Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3
In previous verses before our text, Peter had been dealing with the glories of our salvation. At this point, he launches into a series of exhortations based on what is to follow.
At the outset, Peter urges the us as saints to “gird up the loins of your mind.” The girding up of the mind is an interesting figure of speech. In eastern lands, people wore long, flowing robes. When they wanted to walk fast or with a minimum of hindrance, they would tie the robe up around their waist with a belt (see Exodus 12:11). This is what Peter meant when he said they girded up their loins. But what does Peter mean when he exhorts believers to “gird up the loins of your mind”? Peter is telling us as believers that as we go out into a hostile world, we are to avoid panic and distraction. In times of persecution, there is always the tendency to become rattled and confused. A girded mind is one that is strong, composed, cool, and ready for action. It is unimpeded by the distraction of human fear or persecution.
This state of mental solidarity is further encouraged by the words “be sober.” In simple terms this means self-control in contrast to hysteria. The sober spirit is poised and stable.
Next, saints are urged to have the optimistic, forward-looking mind:
“Rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The assurance of Christ’s return is held out as a compelling motive for endurance through the storms and tribulations of life. The “revelation of Jesus Christ” is generally considered to refer to His coming back to earth when He will be revealed in all of His glory and sit upon His throne for a thousand years. However, there are many that believe Peter may be referring to the Rapture when Christ will come for His saints in the clouds and with the sound of the trumpet before coming back to earth.
Children of Obedience
In verses 14-16, we begin to delve into the subject of the obedient mind.
“[Rest your hope] . . . as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ “
“Obedient children” should not continue to indulge in the sins which characterized them in their former life. Now that we are Christians, we should pattern our life after the One whose name we bear. If we continue to conform to the ungodly world, then we are essentially denying our heavenly character, our new creation. The things we did in the days of our “ignorance” should be put away now that we have been illuminated by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle is telling believers not to indulge in their former sins when he speaks about their “former lusts” while they were still ignorant of God.
Instead of imitating the ungodly world with its fads and fashions, our lives should reproduce the same “holy” character of the One who called us. To be godly means to be Godlike. God is holy in all of His ways. If we are to be like Him, we must be strive to be holy in all that we do and say. In this life we will never be as holy as He is, but we should “be holy” because He is. Thankfully, the Father has imparted His Holy Spirit to abide within us, which creates a holiness that starts from within.
In his exhortation, Peter reaches back into the Old Testament for proof that God expects His people to be like Himself. In Leviticus 11:44, the Lord told the children of Israel to consecrate themselves and “Be holy, for I am holy.” Christians are empowered to live holy lives by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Old Testament saints did not have this help and blessing. But since we are more privileged, we are also more responsible. The verse Peter quotes from Leviticus acquires a new depth of meaning in the New Testament. It is the difference between the formal and the vital. Holiness was God’s ideal in the Old Testament. It has now assumed a concrete, everyday quality with the coming of the Spirit of truth into our very lives.
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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