Doubt & Devotion

1 Peter 1:14-15 ¹⁴As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

We Christians are a peculiar people. Being depicted as “obedient children” confirms the divine nature we share with God through our rebirth. It is the reason we can call God our Father. Consequently, it is because of this rebirth that we can follow the example of Christ, whose obedience provided the paramount basis for our own obedience.​

Being obedient doesn’t automatically mean we no longer get tempted by the tugging of the flesh. Paul commands believers not to be conformed to this world, and Peter seconds the motion. Both apostles, through the insight given them by the Holy Spirit, understand completely how easily simple human desire can turn into insatiable craving.​

Even though we have the Spirit of God living inside of us, should we choose to indulge the flesh, we would be in danger of behaving as if we have not been reborn at all. Selfish ambition, sexual lust, covetousness, uncontrolled passions—these are the cravings we used to have prior to our conversion. We lacked knowledge of truth and therefore couldn’t maintain the honorable conduct expected of obedient children.​

All thanks to Jesus, whose death and resurrection have caused us to be born again, we now have the power to choose holiness. And why shouldn’t we? The one we are in covenant with is called “The Holy One of Israel.” He is awesome, powerful, wonderful, magnificent, full of majesty, and intolerant of all that is evil, impure, and profane.​

This Holy One called us with a special calling, a calling which signifies divine election and privileged status. It is an affirmation of our special elect status before God and is the reason for the behavior expected of us. Therefore, let us be holy—obedient to His will, loving toward our brothers and sisters with a pure heart, and remaining faithful to Christ amidst suffering.​

Lord, help us be holy as You are holy, choosing obedience and purity in every part of our lives. Strengthen our hearts to resist the flesh and walk faithfully in the calling You have given us.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.