NT Fire Starters – Day 324: 1 Peter 1:1-21

READ: 1 Peter 1:1-21

THINK: What comes to mind when you think of holiness? Many people think that holiness puts large limitations on life, viewing it in terms of all things we shouldn’t do. But in verses 13-16, God calls us to prepare for action and be holy in all we do. Holiness is active, not passive. It’s liberating, not limiting. If we focus on all of the positive actions God gives us the opportunity to do, we will not get caught up in the negative behaviors He expects us to avoid.

RESPOND: What does it mean to be “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God”? (See 1:2 first note.) God’s foreknowledge implies what choice on His part? (See 1:2 note, sub point 2.) What is “the sanctifying work of the Spirit” (v. 2)? (See article on Sanctification, p. 1852.) What does it mean to be sanctified? In what way is sanctification immediate and in what way is it ongoing? In what ways are Christ’s followers “shielded by God’s power”? (See 1:5 note.) What is the condition for receiving this protection (v. 5)? What does it typically take to prove genuine faith? (See 1:7 note.) In what ways has the Holy Spirit worked to deliver the message of Jesus (vv. 10-12)? (See 1:11 note.) How are the Old and New Testaments interrelated by the Spirit’s work? (See 1:12 note.) What does this indicate about the origin of all Scripture (God’s Word in written form)? In light of God’s message to us, how must we be prepared to act (vv. 13-17)? What is significant about the fact that a passage dealing with holiness (1:13–2:13) begins by telling Christ’s followers to prepare for action? (See 1:13 note.) What does it mean to be holy, and why are we to be holy? (See 1:16 note.) What do you think it means to “live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear”? (See Acts 9:31 and Philippians 2:12 notes.) What does it mean to be “redeemed”? (See 1:18 note .) How is “the precious blood of Christ” involved? (See 1:19 note.) What does it mean that Christ “was chosen before the creation of the world”? (See 1:20 note.)

PRAY: Surrender to the Holy Spirit’s spiritually purifying, refining and developing work in your life. Ask Him to help your faith grow through tough times and to help you pursue holiness. Give God thanks for His constant care and protection.

ACT: Go through the day with two specific thoughts or aims. One: look for the positive actions God would like you to take to develop your spirit and character. Watch your attitude through challenging circumstances. Do what you can to help others and take steps to convey your faith in both words and action. Two: maintain a strong awareness that regardless of what you encounter, you are “shielded by God’s power.” That awareness should inspire faith and boldness.