Chapter CONTEXT from John Gill’s commentary on the whole Bible.
I want to focus on only one theme this morning of “Christian Duty. ” Note not the duty of all mankind that is referred to in Ecclesiastes above, but specifically those who are set apart and sanctified by the Blood of Christ.
While some might dismiss these verses as a call to duty, I would argue that a careful reading of the Word makes it clear that Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, surely meant it as such. Most commentaries and modern Bible headings describe this first chapter as a ‘call to be Holy’. Why because God is Holy, v.16. This “call” or “duty” to be Holy comes from v.13; So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (AMP)
Note I highlighted in bold three action verbs in the above verse. A calling requires actions and it is the duty of “Christians” to take those actions. In the Additonal Resources below you will find an excellant guide to the 10 Commandmanets entitled the “Whole Duty of Man.”
Unless you are the second coming of Christ you know that keeping of these commandments is impossible for man. That however does not negate a “”Christians””true Believers” duty to do just that, make every effort possible to keep them.
To that end I would suggest the greatest weapon we have against failing to keep them is prayer. May I suggest reading the following on a regular basis:
MAN’S DUTY
3.28 Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may be Honest in your Duty
3.29 Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may be Diligent in your Duty
3.30 Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may be Courageous in your Duty
3.31 Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may be Cheerful in your Duty
3.32 Pray for Grace to Assist you that you may do your Duty Always and Everywhere
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
What does the Bible say about a Christian’s responsibility?
The Whole Duty of Man Contains a PRACTICAL TABLE of the TEN COMMANDMENTS
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 