How does 1 Peter 1:14 encourage a lifestyle change for new believers? A Fresh Identity Drives Change - “As obedient children” tells us who we are now—born into God’s family, not spiritual orphans. - Identity shapes conduct; we imitate our Father. - 1 John 3:1: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God—and that is what we are!” Obedience: The New Operating System - Obedience flows naturally from new birth; it is not optional add-on behavior. - Hebrews 5:9: Jesus “became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” - John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Breaking Ties with the Old Passions - “Do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance” calls for a clean break. - The verb “conform” pictures a mold—stop letting old desires shape you. - Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed.” - Colossians 3:5-8 lists behaviors to “put to death,” underscoring the same break. Why Ignorance Is No Longer an Excuse - Pre-conversion, darkness hid our sin; now light exposes it. - Ephesians 4:17-24 contrasts “darkened in their understanding” with “put on the new self.” Scripture’s Echoes: The Same Call Elsewhere - 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away.” - Titus 2:11-12: Grace “trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.” - Galatians 5:24: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Practical Pointers for Today - Rehearse your family status—regularly address God as Father. - Saturate your mind with Scripture; truth drives out lingering ignorance. - Practice immediate obedience; respond to truth right away. - Pinpoint former passions that still tug; confess and replace them with Spirit-led desires (Galatians 5:16). - Build new rhythms—fellowship, service, worship—that reinforce your new identity and starve old habits. |
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