1 Peter 1:15
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But as he which hath called you - Heathenism scarcely produced a god whose example was not the most abominable; their greatest gods, especially, were paragons of impurity; none of their philosophers could propose the objects of their adoration as objects of imitation. Here Christianity has an infinite advantage over heathenism. God is holy, and he calls upon all who believe in him to imitate his holiness; and the reason why they should be holy is, that God who has called them is holy, Pe1 1:15.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "But (rather) after the pattern of Him who hath called you (whose characteristic is that He is) holy, be (Greek, 'become') ye yourselves also holy." God is our grand model. God's calling is a frequently urged motive in Peter's Epistles. Every one that begets, begets an offspring resembling himself [EPIPHANIUS]. "Let the acts of the offspring indicate similarity to the Father" [AUGUSTINE]. conversation--deportment, course of life: one's way of going about, as distinguished from one's internal nature, to which it must outwardly correspond. Christians are already holy unto God by consecration; they must be so also in their outward walk and behavior in all respects. The outward must correspond to the inward man.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as he which hath called you is holy,.... Which is a periphrasis of God the Father, who had called them, not merely in an external way, by the outward ministry of the word; but internally, powerfully, and efficaciously, by his Spirit and grace; and who had called them to holiness of life and conversation, as well as in calling had implanted principles of holiness in them, and therefore is said to call them with an holy calling; and who himself is holy, naturally, perfectly, and originally, and in such sense as no creature is, angels or men; and is glorious in holiness, and is the source and fountain of holiness in others: therefore so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; which respects not internal holiness, but supposes it; for that is God's work, and not the creature's act; it is the sanctification of the Spirit, of which he is the author; this they were chosen unto from the beginning, and made partakers of in regeneration; but external holiness, holiness of life and conversation, in all the parts and branches of it, both with respect to God and men, in matters both of religion and civil life: and to be holy in this sense is an imitating of God, a copying after him, though he is far from being equalled by a sinful creature, or even by an angel in heaven; however, the arguments to it, taken from the nature of God, and of his effectual calling to grace and holiness, are very strong and powerful; for it is walking worthy of him, who has called us to his kingdom and glory; and walking worthy of that calling wherein we are called; and a following of God, as dear and obedient children; and what is according to his will, and what he directs unto, and requires, as appears from what follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:15-16 “You must be holy because I am holy”: This is a common refrain in Scripture, that God’s people must be holy as God is holy (see Lev 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; see also Ezek 20:12; Eph 1:4; 1 Thes 4:3; Rev 22:11).
1 Peter 1:15
A Call to Holiness
14As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.15But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, 16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Chosen to Be Holy
By Alan Redpath30K56:01ROM 7:24ROM 8:291CO 1:30EPH 1:4EPH 5:18HEB 12:141PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost importance, surpassing any other conventions happening in Dallas. The speaker also discusses the three possible outcomes for the world: the immediate return of Jesus Christ, the absolute destruction of civilization, or the continuation of the current state. The main focus of the sermon shifts to the experience of the fullness of the Holy Spirit, with the speaker introducing the theme for the day and laying a foundation for further discussion. He references Ephesians 1:4 and emphasizes the need for continuous blessings and transformation in the believer's life. The speaker also addresses the issue of rationalizing sin and the importance of recognizing and overcoming personal weaknesses. He concludes by highlighting the spiritual warfare that the Church faces and the need for the power of the Holy Spirit to effectively reach and transform lives.
God's Truth About Marriage and Divorce
By Russell Kelfer3.5K41:01Divorce1PE 1:15The video is a critique of a movie called The Bad News Bears, which is portrayed as a kids program but is deemed inappropriate due to its negative portrayal of authority and promotion of immoral behavior. The speaker highlights the prevalence of extramarital and premarital physical relationships in television shows, movies, and newspaper depictions, which goes against God's teachings. The sermon then transitions to discussing the fourth attribute of a pure heart, which is single-mindedness. The speaker explains that Satan's goal is to discredit God and uses tools such as the media, secular education, and secular counseling to confuse Christians and promote worldly standards.
The Book of Job
By Keith Daniel3.5K1:56:18SufferingJOB 1:2JOB 2:9JOB 19:21JOB 19:23JOB 29:2MAT 27:421PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Job from the Bible. Job, a wealthy and righteous man, experiences a series of devastating losses, including the death of his children and the destruction of his possessions. Despite his despair, Job remains faithful to God and acknowledges that everything he had was given by God and can be taken away. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in God even in the midst of trials and encourages listeners to seek God's righteousness rather than defending themselves against His dealings.
Problems in the Christian Life
By Leonard Ravenhill2.3K55:28Problems1PE 1:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and how he faced immense suffering and loss. Despite being surrounded by troubles, Job refused to give up and curse God. The preacher emphasizes that although Job was knocked down, he was not knocked out, showing resilience and faith in the face of adversity. The sermon also touches on the importance of rightly interpreting the word of God and not just going as far as it is comfortable to go. Overall, the message encourages listeners to trust in God and persevere through difficult times.
Holiness
By Leonard Ravenhill2.3K1:22:59HolinessLiving a Holy Life1PE 1:15Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the call to holiness as a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, urging believers to reflect God's holiness in their daily conduct. He critiques the church's focus on spiritual gifts over the fruits of the Spirit, asserting that true holiness is essential for seeing the Lord. Ravenhill highlights that Jesus' sacrifice was not merely for forgiveness but to restore humanity to a state of holiness, challenging the notion that Christians are 'just forgiven' rather than called to perfection. He encourages believers to embrace their identity as holy people, kept by God's power, and to live out their faith authentically in a world that often rejects holiness.
The Holy Spirit - Part 1
By Keith Daniel1.6K09:181PE 1:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in worship, highlighting the potential dangers of allowing worldly influences, especially in music, to infiltrate the church. The speaker urges for a return to a focus on God and His presence, cautioning against the lure of entertainment and secular trends that can dilute the spiritual atmosphere. The call to prayer, intercession, and a deep burden for souls is central to the message, emphasizing the need for genuine spiritual warriors who prioritize seeking God's will above personal desires.
Be Ye Holy
By Gary Ellison1.5K48:33Holy Character1PE 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being alert and sober in our spiritual lives. He uses the analogy of soldiers in combat to illustrate the need for split-second timing and attentiveness. The preacher highlights three commands from the Bible that shape holy living: gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope for the grace of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the need to renew our minds and develop the right attitude in order to live a holy life in an unholy world.
How the Spirit Leads Us - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.4K08:331PE 1:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning our inner Christian life with our outward appearance, highlighting the need for true holiness in all aspects of our lives. It stresses the significance of allowing God to sanctify us from within, even in the hidden areas that no one sees, and the necessity of surrendering to God's work of transformation, no matter how painful it may be. The analogy of removing a chameleon-like lust from our lives is used to illustrate the process of allowing God to cleanse and free us from sinful strongholds, leading to a deeper, more liberated Christian walk.
Let Us Go on (Voice Only)
By Compilations1.4K12:25CompilationMAT 16:24JHN 15:4ROM 8:29GAL 5:16HEB 12:141PE 1:151JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life of holiness and surrendering oneself completely to the Lord. He highlights the need for Christians to move beyond mere words and formalities and make their faith a matter of life and death. The preacher urges believers to allow Jesus to have complete control over their thoughts, actions, and bodies, so that they can be used as vessels for His work. He emphasizes that true Christianity involves confessing sin with genuine concern and burden, and seeking deliverance from the tyranny of self in order to fulfill God's purpose. The sermon is grounded in biblical references such as Romans 8:29, 1 Peter 1:15, and Hebrews 12:14, which emphasize the call to holiness and surrender to God's will.
Studies in 1 Peter-04 1 Peter 1:14-20
By Dwight Pentecost1.4K27:03EXO 12:13LEV 11:44MAT 6:33MAT 11:281PE 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believers living a holy life, as God is holy. He highlights that many people struggle to accept the simplicity of the gospel message, which states that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. The preacher urges the audience to personally receive Jesus Christ as their Savior, comparing it to receiving a gift. He then refers to the book of 1 Peter, where the apostle Peter reminds believers of their ancient history and the exodus from Egypt, using it as a lesson to teach them spiritual truths. The preacher concludes by emphasizing that believers have experienced the miracle of the new birth and therefore have an obligation to be like their heavenly Father.
