A call to holy living (sermon Blog)
Series Launch: This week, Pastor Steve began a brand-new series called “Simon Says,” walking us through the letters of 1 and 2 Peter. In this first message, A Call to Holy Living, we learned that Peter — once impulsive and flawed — became a powerful voice of encouragement and faith for early believers facing persecution. His story reminds us that God can transform ordinary people into extraordinary leaders when they follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Who Was Peter?
Before diving into 1 Peter, Pastor Steve helped us get to know the man behind the letter:
Peter (originally named Simon) was a fisherman from Galilee, working alongside his brother Andrew.
Jesus called him “Peter” (Greek Petros, meaning rock) and said, “On this rock I will build my church.”
Peter was bold, passionate, and flawed — the same man who walked on water, confessed Jesus as the Messiah, denied Him three times, and later became a key leader of the early church.
Despite his failures, God used Peter to preach the first gospel message at Pentecost, leading 3,000 people to Christ in one day.
Peter’s life is a reminder that our past mistakes don’t disqualify us from God’s purpose—they prepare us for it.
A Letter to the Persecuted
Peter wrote to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) who were suffering for their faith. They were losing their homes, jobs, and in many cases, even their lives.
His purpose was simple: to encourage discouraged believers and remind them of what’s unshakably true—
God has chosen them.
They have been born again into a living hope.
Their salvation and inheritance in heaven are secure forever.
“It is by His great mercy that we have been born again… and we have a priceless inheritance kept in heaven for you.” — 1 Peter 1:3–4
Even when life feels unstable, Peter reminds us that our salvation rests on what Christ has already done, not on what we do.
Tested Faith Is Strengthened Faith
Peter compared life’s struggles to gold being refined by fire. Faith that endures hardship becomes more precious and pure.
Trials are not meant to destroy us but to prove the genuineness of our faith.
God allows testing to deepen our trust and shape our character.
Strong faith today equips us to face tomorrow’s challenges with confidence.
“These trials will show that your faith is genuine… though your faith is far more precious than gold.” — 1 Peter 1:7
Pastor Steve compared it to long-distance training: it’s uncomfortable, but it builds endurance. God sometimes gives us “LSD days”—long, slow distance seasons of perseverance—to strengthen our faith.
Called to Be Holy
In verses 13–16, Peter gives a clear command:
“You must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.” — 1 Peter 1:15
To be holy (Greek hagios) means to be set apart for God—morally pure and spiritually distinct from the world.
Pastor Steve reminded us that holiness isn’t about perfection; it’s about direction.
It means living differently from the world’s values.
It means having minds “alert and fully sober,” ready to resist the spiritual battles that target our thoughts.
It means being faithful in prayer, Scripture, and community—so we stay anchored in truth.
Holiness looks like generosity, compassion, humility, and deep love for others. It’s the outward evidence of an inward transformation.
Love Is the Mark of the Saved
Peter ends chapter 1 with a powerful challenge:
“Now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply, with all your heart.” — 1 Peter 1:22
True holiness always leads to love. Not shallow or selective love—but sincere, wholehearted love that reflects Christ.
Pastor Steve shared that we can’t love people deeply on our own; we need the Holy Spirit to do it through us. When we surrender daily, God fills us with His love and teaches us to care for others with compassion and grace.
Living It Out
Peter’s message is clear: holy living isn’t about following rules—it’s about following Jesus.
Here are three ways to live out 1 Peter 1:
Thank God daily for your salvation. Remember, you were chosen and redeemed by grace.
Ask God to help you grow in holiness. Let Him shape your character and priorities.
Love others sincerely and deeply. Reflect Christ’s heart in a world that desperately needs His love.
This Sunday, guest speaker Logan Mabe will continue the Simon Says series with Part 2.
Join us at Pacific Life Church as we keep learning from Peter’s journey—what it means to live holy, love deeply, and stand strong in faith.