1. In these verses we are given some instructions that are designed to help us be prepared for the Lord's return. a. According to vs.13, we are to: 1) gird up the loins of our minds 2) be sober 3) hope for the blessing that will be given when the Lord returns. b. We learn from vs.14 that we are to avoid our former lives. c. Vs.15&16 teach us to "be holy" [separated from sin, consecrated to God]. 2. Peter explained why we must pursue holiness -- because God is holy. 3. Peter also explained how far we are to go in pursuing holiness -- "in all manner of conversation." 4. Based on these instructions, a worthwhile goal for us to adopt is: "let us pursue holiness in 2021." 5. To help us in accomplishing this goal we are studying a number of passages that teach us about "holiness." 6. We first need to point out that . . .
Discussion:
I. GOD IS HOLY
A. To help us appreciate God's holiness, let us consider 2 visions recorded in: 1. Isaiah 6:1-3 2. Revelation 4:1-11. B. As we reflect upon God's holiness, we need to keep in mind that: 1. His Son is holy (Hebrews 7:26) 2. His Word is holy (2 Timothy 3:15) 3. His church is to be holy (Ephesians 5:25-27). C. The fact that the church is to be holy brings us to our next point.
II. GOD'S PEOPLE ARE TO BE HOLY
A. The point that God's people are to be holy is also made in Ephesians 1:3-4. B. We are to pursue holiness "in all manner of conversation." 1. In our behavior we are to strive to be holy. 2. To illustrate, notice how this admonition was given to the Israelites: a. concerning their diet restrictions (Leviticus 11:44) b. concerning their laws of morality (Leviticus 19:2). C. The pursuit of holiness is to affect: 1. the sacrifices we offer to God (Romans 12:1) 2. the things we put on (Colossians 3:12-14) 3. our dealings with other people (Hebrews 12:14) 4. our readiness for the Lord's return (2 Peter 3:11-14).
Conclusion:
1. We learn from 1 Peter 1:22-23 that God makes us holy when we are born again. 2. After we are born again we are to pursue holiness so we may be: a. "a holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5) b. "a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9).
