SEVEN COMMANDS FOR CHRISTIANS
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1:6-9 NKJV
Since Jesus is coming back soon, that should strongly motivate us to live for Him.
- Gird up the loins of your mind:
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 NKJV
Gird up the loins of your mind: strengthen or put protection around your mind; brace up; take courage. You have the mind of Christ!
- Be sober:
Be sober: Greek: nepho: to live soberly and righteously. Be watchful, mentally alert, disciplined and/or focused. Don’t just muddle through your life. Deliberately live for God every day.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:11-12 NKJV
- Hope to the end for the fullness of grace and salvation that are to be brought at the coming of Christ:
Rest your hope fully on the grace of God, which is being progressively revealed unto you as you grow in His Word.
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8:24-25 NKJV
- Do not pattern your new life after your former life of sin:
As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance. 1 Peter1:14 NKJV
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV
You are a new creature and you must live a new life.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NKJV
- Be holy in all your manner of life:
But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 NKJV
You are to pattern your life after God in all things.
- Pass the remaining time of your journey here in the fear of God:
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:17-21 NKJV
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NKJV
Don’t put any confidence in yourself or your abilities – they will fail you. Do put all your confidence in your Father – He will never fail you. Even when temptation comes, He has a plan to deliver and protect you, if you will trust and obey Him.
- See that you love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22 NKJV
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 NKJV
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:12-13 NKJV
God has shown His love for you through Jesus Christ. Love one another sincerely and earnestly, with no ulterior motives.