What does being "obedient children" mean in the context of 1 Peter 1:14? Setting the Scene “As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance.” (1 Peter 1:14) Peter is writing to believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, reminding them that their new birth (1 Peter 1:3) calls for a new lifestyle. The family language—“children”—ties obedience directly to their relationship with the Father (1 Peter 1:17). What “Obedient Children” Means • Family resemblance: children naturally take on their Father’s character (cf. 1 Peter 1:15–16). • Active listening: the Greek idea of obedience (hypakoē) includes attentive hearing that leads to action (James 1:22). • Willing submission: not reluctant compliance but glad-hearted alignment (Psalm 40:8). • Continual pattern: an ongoing habit, not a one-time decision (Colossians 2:6). A Contrast with Former Ignorance • “Former ignorance” refers to pre-conversion life shaped by darkened understanding (Ephesians 4:17–19). • Obedience is the opposite of conforming to old passions; it breaks with the world’s mold (Romans 12:2). • Peter’s readers once “ran with” worldly desires (1 Peter 4:3–4); now they run after holiness. Marks of Obedience 1. Trust in God’s Word over feelings (Proverbs 3:5–6). 2. Swift response, like Abraham leaving Ur (Hebrews 11:8). 3. Complete surrender, as seen in Christ’s “not My will” (Luke 22:42). 4. Consistency in private and public (Matthew 6:6; Philippians 2:12–13). 5. Growth in love for fellow believers (1 John 3:18). Practical Expressions Today • Filtering entertainment, speech, and online habits through Scripture’s standards. • Honoring parents, employers, and government (Ephesians 6:1; 1 Peter 2:13). • Practicing prompt forgiveness instead of harboring grudges (Ephesians 4:32). • Using time and money for Kingdom purposes first (Matthew 6:33). • Gathering faithfully with the church (Hebrews 10:24–25). Motivations for Obedience • Love: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Holiness: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) • Redemption price: we were bought with Christ’s precious blood (1 Peter 1:18–19). • Future hope: obedience now anticipates grace at Jesus’ revelation (1 Peter 1:13). Related Passages to Study • 1 Samuel 15:22—obedience preferred to sacrifice. • Romans 6:16–18—slaves of obedience leading to righteousness. • 1 John 2:3–6—knowing Christ proven by keeping His commands. • Titus 2:11–14—grace trains us to deny ungodliness and live self-controlled lives. Walking It Out To be “obedient children” is to live each day as sons and daughters whose greatest delight is mirroring their Father’s holiness, rejecting former ignorance, and eagerly following every word He speaks. |
    |