What should we know about the manner of life of a Christian? The book of First Peter addresses this subject with clarity and force. Christians are those who have been cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus and they must stay clean and holy in their manner of life. Christians are to walk both in hope and in holiness. Peter used the little word "As" to picture the manner of life of the Christian.

     We know that as Christians we are to live as obedient children. (1 Peter 1:14) Peter said Christians are to live, "as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance." Christians are to live as children of obedience to God. Christians know the requirements of the gospel. Therefore they should fashion themselves after God, their heavenly Father, who is holy. God is holy therefore; Christians must live holy and godly lives.

     We know that as Christians we are to live with a desire for God’s word as a baby desires milk. (1 Peter 2:2) Christians must, "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby." As the baby craves milk Christians must crave the word of God. God's word is nourishment for our soul. Do you have an appetite for God's word?

     We know that as Christians we are to live as sojourners and pilgrims. (1 Peter 2:11) Christians are strangers in this world, just passing through. "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." Our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20) Christians are in this world only as sojourners. Let us not be­come too attached to the world and to worldly things.

We know that as Christians we are to live as brethren. (1 Peter 3:8)  God expects Christians to live and love as brethren. "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous." (1 Peter 3:8) Christians should be united in spirit, sympathizing with one another and loving each other as brethren. Christians are members of the same household. The whole of God's law is summed up in love. “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:8-10) Do you love the brethren?

     We know that as Christians we are to live as good stewards of God’s grace. (1 Peter 4:10) Christians must be faithful stewards of that which is granted them by God's grace. "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Christians are to be faithful stewards of the power and gifts granted by God's undeserved favor. Are you a good trustee of God's many-sided grace?

     We know that as Christians we are to live as those who are willing to suffer for Christ. (1 Peter 4:16) Rejoice that you would be counted worthy to suffer as a Christian. "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." Jesus is never ashamed of the Christian and His people should never be ashamed to suffer as a Christian. Are you ever ashamed of Christ, His name, His church or His teaching?

     Peter, by inspiration of God, has given us precious and powerful teaching on the manner of life Christians should live. Satan tries to get Christians to live a life displeasing to God. Christ wants us to "walk as children of light." God bless you as you live for Jesus "as" He would have you live.

     Do you need to become a Christian today? If you believe in Jesus and want to receive the remission of your sins then you should repent and be baptized to "wash away your sins." (Acts 22:16) There is urgency in your gospel obedience. "For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) After you become a Christian here is what you must do. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58) In Jesus Christ we have victory!