ByIn this week of Study Scripture, I would like to continue writing on verses 13-16 of the first chapter of Peter’s first epistle, where the Apostle speaks of we believers resting our hope on the future grace of Christ’s revelation (His second coming).
As I have established in the previous releases of this study, the Epistle of Peter was written to Christian pilgrims in several parts of the world, going through terrible crises just for holding firmly to the gospel they’ve received. It resonates with what we believers are facing today; in a world full of evil – in the thoughts and actions of millions of lives. In all these things, let’s not forget that Jesus is coming soon, and holding on to the Truth we’ve received in Christ regardless of our persecutions is still worth it. Let’s dive into today’s study.
Verse 13
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”
In the way to rest your hope on the future grace of Christ’s revelation, Apostle Peter states two things, by divine enablement, you can practice. They are:
- Girding up the loins of your mind.
- Being sober in your life.
But before writing about each one, I want us to consider this future grace spoken of in the Bible verse above.
The future grace of Christ’s revelation
As Christians, we live in the dispensation of grace (see Ephesians 3:2). But in grace, there are graces. John 1:16 NKJV (boldface mine) says,
16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
The second “grace” speaks of us living in the life of Christ (Anno Domini – AD), and the first, speaks of the various packages in this dispensation meant for your enjoyment. So linking this to 1 Peter 1:13, there’s a grace that’ll only be brought to you when Christ comes again, not before. And that grace isn’t yet available. So what do you do? You rest our hope fully upon it.
However, it’s better to know the content of that grace package in order for your hope to have a solid foundation. Revelation 21:4 NKJV gives us the content of this grace package.
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
In God’s future grace to be released upon Christ’s second coming, there’ll be:
- No more death
- No more sorrow
- No crying
- No more pain
Everything terrible you’re facing today won’t be permanently seen. Therefore, enduring today’s persecution for the gospel’s sake is worth it and encouraging, knowing that these packages are reserved in heaven for you.
“Gird up the loins of your mind.”
What does Peter mean when he says this in 1 Peter 1:13? The word “loins” in 1 Peter 1:13 means procreative power. So to gird up the loins of your mind means to be determined to hold on firmly to the power in the Word of God you’ve received for life, so strong that nothing in this world can sway you from it. That comes only by divine enlightenment. Because of a truth, situations will come and test whether what you’ve believed in the Word is true or not. But I tell you that God’s Word is truth, not just true.
Even if the entire world is against what God has told you, let God be true (see Romans 3:4). He’ll never be unfaithful to you. Talk the Word repetitively out of faith to yourself. That is the way to train your spiritual sense to remain unwavering in God despite the circumstances surrounding your life.
Be sober
Secondly, living a sober lifestyle is another way to rest your hope on the future grace of Christ’s revelation. “Sober” means discreet or careful. So to live a sober life as a believer is to remain prudent or careful in any area of your life, such that you’ll not end up in a place God didn’t mean you to be.
We live in a world where each person is allowed to make choices each day. You can bear me witness that you’re where you are today because you chose to be there, whether consciously or unconsciously. Choices may abound, but I pray that you’ll grow in discernment to lean on God’s direction so that you’ll fulfil destiny in the hope of Jesus’ second coming. Choose your friends wisely because association is never without influence.
Association is never without influence.
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Verse 14
“as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;”
Apostle Peter continues to admonish us, still tuning our minds to rest our hope on Christ’s revelation in verse 16. He said “obedient children” in that verse because he was referring to Christians, who were holding on to the gospel in the face of extreme persecution. Today, what He said goes to you.
You cannot live up to God’s standard without His grace.
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If you’re holding on to God’s Word of truth even in the face of difficulties, you’re an obedient child of God. But there’s a divine enablement to help you live above sin and fleshly desires. How do you live by it? It’s simply by submitting to God in all your ways. Romans 6:13-14 NKJV says,
[13] “And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. [14] For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
You have the power to refuse to conform to the evil lusts you used to struggle with when you were an unbeliever. But to harness its full potential in you, you need divine knowledge. Because where there’s divine knowledge, it becomes easier to discern between what’s good and evil under the lenses of God. And knowing the difference helps you choose and obey what God loves.
Verse 15-16
[15] “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
God is the one who called us. He is holy. In Him is no iota of darkness (see 1 John 1:5). So if He, the One who called us, wants you to be holy in all your conduct, guess what? There’s a standard to live up to. That standard is Jesus. That’s why He’s the author and finisher of your faith (see Hebrews 12:2). You cannot live up to God’s standard without His grace.
Sometimes, when 1 Peter 1:16, a quote from Leviticus 11:44, is read, many people focus on actions and attitudes that are not evil to prove their holiness unto God. But that’s not the case.
When God said, “Be holy, for I am holy,” in the Old Testament, the law was in effect. As such, the Israelites were being reminded to keep up with the dictates of the law. But in our time, it is grace. Grace is the only force from heaven that can help you live devoid of any trace of evil.
You are God’s righteousness in Christ Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). So you don’t have to live by stringent do’s and don’ts to please God. Just submit to Him in all your ways, knowing very well that Christ Jesus is coming soon, and following His ways is for your profit. You’re a blessing!
