Sunday, July 9, 2023 | Gus Hacker

1 Peter 1:17-20 (NIV):

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.

God has called us to be holy people.

Holy = to be set apart, to be distinct, to be separate

Why should we be holy?

1. Because we call on a Father (vs. 17). We are a reflection of our Dad and should honor Him because of our tie.

2. Our Father judges each man’s work (vs. 17). Our works reflect what we believe (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). He judges our motivation and our attitude. God searches our hearts (Jeremiah 17:10). We are rewarded in accordance with what we have done (Psalm 62:12).

3. We are strangers here on earth (vs. 17). Do not make this world permanent. Our decisions are leading to a world beyond. We should have a reverent fear which impacts our decisions. Reverence = profound awe.

4. We were redeemed with the cost of the death of a Savior (vs. 18). Remembering this fully should create a passion for holiness.