Let Us Go on (Compilation)
By Compilations1.3K00:00CompilationMAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 15:4ROM 8:29GAL 5:16HEB 12:141PE 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life of holiness and surrendering oneself completely to the Lord. He highlights the need for Christians to move beyond mere words and formalities and make their faith a matter of life and death. The preacher encourages believers to present their entire being to God, allowing Him to use their thoughts, ears, heart, feet, hands, and lips for His purposes. He emphasizes that true Christianity involves deliverance from self and a complete surrender to Christ, allowing Him to live and work through believers. The sermon is grounded in biblical references such as Romans 8:29, 1 Peter 1:15, and Hebrews 12:14, which emphasize the call to holiness and the need for a transformed life in Christ.
People Who Believe, but Are Not Saved
By Richard Langworthy1.2K56:19False ConversionMAT 6:33ROM 6:19HEB 10:251PE 1:151PE 1:17In this sermon, the speaker expresses a burden on his heart for the state of the church in these days. He emphasizes the urgency and clarity with which he wants to address the congregation. The speaker references Matthew 24, specifically the narrow gate that leads to life and the need to be ready for the unexpected return of the Son of Man. He also highlights the importance of a genuine transformation in one's heart, rather than just a verbal acknowledgement of Jesus' death and resurrection. The sermon includes an illustration involving a cross to further emphasize the message.
Sin and Holiness - Part 1
By Art Katz1.2K55:40SinPSA 14:3MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 3:23ROM 6:232TI 3:161PE 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and honoring God. He acknowledges that without God's grace and the understanding of His word, our knowledge of Him will be superficial and ineffective. The preacher also highlights the need for believers to strive for holiness and purity in order to be credible witnesses for God in a world that is hostile towards Him. He warns of the consequences of sin and emphasizes that there must be a recompense for evil in order to maintain a moral universe. The sermon concludes with the idea that following God and making Him a priority will require sacrifice and suffering, just as Jesus did on the cross.
Rejoicing in God, Living Unto God
By Richard Owen Roberts6521:39:28Rejoice1PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fixing one's hope completely on the salvation offered by God. He urges the audience to not be conformed to their former lusts and to instead live as obedient children of God. The speaker also references the story of Job, highlighting the humbling experience Job had when confronted by God's questions. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging the audience to gird up their minds and focus on the countenance-lifting truths found in the Bible.
(Clip) Holiness Fueling the Fire Within
By Shane Idleman60312:491PE 1:15This sermon focuses on the first characteristic of a faithful Christian, which is holiness as a priority. The speaker emphasizes the importance of drawing closer to God by separating from the defilement of the world, thoughts, and actions, leading to a spirit-filled life. Holiness is described as a fire burning within, sparking faith, spiritual power, and a deep prayer life. The sermon warns against carnality, a rebellious spirit that hinders holiness and quenches the fire of the Holy Spirit, leading to a lukewarm faith and dried-up spiritual vitality.
Message on Peter
By Leonard Ravenhill771:26:03Identity in ChristPeterHoliness1PE 1:15Leonard Ravenhill delivers a powerful message on the Apostle Peter, emphasizing the call to holiness as outlined in 1 Peter. He discusses the transformation of Peter from a flawed individual to a foundational leader of the church, highlighting the importance of purity and the necessity of being spirit-filled. Ravenhill stresses that true holiness is not just about avoiding sin but about being filled with the Spirit and living a life that reflects Christ. He encourages believers to understand their identity as saints and to embrace the trials of faith as opportunities for growth. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that they are kept by the power of God through faith, which leads to salvation and a lively hope.
Live Holy: Living Fascinated in the Pleasure of Loving God
By Mike Bickle1953:52Pursuing GodHolinessPSA 16:11JHN 16:14ROM 6:111PE 1:15Mike Bickle emphasizes the call to holiness as a pursuit of the superior pleasures found in loving God, rather than a mere self-denial of sin. He explains that true holiness is about being fascinated by God's beauty and experiencing the joy of His presence, which equips us to enjoy life with Him forever. Bickle encourages believers to aim for 100% obedience, highlighting that the final 2% of surrender can unlock a deeper spiritual dynamic. He outlines three principles for pursuing holiness: knowing our identity in Christ, resisting sin, and actively pursuing God. Ultimately, he calls for a vision of living fascinated by God, which transforms our lives and empowers us against the allure of sin.
Does Holiness Matter Anymore?
By Shane Idleman830:59ObedienceHoliness1PE 1:15Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical importance of holiness in the life of a believer, asserting that God calls us to be holy as He is holy. He explains that obedience to this call can provide clarity in decision-making and direction in life, urging Christians to reject their former sinful ways and embrace a life set apart for God. Shane warns against the dangers of complacency and the allure of the old nature, encouraging believers to continually seek spiritual renewal and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He highlights that true holiness reflects God's character and is essential for effective Christian living, as it allows believers to worship God authentically and resist temptation. Ultimately, Shane calls for a return to the doctrine of holiness, which he believes is desperately needed in today's church.
Holiness and Sanctification
By Erlo Stegen1HolinessSanctification1PE 1:15Erlo Stegen emphasizes the call to holiness and sanctification, urging believers to be set apart for God's use, just as the vessels in the temple were consecrated. He warns against conforming to worldly standards and highlights the serious consequences of sin, reminding that God judges impartially regardless of one's self-identification as a Christian. Stegen illustrates the transformative power of God, comparing the potential of a redeemed life to that of refined metal, and stresses that without holiness, one cannot see God. He calls for a deep awareness of sin's destructive nature and the necessity of repentance to maintain a close relationship with God.
Our Heritage and Our Hope
By C. William Fisher1DAN 3:16DAN 6:10ACT 5:411CO 16:132TI 1:7HEB 11:36HEB 12:11PE 1:15C. William Fisher preaches about the importance of rediscovering and rededicating to the heritage of holiness, amidst the dangers of diluting its demands and blurring its distinctive doctrine in today's society. He emphasizes the need to value and preserve the rich heritage of holiness, passed down by spiritual heroes, martyrs, and pioneers, despite the pressures of secularism and the temptations of a diluted version of holiness for possessions, pleasure, or popularity. Fisher calls for a return to the heroic commitment and sacrificial devotion of those who stood firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution and death, highlighting holiness as the only real hope for the present and future.
Entire Sanctification in Type
By Dougan Clark0ISA 61:1MAL 3:3ROM 2:29EPH 5:26HEB 9:14HEB 10:1HEB 12:291PE 1:151PE 2:9Dougan Clark preaches on the Mosaic dispensation, highlighting how the ceremonial laws and rituals in the Old Testament point to the substance and reality found in the gospel of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of holiness, both inward and outward, as seen in the distinctions between clean and unclean in the Mosaic law. Clark delves into the symbolism of circumcision, the consecration of priests, and the sacrifices as types of Christ, underscoring the continuous call to holiness for all believers. He also explores the significance of the anointing oil as a representation of the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work in the lives of Christians.
Sanctification
By Thomas Watson0ISA 63:18COL 1:121TH 4:32TI 2:19TIT 3:31PE 1:151PE 2:5Thomas Watson preaches about the importance, nature, counterfeits, necessity, signs, pursuit, inducements, and attainment of sanctification. He emphasizes that sanctification is the will of God, essential for evidencing justification, a requirement for the new covenant, necessary for entering heaven, and the only thing that makes us differ from the wicked. Watson urges Christians to pursue sanctification above all else, as it is the evidence of God's love, fits us for heaven, and is the main thing a Christian should seek after. He provides practical steps to attain sanctification, such as being in the Word, having faith in Christ's blood, seeking the Holy Spirit, associating with sanctified people, and praying for sanctification.
What's the Difference Between Holiness and Legalism?
