Setting

In the beginning of the epistle, Peter has reminded the readers of the glorious hope they have. Having this living hope, Christians ought to center their lives on Christ and His word. Thus, in this passage, Peter urges the pilgrims to live in a way that reflects the hope that they have.

Key Verse

(1:13)

Did You Know...?

1. Gird up the loins of your mind (1:13): “The figure is of a man gathering the folds of his long garment and tucking it into his belt so that he can move freely and quickly (cf. 1 Kings 18:46; Jer 1:17; Luke 17:8).” [ref]
2. Holy: (1:15-16): “The basic idea of holiness in the Bible is that of separation from all that is profane. The developed sense of holiness includes various meanings translated into English as ‘purify,’ ‘sanctify,’ ‘separate from,’ ‘dedicate,’ etc. The simplest understanding of holiness is that of loving conformity to God’s commands and to his Son (cf. 1 John 2:4-6).” [ref]
3. Love (1:22): In verse 22, Peter uses two Greek words for love. In the first reference (“sincere love of the brethren”), the word is philadelphia, meaning brotherly kindness or a fondness “that is based on the loveliness or attractiveness of an object.” [ref] The second reference (“love one another”) is agapao, which is used in Scripture to depict God’s self-sacrificing and all-encompassing love.

Outline

General Analysis

Show All Answers Hide All Answers
  • 1.

    Based on this passage, list the reasons for each of these commands: a. “Be holy in all your conduct” b. “Conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.” c. “Love one another fervently with a pure heart.”

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer
    (The answer is empty)
    Hide Answer

  • 2a.

    How does each of the three paragraphs touch on the subject of the present and the future?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Verse 13 makes a reference to the revelation of Jesus Christ. Verse 17 mentions our present stay in this world and future judgment. Verse 23 to 25 contrast the temporal existence and the eternal word of God.

    Hide Answer

  • 2b.

    Why is this subject pertinent to the teachings of this passage?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    The commands in this passage are for believers, who are sojourners in
    this world with a hope in the glorious future. A right perspective about
    the present and the future motivates us to godly living.

    Hide Answer

Segment Analysis

Show All Answers Hide All Answers

  • 1:13-16

    1.

    The word “therefore” in 13 implies that there is a reason for the following command. What is this reason?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    The reason is the preciousness of salvation, as stated in the previous passage (1-12).

    Hide Answer

  • 2a.

    What does it mean to “gird up the loins” of our mind?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Just as a man gathered the folds of his long garment to facilitate movement and work, we should remove the hindrances in our spiritual progress (Heb 12:1). Instead of living in pleasure, vain pursuits, and anxieties (cf. Lk 21:34), we need to be watchful and diligently seek spiritual growth.

    Hide Answer

  • 2b.

    What characterizes a sober life?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Self-control (Rom 13:13-14; 1Thess 5:6; 1Pet 4:7, 5:8), prayerfulness (Mt 26:41; 1Pet 4:7), diligence in service and godly living (Lk 12:42; 2Tim 2:22; 2Pet 1:5-9).

    Hide Answer

  • 2c.

    Why should we rest our hope fully on the grace of our Lord Jesus? How will such hope determine our lifestyle?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    If we rest our hope fully on the grace of our Lord, we will give our undivided attention to live a life to please the Lord, knowing that we will receive the Lord’s grace in its fullness when He comes. Our hope must be sure and unwavering. We cannot possibly live a holy life while indulging in our desires.

    Hide Answer

  • 3.

    How does verse 14 help us understand the meaning of holiness?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    A holy living involves obeying God’s word and conforming to God’s likeness rather than to our lusts.

    Hide Answer

  • 4.

    Why should we obey the God who has called us rather than our lusts?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    The purpose of God’s calling is that we should live holy lives (2Tim 1:9; Eph 2:10). Thus, the way to respond to the calling is to turn from evil and follow God’s will.

    Hide Answer

  • 1:17-21

    5a.

    How does verse 17 suggest about the nature of our earthly lives?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Our time in this world is only a temporary stay. Therefore, we are but pilgrims passing through this life.

    Hide Answer

  • 5b.

    Do you consider yourself a stranger or a settler on earth? What differentiates the two lifestyles?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer
    (The answer is empty)
    Hide Answer

  • 6a.

    Verse 18 reminds us about our redemption. What have we been redeemed from?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    God has redeemed us from the power of sin and death (Ps 49:15, 103:4, 130:8; Lk 1:68-75; Gal 3:13; Eph 1:7; Heb 2:14-15).

    Hide Answer

  • 6b.

    What is the price of redemption?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    The precious blood of Christ (19).

    Hide Answer

  • 6c.

    What does the redemption have to do with our conducts?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    Since we have been bought with such a great price, we do not belong to ourselves but to the Lord. So we must conduct ourselves to please our Master (1Cor 6:19-20; 2Cor 5:15).

    Hide Answer

  • 1:22-25

    7.

    What does this paragraph teach about the word of God?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    It purifies our souls (22). It gives us rebirth (23). It lives and abides forever (23-25). It is preached to us by the gospel (25).

    Hide Answer

  • 8.

    What is the concrete expression of our obedience to the truth?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    If we obey the truth, we will love one another (Jn 13:34, 15:12; 1Jn 3:23, 4:21).

    Hide Answer

  • 9.

    According to Peter, how should we love one another? Explain your answer.

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    We should love one another fervently with a pure heart (22). We need to serve one another eagerly and diligently. But such zeal must come from a pure motive (cf. Gal 4:17).

    Hide Answer

  • 10a.

    What does it mean that we have been born again through the word of God?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    The word of God teaches us to put our faith in Jesus Christ, through whom we can have a new life (Jn 5:24; Rom 10:17). The word of God also refers to Christ Himself, who is the living word become flesh (Jn 1:1, 14, 14:6; Rom 10:6-9). Through faith in Christ, we can be born again.

    Hide Answer

  • 10b.

    How does the knowledge that God’s word abides forever affect your daily life?

    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    Show Answer

    If we believe that God’s word abides forever and that the desires or this world will come to an end, we will always give God’s word first place in our lives and forsake anything that is contrary to God’s word. A life that conforms to God’s word is the life that has meaning and eternal value.

    Hide Answer