Do You Have A Calling? 1 Peter 1:13-16 Ho Gaik Kim
📖 Sermon Title: Do You Have A Calling?
🗓 Date: 22 June 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
🎤 Speaker: Sis Ho Gaik Kim
📖 Main Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13–16 (NIV)
✅ Sermon Summary:
Sis Ho Gaik Kim shared a deeply reflective message on the concept of "calling" — a word often linked with ministry or spiritual roles, but which, in its truest biblical sense, applies to all believers.
1. Our Primary Calling: Salvation, Discipleship & Holiness
We are all called:
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According to God’s purpose (Romans 8:28)
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To a heavenward prize (Philippians 3:14)
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To live a life worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1)
A major aspect of this divine calling is holiness. God has called us to be holy just as He is holy:
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” – 1 Peter 1:15–16; cf. Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:26
As William Barclay put it, we are to be “set apart from the world, but not aloof from it.” We live in the world, but our identity and conduct must reflect that we belong to God.
2. Our Holiness Is Driven by a Living Hope
Our call to holiness doesn’t arise from fear or guilt, but from the living hope we have in Christ:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope...” – 1 Peter 1:3–5
This hope reminds us that "the best is yet to come" — that we are not living for the temporary, but the eternal. Knowing this, we are motivated to live in purity and purpose.
3. The Four Marks of Holiness in 1 Peter:
i. Holiness of Being
“Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16
Holiness isn’t just doing the right thing; it’s being transformed from the inside out.
ii. Leaving Behind Former Desires
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.” – 1 Peter 1:14
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit...” – 1 Peter 2:1-2
We must shed worldly behaviors and cultivate godly virtues.
iii. Holiness in Light of God’s Judgment
“Live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.” – 1 Peter 1:17
God is a holy judge. A healthy fear leads to accountability and respect for His standards.
iv. Holiness in Response to Christ’s Redemption
“...you were redeemed...with the precious blood of Christ...” – 1 Peter 1:18–19
Recognizing the price Jesus paid should stir deep gratitude and a desire to live a life that honors Him.
🔚 Conclusion:
In a world that often celebrates success, status, and self-fulfillment, we are reminded that our true calling is first and foremost to be holy — set apart for God’s purposes. Holiness is not about perfection, but about surrender, transformation, and gratitude. It is our response to God’s mercy, our hope in Christ’s return, and our reverence for the One who redeemed us. As we pursue this calling, we reflect God's glory and point others to the hope we have in Him.
🧠 Reflection & Discussion Answers
Reflective Question 1:
What does it mean to be “called” by God according to the sermon?
Answer:
To be “called” by God means being invited into a relationship with Him through salvation, being set apart to live as His children, and to walk in obedience and holiness. Sis Ho emphasized that our calling is not just about a role or title but about our identity in Christ—called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), called heavenward (Philippians 3:14), and called to live a holy life, reflecting God’s character.
Reflective Question 1a:
How does understanding your primary calling impact the way you live daily?
Answer:
Understanding my primary calling—to salvation and discipleship—gives my life eternal perspective. It helps me prioritize God’s Word, prayer, and a lifestyle of holiness. I become more intentional in my choices, seeking to honor God in my conduct, relationships, and work. It shifts the focus from success in the world to faithfulness to God.
Reflective Question 2:
What are some distractions or misconceptions that can hinder us from walking in our calling?
Answer:
Some distractions include chasing worldly success, fear of inadequacy, comparison with others’ callings, and being too busy to seek God. Misconceptions such as thinking only pastors or missionaries are “called” can also hinder us. Sis Ho reminded us that every believer is called, and living out our calling doesn’t require a platform, but obedience in our everyday life.
Reflective Question 3:
In what ways is holiness part of our calling? How can we pursue it in practical ways?
Answer:
Holiness is at the heart of our calling because God is holy and we are His children. To be holy means to be set apart and reflect God’s nature in our actions and thoughts. Practically, we pursue holiness by renewing our minds with God’s Word, resisting sin, forgiving others, and living with integrity. As Sis Ho shared, it is not perfection but progression in Christlikeness.
Reflective Question 4:
How can you be more intentional in living out your calling this week?
Answer:
This week, I can start by setting aside daily time to be still before God and ask Him to realign my heart to His purpose. I will also look for opportunities to serve others and represent Christ through my words and actions. Whether at work, with family, or among friends, I’ll remember that I am called to shine His light and bring glory to Him.
💡 Key Takeaway Message:
Every believer is called — not just to do something, but to be someone. You are called to be holy, set apart for God, motivated by His mercy and anchored in a living hope. Holiness is not a burden, but a beautiful response to Christ’s redeeming love.
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