Living a Disciplined Life in Christ
December 10, 2021
Commentary
The people in Peter’s day wore long flowing robes that hindered their movement. When they wanted to engage in some strenuous activity they would tuck the hem of their robe into the belt worn around their waist. This was called “girding up” which in today’s language we might say “let’s roll up our sleeves.” Peter was saying in this passage that a Christian should live a life of discipline and self control that is governed by our thought life (v. 13).
It is not easy to live in this world and maintain a holy walk (v. 14). The anti-God atmosphere around us is always trying to press us into its mold. God has insisted that His people be holy because He is holy (Lev. 11:44). Peter teaches that the unbeliever is basically ignorant of God and His standards. Therefore any holiness that we have in character and conduct must be received from Him (vv. 15-16).
Many of our problems as a Christian stem from our measuring our self by the wrong standard. The right standard is the Lord and not some other Christian. The believers’ life has been changed by the indwelling Holy Spirit and as a result there should be a corresponding outward change in our daily practice.
Application
What does it mean to be holy? How has my life been more holy or less holy in the last year? In what area of my life do I have the most problem with holiness? What can I do to bring this part of my life under God’s control?
1 Peter 1:13– 16 (NET)
13 Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 Like obedient children, do not comply with the evil urges you used to follow in your ignorance, 15 but, like the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in all of your conduct, 16 for it is written, “You shall be holy, because I am holy.”