Scripture: 1 Peter 1 v 1 - 16.
Peter writes to us rejoicing that we are elect of God,
chosen of God to participate in the grace of sanctification - being made holy
and separated to God for His great plan to work. He has a mighty salvation plan
that flows together when we are filled with faith and trust.
Being separated to God means dying to self and this
world's attractions and distractions. Dying to self concerns not letting our
sinful flesh have any further say in our lifestyle. It is a choice and decision
we make to allow Jesus full control over our lives
Immediately a battle starts as the fleshly, worldly
nature wants its demands met. It wants its human rights met immediately. We
forget that we are new creatures in Christ and no longer just human. So we need
to be firm against fleshly intrusion to achieve holiness.
We have an incorruptible inheritance reserved in Heaven.
It is not subject to loss or taxes of any kind. Our faith is on trial as we
meet each day with its many worldly temptations and the great victory when we
submit to the Lord and defeat the enemy.
The things the Holy Spirit has revealed causes angels to
be curious as they do not know about these deep spiritual matters of the
gospel. Stay far away from your former sins and lusts and let your conversation
be clean and pure. Because it is written Be ye holy for I am holy. Jesus wants
us to become pure and holy like He is not in a religious way but because we
love Him and want to be like Him.
Purity in our lives means an absence of impure and
unclean thoughts and behaviour. We must fill our hearts and minds with that
which is good and lovely; things which are beautiful; friends who are
like-minded. Our morals should be above reproach. We should be approachable,
kind, well-mannered, grateful, joyful people who can be trusted and a blessing
to those around them.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we are so blessed to be Your
children. Cleanse our lives of everything that displeases You. Let us be holy
vessels in Your eyes. In Jesus' name. Amen.