Today’s Bible Reading
1 Peter 1:10-16
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,
11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
15 But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Applying God’s Word in My Life:
1. What was the thing that you now possess that the prophets had carefully and intently searched for? (vv.10-12).
2. What is “holiness”? In what ways is God holy? (v.16).
3. Why must you be holy? Share some practical ways for you to “be holy in all you do” (v.15).
Today’s
Key Verse: Leviticus 11:44
I am the Lord your God; [dedicate] yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.
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With One Step Start
Beholy, because I am holy.” Is there any command more difficult to obey? Probably not, yet there it is in God’s Word (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16).
The challenge of trying to match God in the holiness category can seem far too complicated to attempt. But if we surrender to the Holy Spirit who lives in us and convicts us, we will grow in holiness.
Taking one step at a time should help. For instance, what is one thing you do or say or think that does not reflect God’s holiness? Maybe you treat others harshly. Or you have a secret sin. Tackle that area today. Talk to God about it. Ask His forgiveness. Then, by His power, seek to overcome it.
But how can we be as holy as God? After all, the reason we must trust Jesus as Saviour in the first place is because we are not holy. “All have sinned”, Romans 3:23 tells us. And even after we put our faith in Christ for salvation, how can we think about being as holy as God is?
Or think of this: what one thing can you do to deepen your relationship with God? The more time you spend with Him, the more you will become like Him.
Little by little, step by step, work to rid your life of unholy behaviour. And strive each day to grow closer to God. As a believer in Jesus Christ, there is no greater challenge. —Dave Branon
More like the Master I would live and grow, More of His love to others I would show; More self-denial, like His in Galilee, More like the Master I long to ever be. —Gabriel
Walk so close to God that nothing can come between.
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Day 23
Holiness
