How God’s Grace Makes Imperfect People Holy

God’s call to be holy can feel impossible when we see our flaws and failures—but His grace changes everything. In this message from 1 Peter 1:14–21 and 2:1–3, Pastor Chris Teien shows how holiness is not something we earn but something God produces in us as we follow Christ. Learn how to leave behind old desires, walk in reverent awe, and grow through God’s Word even when you don’t feel like you measure up. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18037753

Key Points:

1. Leave Behind Your Old Desires (1 Peter 1:14–16) – Holiness begins with turning from our past ways and letting Christ reshape what we love. God calls us to be holy because He is holy—and His Spirit empowers what our strength cannot.
2. Live with Reverent Awe of God (1 Peter 1:17–21) – We live to please the Father, not out of fear of rejection, but out of love and gratitude for the One who redeemed us with the precious blood of Christ.
3. Lean into the Pure Word That Helps You Grow (1 Peter 2:1–3) – Spiritual growth comes from craving God’s Word. The more we take it in, the more His grace transforms us from the inside out.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris shares how his own desires once centered on material things until God changed his heart. He also reflects on how the church’s witness has shifted—from postcards and door-to-door visits to living out faith authentically in everyday relationships—showing that true holiness is visible wherever we go.

Notable Quotes:

• “Holiness isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction.”
• “When you don’t measure up, God’s grace still keeps working in you.”
• “We were bought with the precious blood of Christ, not with silver or gold.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Heart reflection: Ask God where your desires need to change so you can reflect His holiness.
• Daily application: Live each day aware of God’s presence, seeking to please Him as the audience of One.
• Spiritual step: Spend time in Scripture this week, not out of duty but desire, trusting His Word to shape your character.
• Next step: Let grace, not guilt, be what moves you toward a holy life.

Scripture References:
 1 Peter 1:14–21; 2:1–3; Leviticus 19:2; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Romans 8:1–4; 2 Timothy 2:20–21

Keywords: grace, holiness, 1 Peter, sanctification, Christian growth, God’s Word, redemption, transformation, spiritual life, faith in action

Challenge:
 Don’t give up when you fall short. God’s grace is greater than your weakness—and He is still making you holy as you walk with Him.

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The WELL Faith Podcast shares practical, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you worship, encourage, learn, and love in everyday life. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN, and follow and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform.