Sermon: Sunday, 15th June, 2025
Speaker: John MacPherson
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-21
What does it mean to live as a Christian in a world that doesn’t share your convictions? A world where Christian beliefs can feel alien, maybe even unwelcome. A world where faith in Jesus doesn’t get you applause but raises eyebrows.
That’s exactly the kind of world Peter was writing to. Scattered across the Roman Empire, these early Christians were beginning to feel the pinch of living as strangers in their own towns — misunderstood, maligned, and tempted to shrink back. But Peter writes to remind them who they really are, and how to live in light of that. And Peter tells us exactly why he wrote this letter. He says: ‘I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.’ (1 Peter 5:12)
In other words, the whole letter is a call to see the gospel clearly and to stand firm in it — to keep living in light of who God says you are, even when it’s hard.
The first 12 verses of 1 Peter are like a soaring hymn of praise. Peter lifts their eyes to the breathtaking realities of what God has done for them in Christ. God has chosen them, caused them to be born again into a living hope, secured for them an imperishable inheritance, and is guarding them by His power until that final day. Even their sufferings, Peter says, are not meaningless but refining their faith. And though they haven’t seen Jesus, they love Him. These are truths so profound that even the angels long to look into them!
Now, in verse 13, Peter says, ‘Therefore’ — because all this is true, here’s how you must live. It’s the classic New Testament pattern: the indicative comes before the imperative. Gospel identity before gospel lifestyle. You ARE different — so BE different. That’s the heart of this whole letter, and it’s how we’ll structure our time this morning. If you remember nothing else, remember this: You are different, so be different, to make a difference.
If you belong to Christ, you are an elect exile. You don’t fit in here anymore. So don’t try to. Instead, live in a way that shows the world what God is like. That’s the flow of this whole passage. And in the verses before us today (1 Peter:13–21), Peter gives us three clear commands — three ways to live differently as God’s people in the world.
1. Set your hope fully on future grace
Peter begins: ‘Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.’ (1 Peter 1:13)
In other words: focus on your future. Set your hope – not vaguely, not partly – but fully on the grace that will be ours when Christ returns. No backup plans. No half measures. All our eggs in this basket. It’s a challenging instruction that makes us ask, ‘What am I setting my hope on for the future?’ Are we pinning our hopes on career success, finding ‘the one’ true love, getting a dream home, raising the perfect family, or finally going on that once-in-a-lifetime holiday? It’s so easy for us as Christians to get caught up hoping in the same things the world hopes in. The world hopes in them – but Peter says Christians are different. Don’t settle your heart on what won’t last. Lift your eyes to eternity.
So how do we do that? Peter gives us two means: alert minds and sober thinking. The ESV (English Standard Version) helpfully renders it ‘preparing your minds for action’ – literally, ‘girding up the loins of your mind.’ It’s a funny picture. Imagine people in ancient times wearing long, flowing robes – great for keeping you cool in the Middle Eastern heat, but terrible for running or fighting because you’d trip over them. To ‘gird up your loins’ meant to bunch up that long robe and tie it up around your waist, so your legs are free to run. Peter applies that imagery to our minds: roll up your mental sleeves, tuck in any loose, trailing thoughts – be ready for action. This is deliberate. Intentional. Don’t let your thoughts drift into daydreams or distractions. Fix your attention on God’s truth. Keep reminding yourself: ‘Jesus is coming. My future is with Him.’ That’s something we do together, too – at church, in small groups, at the prayer meeting, over coffee. Keep pointing one another to what is unseen, to what is eternal, to what is coming.
And then Peter says: be sober-minded. Not just free of alcohol – but spiritually clear-headed. Because just as literal drink dulls our senses, the world’s values can numb our spiritual reflexes. We can easily grow drowsy toward the things of God – especially in seasons of pressure or pain. Have you felt that? When life gets hard, and you’re tempted to retreat into comfort – or when stress drives you to put your hope in money, affirmation, or control. That’s the subtle pull of spiritual intoxication. Peter is saying, ‘Don’t get drunk on cheap dreams that can’t last, don’t get drunk on temporary comforts, don’t get drunk on Netflix, nostalgia, or the next best thing…’
Let me give one example. Many Christians long for marriage – and rightly so. But it’s easy to believe the world’s message that romantic love is ultimate. I’ve watched friends – strong believers – drift. They began by hoping for a godly spouse. But when that didn’t happen in their preferred timing, they gave their hearts to whoever paid attention. Some ended up in relationships that took them away from Christ. What happened? A good desire became a ruling one. A lesser hope displaced a greater one. Slowly, they started sipping from the world’s cup — absorbing its message that romance is ultimate, that fulfilment lies in finding ‘the one.’ But that message dulled their judgment and pulled them off course.
Peter’s saying: be careful what you’re drinking. What are you taking in, day after day? The world offers an endless cocktail of false hopes — ‘You’ll be complete if only you have this.’ But sip long enough, and you’ll find yourself spiritually drowsy, drifting from the true hope. Instead, fill your heart with God’s promises, and especially His Future Grace. That word ‘grace’ reminds us that what’s ahead is not earned, but freely given. It’s guaranteed because of Jesus – His resurrection secures it. Every other future is uncertain. Only one is certain.
Let me ask: what dream has captured your heart for the future? Is it something less than Christ? If so, why? Whatever it is, I can guarantee it’s far less wonderful and far less secure than the hope of heaven. Friends, let’s do what Peter says – lift our eyes from the here and now, and fix them on that glorious day when Jesus is revealed. When your mind starts to wander toward lesser hopes, catch yourself and refocus. He’s coming back. Keep that reality in the forefront of your thinking. The more we set our minds on that grace-filled future, the more strength and joy we’ll have to persevere in the present.
2. Be holy like your Father
Peter’s second exhortation flows naturally from the first: ‘As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.’ (1 Peter 1:15)
If the first command focused on our hope, this one focuses on our conduct. Before we knew Christ, we were in spiritual ignorance – we didn’t know better, so we just chased our desires. But NOW, by God’s mercy, that’s not who we are anymore! We’ve been given a new life and identity. Peter says: ‘Don’t let your new life be shaped by old desires.’ Now, that’s not easy. Wouldn’t it be great if, once you became a Christian, sin just disappeared? But the truth is, our old habits cling on. Daily, we face a choice: indulge or resist?
As someone once said, ‘Kill sin, or it will kill you.’ It might sound intense, but it’s true – unchecked sin can wreak havoc in our lives. So we can’t afford to be tame or casual about it, we have to take it seriously. Sometimes that means real repentance: naming the sin, asking God for help, and making changes – even drastic ones. Maybe you need accountability. Maybe you need to confess to someone. Don’t hide it – sin thrives in the dark, but it weakens in the light. Remember: Jesus died to redeem you from that old life. It no longer owns you.
But holiness is more than just saying ‘No’ to sin – it’s saying ‘Yes’ to God. Peter puts it simply: be holy in all you do, just as your Father is holy. To be holy is to be distinct, morally pure, set apart for God. Peter’s quoting Leviticus here – God’s call to Israel after saving them from Egypt: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’ (Leviticus 11:45) They were to live differently because they belonged to Him. And so do we. We’re God’s children now, and the family likeness should be growing in us. So don’t just avoid sin – actively pursue Christlikeness. Let God’s character shape your life.
Think about God’s attributes that we can imitate in daily life – His kindness, His honesty, His patience, His generosity, His compassion. To be holy is to let those qualities be evident in us. Holiness is not about ticking boxes or rule-keeping – it’s about becoming more like the most beautiful person in the universe.
That might feel overwhelming – holy in all you do? Every moment of every day? But here’s the key: think about today. Don’t stress about the next forty years of resisting sin. Just ask: How can I honour God today? ‘Lord, help me obey You today.’ And then do the same tomorrow. One faithful step at a time. Holiness isn’t about being dry or joyless. Holiness is becoming more like our Father. Think of someone whose character inspires you – whose humility or gentleness or generosity makes you think, ‘I want to be more like that.’
Now imagine becoming like the One who is the source of all that is good – God Himself! That’s what holiness is. It’s not about rule-following – it’s about relationship. When God says, ‘Be holy,’ He’s inviting us to share in His goodness. He’s saying, ‘Come close. Live like Me.’ And by His Spirit, we actually can. Now of course, we’ll stumble. There’ll be moments this week when we don’t reflect our Father. But that’s when we come back to Him in repentance. The same grace that saved us also trains us to live holy lives.
Maybe even now, the Spirit is bringing something to mind – some way in which you’ve been conforming to the world. Don’t ignore it. Don’t brush it off. Bring it to the cross. Confess it and ask for God’s help to change. You might even need to take a sledgehammer to a specific sin – removing the sources of temptation, setting up accountability, whatever it takes. Yes, sin is serious – but God’s grace is greater. He’s given us everything we need for a life of growing godliness. So, remember who you are. You belong to a holy God. You are different. So be different. Day by day, choose to be like your Father in Heaven.
3. Fear God until you finish
Peter’s third command is; ‘Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.’ (1 Peter 3:17)
Now let’s be honest — that phrase ‘fear God’ can feel confusing or off-putting. What does it mean to ‘fear’ someone we’re also meant to trust and love? Some Christians ignore the idea completely, picturing God more like a comforting grandfather or gentle therapist. But that can breed flippancy — a God who never says ‘No’ who never gets taken seriously. Others emphasise God’s holiness so heavily that they picture Him as cold or stern — someone to keep your distance from. But the Bible paints a richer picture. ‘Let us worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.’ (Hebrews 12;29)
Reverence. Awe. Yes, He is our loving Father. But He is also the holy Judge — utterly pure, infinitely glorious. We must hold both truths together. Think of a teenager slouched on the couch, eyes on his phone, barely grunting one-word answers to his dad.’
Hey, how was your day?’ – ‘Eh.’
