1. The apostle Peter wrote two of the New Testament "epistles" [letters]. 2. This lesson is a study of the information recorded in 1 Peter 1:13-25. 3. These verses present 3 main points concerning "the holiness of God's children." Discussion: I. (vs.13-16) GOD'S CHILDREN ARE TO BE HOLY BECAUSE HE IS HOLY
A. Vs.13 begins with "wherefore," indicating that the instructions being given are based on information presented earlier. 1. (vs.1-5) Peter mentioned the great blessings God provides for His children, including a special inheritance reserved in heaven that will be given when Jesus returns. 2. (vs.6-12) Peter wrote to Christians who were facing difficult trials, and he encouraged them to remain focused on the salvation that Christ will provide at His return. B. Peter continued by exhorting his readers: 1. to "gird up the loins of your mind" (1 Kings 18:46; Proverbs 23:7a) 2. to "be sober" (4:7; 5:8; Titus 2:2, 4, 6) 3. to "hope to the end for the grace" that Christ will provide when He returns 4. to live as "obedient children," avoiding the ways they had lived before becoming Christians 5. to be "holy." C. God's people are to be holy: 1. "in all manner of conversation" 2. because God is holy. a. Leviticus 11:44-45; 20:7, 26 b. 1 John 1:5-7 II. (vs.17-21) JESUS PAID A HIGH PRICE SO PEOPLE CAN BECOME GOD'S HOLY CHILDREN
A. (vs.17) Since God will judge each person without partiality, Peter exhorted his readers to "pass the time of your sojourning here in fear." B. Christians have been redeemed: 1. not "with corruptible things, as silver and gold" 2. "with the precious blood of Christ." a. John 19:33-35 b. Ephesians 1:7 c. Hebrews 9:11-14 C. God's plan for redeeming man: 1. was made before the world was created (Ephesians 3:8-11) 2. involved Christ being raised from the dead 3. should lead Christians to have faith and hope in Him. III. (vs.22-25) PEOPLE BECOME GOD'S HOLY CHILDREN WHEN THEY ARE BORN AGAIN
A. A person experiences the new birth when he is born again by the everlasting Word of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3,5). B. The new birth enables a person to enter a special family with a Father and brothers and sisters (Acts 2:47). C. Members of God's family are to "love one another with a pure heart fervently." 1. John 13:34-35 2. Romans 12:9a, 10a 3. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
