Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 77)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. Several guidelines are given in 1 Peter 1:13-16 that will help us to remain free from the world's spots. a. Vs.13 teaches us to gird up the loins of our minds, to be sober, and to hope for the blessing that will be given when Jesus returns. b. Vs.14 teaches us to avoid our former lives. c. Vs.15&16 teach us to be holy. 3. The reason why we must be holy is because God is holy. 4. In our lesson we are studying passages that relate to "holiness." 5. Let us begin with the fact that . . . Discussion: I. GOD IS HOLY
A. God's holiness is declared in Leviticus 11:44. B. God's holiness is illustrated in 2 visions recorded in: 1. Isaiah 6:1-3 2. Revelation 4:1-11. C. In connection with God's holiness we need to point out that: 1. God's Son is holy (Hebrews 7:26) 2. the Scriptures are holy (2 Timothy 3:15) 3. the church is to be holy (Ephesians 5:25-27). D. While the church is to be holy, let us be more specific and point out how . . . II. GOD'S PEOPLE ARE TO BE HOLY
A. We have shown from 1 Peter 1:15-16 that God's people are to be holy, but the same point is made in Ephesians 1:3-4. B. Holiness is to affect: 1. our conversation (1 Peter 1:15) 2. the things that we put on (Colossians 3:12-14) 3. the sacrifices we offer to God (Romans 12:1). C. When we allow holiness to affect us in these areas we will be: 1. a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5) 2. a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). Conclusion:
1. According to 1 Peter 1:13-16, God's people are to be holy for 2 reasons: a. because God is holy b. to help us be prepared for the Lord's return. 2. Near the end of his 2nd letter, Peter again emphasized holiness in connection with the Lord's return (2 Peter 3:10-14). 3. Following these guidelines and instructions that relate to holiness will greatly help us in keeping ourselves unspotted from the world so we can be ready for that last great day.
