1 Peter 1:13-16, "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But 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.”
I've started a Bible study on 1 Peter and wanted to share thoughts I'm learning on 'What Does It Mean to Be Holy?'
I think it's a confusing, and contradictory question. I know for a fact that God is holy and I am a sinner, so how can I strive to be holy with my sinful nature still at work in me?
Let's explore the research I have found through Matthew Henry and various devotionals.
Holy means to be set apart and to be separate from this world we live in. Human nature makes it hard for us to live a life that is distinctive and different from this world. As God's chosen, we are to be obedient and follow His ways in ALL we do. Romans 12:2, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." We are to live in a way as a reflection of who you are as God's children.
Our behavior flows from our identity, with God or with the world.
Points from M. Henry on living holy lives....
Christianity is a doctrine according to godliness, designed to make us not only wiser, but better.
The main work of a Christian lies in the right management of his heart and mind.
A Christian’s work is not over as soon as he has got into a state of grace; he must still hope and strive for more grace. When he has entered the strait gate, he must still walk in the narrow way.
A strong and perfect trust in God’s grace is very consistent with our best endeavors in our duty.
The children of God ought to prove themselves to be such by their obedience to God, by their present, constant, universal obedience.
Persons, when converted, differ exceedingly from what they were formerly. They are people of another fashion and manner from what they were before; their inward frame, behaviour, speech, and conversation, are much altered from what they were in times past.
We must imitate God, though we can never equal him. He is perfectly, unchangeably, and eternally holy; and we should aspire after such a state. The consideration of the holiness of God should oblige as to the highest degree of holiness we can attain unto.
The written word of God is the surest rule of a Christian’s life, and by this rule we are commanded to be holy every way.
"A believer’s character, conduct, and conversation should be reflections of Jesus, who lives within. On our own, we might place too much emphasis on behavior and get caught up in following rules and rituals that look Christian without truly reflecting Christ. But God has given each believer His Holy Spirit as a teacher and guide. The Spirit works to transform our minds and hearts so that we are markedly different from our unsaved peers. When we allow the Spirit to control us, we speak and act in accordance with our true identity: God’s sons and daughters. Our Father wants His children to be living examples of who He is. He doesn’t expect perfection—He knows we can’t be totally sinless in our human body. But He shows us how to think and act so we may “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which [we] have been called,” intouch.org.
As we strive for holiness, we must consider Who we are trusting.
Here are 7 statements that can help you decide if your decisions are leaning on your faulty moral conscience or the trustworthy Holy Spirit from intouch.org
Jesus Christ is your Savior and Lord.
The Bible is the basis for your conduct.
You have a strong desire to obey God.
You make decisions prayerfully.
Your conscience sounds the alarm when you consider a wrong direction.
You feel guilty when you disobey
You feel compelled to repent of your transgression.