‘Anything interesting happen? – Dunno.
‘Can we talk?’ – [Big shrug].
That indifference shows a lack of proper respect for the father. And sometimes, don’t we treat God like that? A brief prayer, a hurried song, but no real reverence or weight to His words.
So, what is the right kind of fear? There is, in the Bible, both ungodly fear and godly fear. Ungodly fear is what Adam and Eve felt when they hid — fear of punishment, wanting to run away. If you’re outside of Christ, that fear is appropriate. But if you belong to Jesus, there is no condemnation. That fear is gone.
Godly fear, however, is something entirely different. Rather than driving us away from God, it draws us toward Him in worship. This fear is not dread but reverence, being deeply moved by who God is: His holiness, power, justice, and astonishing love. It’s trembling not because you’re terrified, but because you’re amazed. One helpful definition I’ve heard is that the fear of the Lord is a mixture of awe, veneration, honour, and yes, a healthy sense of trembling before His greatness. It means we take God with utmost seriousness.
Godly fear doesn’t say, ‘God might crush me.’ It says, ‘God is so glorious, how could I take Him lightly?!’ It leads not to distance but to worship. It’s a love-soaked awe that shapes how we live. That’s Peter’s point. You call on God as Father — and He is your Father! But don’t forget: this Father is also Judge. He watches how we live, impartially. So live the whole of your life, in every setting, in reverent fear. Not just in church. In your studies, your friendships, your home, your work, your marriage, your retirement. Ask: ‘Is there anywhere I’ve been living as if God isn’t watching? Anywhere I’ve treated His word as optional?’ Reverent fear won’t let us compartmentalise obedience. It won’t let us say, ‘God can have Sundays, but not my relationships… not my finances… not my online habits.’ Godly fear means no corner of our lives is off-limits to Him — not
because we’re scared of punishment, but because we love and honour Him too much to treat His commands lightly.
Peter gives us two powerful reasons to live in godly fear… First, he reminds us of the price God paid to rescue us. ‘For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.’ (1 Peter 1:18-19)
The Son of God — sinless, spotless — gave His life to free us. That’s the value God places on you. That’s the cost of your forgiveness. Think about that. When we’re tempted to take sin lightly, Peter says: ‘Remember the cross. Remember what it cost God to save you.’ When we remember that our forgiveness and new life cost Jesus everything, it makes you pause, doesn’t it? How could I shrug at sins that Jesus suffered to rescue me from? Knowing the price of our redemption should deepen our reverence for God. It wasn’t cheap; it was infinitely costly. God must be immeasurably holy and just if sin required such a sacrifice – and immeasurably loving and merciful to provide that sacrifice Himself.
Godly fear flourishes when we keep the cross in view. We realise, ‘Wow, Lord, you did this for me… I owe you everything. Let me never insult your grace by living as though sin is no big deal.’
Second, Peter points us to the plan of God and our secure hope in Him. ‘He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.’ (1 Peter3:20)
The redemption accomplished through Jesus was no accident or plan B. Jesus came at just the right moment, and He came for you. We don’t fear circumstances, or rejection, or death — we fear the God who raised Jesus and rules eternity. And what a beautiful fear that is. The One who will judge us is the same One who gave His Son to save us. That truth humbles us without crushing us, gives us confidence, but not complacency, assurance but not arrogance. The fear of the Lord is what keeps us walking humbly and gratefully with Him until the end. That’s why Peter says we should fear God ‘as long as we live as foreigners here.’ Until the day we get home, this reverent awe should shape our steps. In heaven, fear will give way to face-to-face delight. But for now, it keeps us grounded, obedient, and thankful.
So, living in reverent fear means to live with a profound awareness: God is my Father, God is my Judge, God is my Redeemer, God is my hope. He’s always present, always holy, always loving – how could I not honour Him with my life?
If you hear all this and think, ‘I want more of that fear — I need more of that reverence in my heart,’ you’re not alone. That’s a good desire. Ask God for it. Pray, ‘Lord, teach me to fear You rightly. Not to shrink from You, but to honour You. Not to live in guilt, but in grateful worship.’ God loves to answer prayers like that.
Let’s live each day, not afraid of God — but in awe of Him. Not terrified, but transformed. Not flippant, but faithful. You are different. So be different — until the day you see Him face to face.
Peter has shown us three areas in which our ‘different-ness’ must shine: our hope (set fully on God’s grace, not on earthly dreams), our conduct (holy like our Father, not conforming to the world), and our attitude toward God (reverent fear, not casual or rebellious). This is the response to the great salvation we have received. And as we live this out, it will make a difference.
A church full of people who hope in their future with Christ, who strive to be holy, and who deeply reverence God – that kind of church stands out in a world of despair, indulgence, and irreverence. People around will notice that difference. Some may hate it, as in Peter’s day; but others may be drawn by it. Our distinct lives can become a beacon that points people to Jesus. So, don’t hide who you are. You are different because of God’s grace – so be different, to make a gospel difference in the lives of others.