(Note to teachers: The italicized words in this lesson are discussion starters.)

What does it mean to be holy? Does it mean a person is weird? Perfect? Spiritual? Super religious? Holy is a word that brings different images to mind for different people . . . not all of them positive. But a Christian is called to be holy. The apostle Peter writes, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15, 16).

What are some inaccurate concepts of holiness you sometimes encounter (in individuals or even certain faith groups)?

The concept of holiness in Scripture is best defined as being set apart, different, or unique. It is not being different just for the sake of being different, but for the purpose of pleasing and honoring God. In these verses, Peter defines holiness by the way we think, live, and love.

THINK CLEARLY
Holy people think clearly (vv. 13-16). Peter tells us to prepare our minds and be self-controlled. We are to be mentally alert, disciplined, and focused. I know of a successful sales manager who regularly tells his sales force, “Ninety percent of this job is between your ears.” He knows one’s attitude and success in any area of life is largely determined by his thought processes.

When we think about becoming more like God, we must truly think differently about why we are on this path toward holiness. Are we motivated primarily by an unhealthy fear (God’s going to strike me with lightning) or by love (after all he has done for me, I desire to continually draw nearer to him)?

When you think of living a holy life, what are some of the first things that come to mind? Are these thoughts likely to lead you to success or failure? (Review Philippians 4:8, 9 if you need a reminder of where holy people should focus their thoughts.)

LIVE COURAGEOUSLY
Holy people live courageously (vv. 17-21). Do you ever feel a bit out of place as a Christian? In a way, you should; this world is not our home or our final destination. Peter says we are to be as strangers or aliens. I’ve received a new understanding of that concept in the last year. I spent the first 30 years of my working life exclusively with churches and Christian ministries. For the past year I have been in the secular workplace. I have truly struggled with how to live a holy life in an arena that does not value holiness.

I have decided the best way to live as a “stranger” is to follow the example of Jesus. He didn’t always go along with the crowd, but he was the perfect balance of God’s truth and God’s grace.

I’ve seen well-meaning Christians in the workplace go to unhealthy extremes. Some believe they should be different from their coworkers in every way in order to stand for Christ; some other Christians are so “gracious,” however, that there isn’t any difference between their behavior and the behavior of the non-Christians around them. The key is to follow Jesus in the balancing act of being “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Have you observed good examples and poor examples of individuals trying to live a courageous life in a culture that does not value it? 

LOVE DEEPLY
Finally, holy people love deeply (vv. 22-25). Peter clearly states, “Love one another deeply, from the heart” (v. 22). That is far easier to say than to live. It’s said best in the often-repeated rhyme:

To dwell above with those we love,
Oh, that will be glory!
But to live below with those we know,
Now that’s another story!

Consistently showing sacrificial love to our brothers and sisters in Christ is an essential, but often-neglected, aspect of holy living. The best commentary on Peter’s words here probably come from the apostle John: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).

A family in your church has a member who is experiencing a long-term health crisis. Make a list of five to 10 practical ways you can love that family deeply through that crisis.

Living a holy life is a lifelong challenge and calling for the believer. There will be ups and downs, peaks and valleys, successes and failures. It will be easier to walk the trail if you follow these clear signs: think clearly, live courageously, and love deeply.

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*All Scripture references are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.