In our passage for study, Peter calls on his readers: i] to live holy lives, v13-16; ii] fear God, v17-21; iii] love one another, v22-2:3.

v13. The "therefore" maintains the link between an exhortation for holy living and the grace of God in salvation. Peter has proclaimed the gospel of God's grace and now he calls on his readers to be what they are. His exhortations are very practical. "Prepare your minds for action", ie. work to understand the truth of God's revelation. Also, "set your hope fully on the grace to be given you", ie. rely on the glory that is to come.

v14. "Do not conform". Don't be shaped by the transient nature of this age. The phrase, "As obedient children", is probably better, "children of obedience." We are not necessarily obedient, but we do, through the indwelling Spirit, possess a pervasive inclination toward obedience, along with our righteous standing "in Christ."

v15-16. "Be holy, because I am holy", cf. Ex.6:6, 19:3f.

v17 Although Peter describes God as our "Father", he reminds us that he is also the one who "judges each man's work."

v18-19. The redemption-price paid by God is the life of the Messiah, the suffering servant. The price is "without blemish or defect." It is a perfect "blood" offering. The Old Testament Passover and sacrificial imagery are quite strong in this passage.

v20. The Messiah, who is to redeem God's people out of bondage, was "chosen" to fulfill this task even before the creation of the world. All this took place in "these last times" (these last days), the age when the history of humanity finds its consummation.

v21. Through Jesus the Messiah, we can believe "in God." The "in" here means "into", or "toward" - Jesus enables us to approach God. This God has raised Jesus and glorified him. Through Jesus he will do the same for us, so our trust and eternal hope are in him.

v22. Given that Peter's readers have committed themselves to the gospel and are even now being renewed by the indwelling Spirit of Christ, they should stretch themselves in the business of brotherly love.

v23. We "have been born again" of an "imperishable" seed. On this basis let us rid ourselves of "all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." Peter's exhortation to love in v22 follows their having obeyed the truth. This obviously means their having believed the gospel. Thus "purified" and "born again" (forgiven and quickened) they can now love. This gospel, "the living and enduring word of God", is an "imperishable seed" which gives life to those who believe in it.

v24-25. The things of this world fade; they are transitory. "The word of the Lord stands forever".

2:1. Thus, forgiven and enlivened through the gospel, Peter encourages his readers to get rid of all kinds of evil conduct: deceit, hypocrisy, envy and evil-speaking.

v2. By applying our energy to a reasonable and pure life-style, we prepare ourselves for our participation in eternity.

v3. Having tasted eternity in Christ, we press toward the goal, prepared by our daily living for him.

Christianity is counter-culture. The way of Christ is apart from, and often opposed to, the culture of the secular city. As the apostle Peter puts it, we should "live as strangers here." Yet, we often find ourselves drifting toward the profane. So, Peter encourages his readers to holy living in an unholy environment.

1. A call to holy living, v13-16. "Be holy in all you do." God is a holy God; He is moral, kind and loving. He desires his people to be as he is, and in Christ we are that way (we possess the righteousness of Christ) and are being made that way. We, therefore, are to cooperate with the renewing work of the indwelling Spirit of Christ as he shapes us into the image of our holy God.

Peter gives us some practical steps to this end. First, he calls on us to think Christianly. We develop a Christian mind-set through the constant study of God's Word. Second, "be self-controlled." Third, keep an eye on eternity. Substance is found there; here life is transitory.

2. A call to fear God, v17-21. Peter gets us to visualize the God of Israel's wilderness journey - the mighty, powerful, redeeming God. He is the one we serve and if we are to live a life honouring to him, rather than be conformed to this age, we need to keep his awesomeness before us. We don't need to be afraid of him, just awe-struck.

3. A call to love, v22-2:3. Peter encourages us to "love one another deeply, from the heart." Interestingly, he makes the point that his readers already "have sincere love" for the brotherhood, and this as a consequence of their response to the gospel. Still, he calls on them to realize that love. We must do it practically, setting aside "deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander."

Finally, what is the purpose of this striving? In simple terms, the struggle prepares us for glory. We "grow up" in our salvation, 2:2.

1. Given that we are called to holiness, consider the ways we are conformed to this age. Discuss the implications.

2. For what purpose do we struggle on in the Christian life?

3. What is the basis for a call to live the life of a disciple?