Christians in unity, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind, without retaliation but blessing one another, not speaking evil or deceit. (3:8-10)

·         doing good, seeking peace, not fearful or troubled by persecution. (3:11-14)

·         honor Christ as holy, able to tell others the reason for their hope with gentleness and respect, willing to suffer for doing good. (3:15–17)

·         are self-controlled and sober-minded. (4:7)

·         love others earnestly. Show hospitality without grumbling and use their gifts to serve others. (4:8–10)

·         are not shocked at trials. (4:12)

·         are not ashamed when they suffer; instead glorify God, even when He chastens them. They keep doing good and trust Him. (4:16-19)

·         don’t lord it over anyone, are instead a good example in submission and humility. (5:3-5)

·         Humility is key. Instead of trying to run their own life, they cast concerns on the Lord in sober-minded alertness, aware that the devil would like to destroy them. They resist him by being firm in faith and aware that others struggle with the same battle. (5:6–9)

These attitudes and actions are only possible through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God who died for me and who lives for me. He sent the Holy Spirit so that I might “stand firm” in holiness. (5:12) Any failures are on me, not on Him, yet when I fall down He gladly picks me up. Oh how wonderful is my Lord! He is not telling me to smarten up, but to confess and repent — and He will forgive and cleanse. I am charged to be holy, not because I can do it but because He is my Savior and that is His goal for me!