Set Apart by Grace (1 Peter 1:13-21)

Have you ever looked around and thought, “What is happening to the world?” Things feel upside down. Right looks wrong. Wrong looks right. In the middle of all this confusion, how are we supposed to live with hope?

That’s the same question Peter was answering in his letter to early Christians. These believers were scattered, facing trials, and struggling to stay strong. But Peter gives them—and us—a powerful reminder: Because of God’s grace, we’ve been set apart for a different kind of life.

Get Your Mind Ready

Peter starts with this challenge:

“With minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you…” (1 Peter 1:13)

In other words: Stay sharp. Stay focused. Don’t let the chaos around you pull you away from God’s truth.

Life throws a lot of distractions our way. News headlines, social media, personal stress—these things can cloud our thinking. Peter says to clear your mind and fix your hope on what lasts: Jesus is coming again. That’s where our confidence should be.

Live a Holy Life

Next, Peter calls us to something that sounds old-fashioned but is deeply powerful:

“Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)

To be holy means to be different—to live in a way that reflects God’s heart. Peter says we shouldn’t go back to our old way of living, the kind we had before we knew God.

Holiness shows up in everyday choices:

• The way we speak.
• The way we treat others.
• How we handle conflict, pressure, and even social media.

As children of God, we’re called to look like our Father – not in appearance, but in character.

Never Lose the Wonder of the Cross

Peter ends this part of the letter by reminding us just how much our salvation cost:

“You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Our freedom didn’t come cheap. Jesus paid for it with His life. That truth should fill us with awe.

• Does the cross still move you?
• Does it stir gratitude in your heart?
• Does it give you strength when life gets hard?

Peter says that through Jesus, we believe in God—and that gives us a reason to hope.

So What Do We Do?

Maybe you’re wondering, Ken, where do I start?

Start with gratitude. Thank God for what He’s done.

Let that thankfulness shape your mind, your choices, and your attitude. This week, live like someone who’s been rescued:

Hopeful … because your future is secure.

Holy … because you belong to God.

Humbled … because of the cross.

You’re not like everyone else and that’s a good thing. You’ve been set apart by grace.