By Michael L. Brown0JHN 8:36ROM 8:1ROM 12:22CO 3:17GAL 5:1EPH 2:8HEB 12:14JAS 1:251PE 1:151JN 1:9Michael L. Brown preaches on the stark difference between holiness and legalism, emphasizing that holiness brings life and freedom while legalism brings death and bondage. Legalism focuses on rules without relationship, fear over love, and external conformity rather than inward transformation, leading to self-righteousness or self-condemnation. In contrast, true holiness begins with the heart, flows from encountering God and His Word, and is empowered by the blood of Jesus and the Spirit of God, leading to liberty and divine life.
Consecrated by Christ
By Mary Wilder Tileston0MAT 5:16JHN 17:192CO 7:1JAS 4:71PE 1:15Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of consecrating oneself to God for the benefit of others, drawing inspiration from John 17:19. She highlights the need to confront temptations, despondency, restlessness, and ambition with unwavering vigilance and commitment to self-consecration. Tileston warns against allowing even a single sin to hinder the work of God through us, stressing the necessity of purity and cleansing of the heart to radiate God's light and truth to others. Ultimately, she encourages a deep surrender to Christ for His transformative power to shine through our imperfections, revealing His brightness and peace to those around us.
Difficulties About Christian Perfection
By Samuel Chadwick0MAT 5:48ROM 12:22CO 7:1EPH 2:8PHP 3:12HEB 7:25HEB 13:201PE 1:151JN 3:3Samuel Chadwick addresses the common misconception that holiness comes through gradual growth in grace, emphasizing that it is a gift of grace through faith, not achieved by human endeavor. He highlights the experience of full salvation as a crisis and epoch, received as a gift without striving. Chadwick refutes objections about humility and sympathy, explaining that holiness does not lead to pride but rather to compassion and a passion for souls. He clarifies the term 'perfection' in different senses, distinguishing between present perfection in grace and future perfection in glory.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But as he which hath called you - Heathenism scarcely produced a god whose example was not the most abominable; their greatest gods, especially, were paragons of impurity; none of their philosophers could propose the objects of their adoration as objects of imitation. Here Christianity has an infinite advantage over heathenism. God is holy, and he calls upon all who believe in him to imitate his holiness; and the reason why they should be holy is, that God who has called them is holy, Pe1 1:15.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "But (rather) after the pattern of Him who hath called you (whose characteristic is that He is) holy, be (Greek, 'become') ye yourselves also holy." God is our grand model. God's calling is a frequently urged motive in Peter's Epistles. Every one that begets, begets an offspring resembling himself [EPIPHANIUS]. "Let the acts of the offspring indicate similarity to the Father" [AUGUSTINE]. conversation--deportment, course of life: one's way of going about, as distinguished from one's internal nature, to which it must outwardly correspond. Christians are already holy unto God by consecration; they must be so also in their outward walk and behavior in all respects. The outward must correspond to the inward man.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as he which hath called you is holy,.... Which is a periphrasis of God the Father, who had called them, not merely in an external way, by the outward ministry of the word; but internally, powerfully, and efficaciously, by his Spirit and grace; and who had called them to holiness of life and conversation, as well as in calling had implanted principles of holiness in them, and therefore is said to call them with an holy calling; and who himself is holy, naturally, perfectly, and originally, and in such sense as no creature is, angels or men; and is glorious in holiness, and is the source and fountain of holiness in others: therefore so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; which respects not internal holiness, but supposes it; for that is God's work, and not the creature's act; it is the sanctification of the Spirit, of which he is the author; this they were chosen unto from the beginning, and made partakers of in regeneration; but external holiness, holiness of life and conversation, in all the parts and branches of it, both with respect to God and men, in matters both of religion and civil life: and to be holy in this sense is an imitating of God, a copying after him, though he is far from being equalled by a sinful creature, or even by an angel in heaven; however, the arguments to it, taken from the nature of God, and of his effectual calling to grace and holiness, are very strong and powerful; for it is walking worthy of him, who has called us to his kingdom and glory; and walking worthy of that calling wherein we are called; and a following of God, as dear and obedient children; and what is according to his will, and what he directs unto, and requires, as appears from what follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:15-16 “You must be holy because I am holy”: This is a common refrain in Scripture, that God’s people must be holy as God is holy (see Lev 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7; see also Ezek 20:12; Eph 1:4; 1 Thes 4:3; Rev 22:11).