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'Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. For it is written: "Be Holy, because I am Holy.' 1 Peter 1:15-16
1 Peter 1:13-25 calls for lives of holiness and attention to righteous living. Expounding on this theme of holiness, Rev Peace Choi in a sermon on the 28 Aug 2022 made two comments:
- A Holy Life is a Thoughtful Life. Our mind matters. St Peter urged Christians to stay alert and fully sober.
'Therefore, with minds that are alert and sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming.' 1 Peter 1:13
St Paul wrote us that as Christians, our minds are renewed
'Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you be able to test and approve God's will - His good and perfect will.' Romans 2:12
We are to be enabled by the Spirit, spurred on by scripture, transformed in our minds. We are to integrate our beliefs with our lives.
- A Holy Life is an Obedient Life. Our lives matters. Obedience cannot be partial, our obedience will be the test of our genuineness.
'The proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.' 1 Peter 1:7
'Now that that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love each other deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.' 1 Peter 1:22-23
The Hebrew word translated to holiness, qadowsh literally means to cut. That is to say that to be holy means be stand out, to separate and be distinctive.
But how do we live holy lives? Before Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He ushered the Holy Spirit into our lives. The Holy Spirit will enable us to become holy.
'And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate (comforter in the KJV) to help you and be with you for ever - the Spirit of Truth' John 14:15
'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' Acts 1:8
There are serious divergence amongst Christians as to what this power really means. Some understand this to mean the ability to work miracles by which actions many will be led to Christ. Others, countermanded such spectacular displays and prefer to become silent, gentle witness. I believe that this power is the enablement to live holy lives; lives so well respected and uplifting that many will be inspired. This empowerment by the Holy Spirit enables us to become good ambassadors for Christ.
Max Lucado wrote, "I now call the Holy Spirit our heaven-sent helper. He is the ally of the saint. He is our champion, our advocate, our guide. He comforts and directs us. He indwells, transform and sustain."
Empower Me should be the cry of every Christian, not so much to act powerfully but live holy lives as God is holy.
Nobody knows how weak I am, better than you;
Nobody sees all of my needs, better than you.
And nobody has the power to change me,
From what I was born to be.
Jesus be strong in my weakness, empower me!
Empower me, like a rushing river flowing to the sea.
Lord, send your holy spirit flowing now through me.
Till I’m living as your child,
Victorious and free, send the power of your love,
Empower me.
Nobody’s eyes see through my soul,
Better than yours;
Nobody’s love can make me whole,
No one but yours.
And nobody has the power to lift me,
To reach for eternity.
Jesus break through all my defenses, empower me.
Empower me, like a rushing river flowing to the sea.
Lord, send your holy spirit flowing now through me.
Till I’m living as your child,
Victorious and free, send the power of your love,
Empower me.
O Lord, send Your Holy Spirit flowing now through me!
Lionel
