BACKGROUND:
Because the prophets had foretold the great privileges of the gospel and, with even the angels, long to understand them better, believers should show the same kind of earnest and alert concern regarding the way they live.
To lead holy lives in an evil world, the believers would need a new mind-set. They also needed to monitor and restrain their sexual and material desires, anger, and words. Exercise self-control is also translated “discipline yourselves.” Peter wanted the believers to remember that as they lived in the world, they needed to keep full possession of their minds and bodies so as not to be enticed away from God.
Peter begins a series of moral commands that stretch throughout the rest of his letter. In a few words, Peter explained how believers can reflect God’s character and priorities and follow God’s commands. As they look forward to the special blessings that will come, they will be encouraged to change their mind-sets to be in line with God’s plans for them, to change their lifestyles to glorify God, and to persevere during difficulties and persecutions.
All believers are God’s children. As such, we are to obey God. Believers ought not live in the same manner that they lived before they were saved. At that time, they didn’t know any better, but now they should not slip back into their old ways of doing evil. The evil desires still exist, but believers have a new goal for their lives. They must break with the past and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to help them overcome evil desires and obey God.
Believers should be set apart and different because of God’s qualities in their lives. Our focus and priorities must be his. We have already been declared holy because of our faith in Christ, but we must work out that divine family likeness in our day-by-day walk, behavior, and conduct. We cannot become holy on our own, but God gives us his Holy Spirit to help us. We will not achieve perfect holiness in this life; Peter’s words mean that all parts of our lives and character should be in the process of becoming conformed, both inwardly and outwardly, to God’s holy standards.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
What kind of people is God looking for today?
#3. GOD IS LOOKING FOR BELIEVING PEOPLE
People of faith. People who believe God’s word and they act on it. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Romans 14:23 says, “Everything that does not come from faith is sin.” So obviously God uses people of faith.
What have you done so far this week that didn’t require faith? I did a lot. And the Bible says whatever is not of faith is sin. If you don’t do it in faith, it’s wrong. God is looking for people who believe Him. We limit God so much by our unbelief. Most of us have a faith that tries God rather than trusts God. You’ve never really believed God until you’ve attempted something in your life and ministry that can’t be done in the power of the flesh.
What is it that is about your life or ministry or marriage or family that cannot be explained except “God did it!” The way you live by faith is that you take risks. You step out on a limb. Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb, that’s where the fruit is. Don’t be afraid to rock the boat if Christ is your captain. Step out and do things that you think, “There’s no way I can do this.”
William Carey, the first modern mission, his famous motto was “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” Expect and attempt. God doesn’t sponsor flops. He knew he had a big God. He believed in a big God and he said, “I let the size of my God determine the size of my goal.” God’s given us tremendous power but we limit Him so much.
What are you believing God for in your life? Your ministry? Youir marriage? You kids? Your church? What are you believing God to do in your family in the next six months? What are you believing God to do in your finances? He does what you expect Him to do. “According to your faith it will be done unto you.” God looks for believing people.God uses believing people.
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