Be Holy – Placing Hope in the Grace of God
Pastor Tan Thai · May 5, 2021
This sermon, based on 1 Peter 1:13-16, calls believers to prepare their minds and place their complete hope in the grace of God rather than in the temporary things of this world. It examines five worldly perspectives on hope, reveals their inadequacy, and directs the congregation to true hope in Jesus Christ.
This sermon is part of the series 'Living Like the One Who Called You,' based on 1 Peter 1:13-16, preached on Sunday, May 2, 2021. The message opens by explaining the command in verse 13 to 'gird up the loins of your mind,' which is interpreted as fully preparing one's mind — just as people in ancient times would tuck up their long robes before working or running. The pastor emphasizes that actions and attitudes are the fruit of thoughts, and that believers must prepare their minds by placing their complete hope in the grace of God.
The second section surveys the nature of hope and five different worldly perspectives on it. The Roman poet Horace observed that hope is like saltwater — the more you drink, the thirstier you become. Wallace Stevens recognized that the joy from fulfilled hope is always temporary. Henrik Ibsen argued that earthly happiness rests entirely on temporary material things. Journalist Cynthia Heimel described movie stars who achieved their dreams yet still felt empty and suicidal. Finally, professor C.S. Lewis reasoned that humanity's deepest longings are actually for things not found in this life, and can only be satisfied by an eternal homeland in heaven.
The pastor contrasts worldly hope with biblical hope by citing 1 Corinthians 15:19, Romans 4:17-18, Romans 8:18, 24-25, 1 Timothy 6:6-9, and Philippians 4:11-12. These passages teach that true hope is not grounded in earthly circumstances or possessions, but in the salvation and promises of Jesus Christ concerning eternal life. Citing Hebrews 11:15-16, the pastor affirms that God's people are longing for a better homeland — a heavenly one.
The application section calls the congregation to recognize that no earthly hope can fully satisfy or endure. Believers are encouraged to be content with what God provides in this present life while placing their complete hope in saving grace and eternal life. This is the foundation for living holy lives in obedience to the command of 1 Peter 1:15-16: 'Be holy, for I am holy.'