What it Means to Be Holy (1 Peter 1:13-17)
This sermon unpacks the often-misunderstood concept of holiness, inviting listeners to a deeper understanding beyond simple rule-following. It reveals how true holiness is about profound belonging and devotion to God, impacting every aspect of one's life.
Holiness is more than morality; it is belonging entirely to God, transforming every aspect of life through engaged thought, devoted will, and a heart moved by Christ's sacrificial love.
Overview
This sermon explores the often misunderstood concept of holiness, moving beyond the common perception of it as mere moral rule-following. The preacher begins by quoting 1 Peter 1:15-16, where Peter cites Leviticus: "Be holy because I am holy." He argues that while morality is included, this definition falls short of the true meaning.
The sermon explains that the Hebrew root of 'holy' means 'separate' or 'set apart,' as seen in the holy objects of the Tabernacle. Therefore, to be holy means to belong completely to God, being set apart for His exclusive service. This belonging is presented as more fundamental than specific moral acts, extending to every area of life and impacting one's deepest motivations.
The development of holiness is then described as engaging the entire person: the mind, the will, and the heart. It involves rigorous thinking about biblical truths, leading to confidence and peace. It also requires a devoted will that leads to unconditional obedience, driven by love rather than minimal requirements.
Finally, the sermon addresses how holiness is possible, emphasizing a heart filled with "reverent fear," which means awe and wonder. This awe stems from contemplating the preciousness of Christ's blood and His sacrificial act of sanctifying Himself for humanity, enabling believers to give themselves away in return.
Key points
- Holiness is commonly mistaken as simply moral living, but it is far more comprehensive.
- The original meaning of 'holy' is 'separate' or 'set apart,' as exemplified by holy objects used exclusively for God's service.
- To be holy means to belong completely to God, influencing every area of one's life and motivations.
- Holiness develops by engaging the mind through alert, sober thinking about biblical truths, leading to hope and peace.
- It also develops through engaging the will with devoted, unconditional obedience, much like a loving child to a parent.
- The possibility of holiness is rooted in a heart of 'reverent fear,' which is awe and wonder, not terror.
- This awe and wonder are ignited by contemplating Christ's precious blood and His ultimate act of sanctifying Himself for us.
In Tim Keller's words
“It's possible to follow the rules and not belong to God.”
“The essence of holiness then is intensely personal.”
“There's stupid peace and there's smart peace. There's peace that comes from not thinking and there's peace that comes from thinking.”
Outline
- I. What Holiness Is
- A. More Than Mere Morality (1 Peter 1:15-16)
- 1. Common misconception: Following rules
- 2. The quote from Leviticus
- B. The Original Meaning of 'Holy'
- 1. Separate, set apart, exclusive
- 2. Illustrated by holy objects (furniture, pots) in Leviticus
- C. The Essence: Belonging Completely to God
- 1. More fundamental than specific moral commands
- 2. Possible to be moral out of selfish motives
- 3. Holiness means you are not your own; you belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
- D. A Principle for All of Life
- 1. Applies to every action, even where no moral rules exist
- 2. Example: Transformed work (Ephesians 6)
- II. How Holiness Develops
- A. Engages the Mind: Alert and Fully Sober Thinking (1 Peter 1:13)
- 1. 'Sober' means judicious, reflective thinking
- 2. 'Alert' ('gird up your mind') means ready for action
- 3. Thinking out the implications of what you believe (e.g., Christ's return, Philippians 4)
- 4. Contrasting 'stupid peace' (not thinking) with 'smart peace' (thinking)
- B. Engages the Will: Obedient Children (1 Peter 1:14)
- 1. Not conforming to evil desires; obeying God's commands
- 2. Obedience from a devoted heart, like a child to a loving parent
- 3. Illustrated by David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23)
- 4. Seeking to please God beyond minimum requirements
- III. Why Holiness is Possible
- A. A Heart of Reverent Fear (1 Peter 1:17)
- 1. Not being scared of God, but filled with awe and wonder
- 2. Judgment day with God as Father, who loves His children
- B. Contemplating Christ's Precious Blood (1 Peter 1:18-19)
- 1. Redeemed by something more precious than silver or gold
- 2. Seeing the 'ocean of love' in His sacrificial death
- C. Jesus Sanctifies Himself for Our Sake (John 17:19)
- 1. Jesus gave Himself away, set Himself apart, for us
- 2. His devotion to us enables our devotion to Him
- 3. Holiness is the freedom of self-forgetfulness, living for God and others
Scripture references
- 1 Peter 1:13-17
- Ephesians 2
- Philippians 3
- Leviticus
- Acts 10
- Acts 11
- Leviticus 11
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Ephesians 6
- Philippians 4
- 2 Samuel 23
- John 17:19
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
1 There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
2 The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Insights
Holiness is not just following rules; it is belonging completely to God.
To be holy means to give your entire self away to divine love.
True peace comes from thoughtfully engaging the implications of what you believe.
Questions & answers
What does this sermon define as the essence of holiness?
The sermon defines the essence of holiness as belonging completely to God. It means being set apart for His exclusive use and service, rather than living for oneself.
How does the sermon contrast traditional views of holiness with its definition?
The sermon explains that while many equate holiness with mere moral rule-following, true holiness is more fundamental. It's possible to be moral out of selfish reasons, but genuine holiness stems from a personal belonging and devotion to God.
What role does thinking play in developing holiness?
The sermon states that holiness intensely engages the intellect. It involves 'girding up your mind' and soberly thinking through the implications of biblical truths, which leads to confidence, peace, and shaped behavior.
What kind of obedience is associated with holiness in this sermon?
The sermon describes holiness as involving 'unconditional, devoted obedience,' like that of a loving child to a good parent. It is an obedience driven by love and a desire to please, rather than a reluctant adherence to minimum requirements.
What is 'reverent fear' and how does it relate to holiness?
'Reverent fear' is defined as awe and wonder, not terror of destruction. It is an inner motivation that arises from contemplating God's love and the preciousness of Christ's sacrifice, empowering a heart to give itself away in holiness.
How does Jesus's own 'sanctification' relate to our holiness?
According to John 17:19, Jesus 'sanctified himself' for our sakes, meaning He gave Himself away completely. This act of ultimate devotion and sacrifice on His part makes it possible for us to, in turn, sanctify ourselves and live holy lives of freedom and self-forgetfulness.
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