1 Peter 1:13-16
Whenever the word “therefore” is used to begin a passage of scripture, it is necessary to refer to previous verses to obtain a context.
In verses 3-12 of 1 Peter 1, the apostle wrote eloquently concerning the salvation and eternal reward we receive through the “sufferings of Christ.”
“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind…” Peter’s exhortations to dligence and holy living in verses 13-16 are in response to the hope we have in Christ (cf. Titus 2:11-12).
It is also because of the holiness of God Himself. When God requires holiness of His people, it is not an arbitrary thing.
God is perfect in His holiness. James states that, “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (1:13).
As God is holy, and cannot countenance evil, it is required of his people that they be holy in all of their conduct as well. You can’t court the world and serve God!
