1. In vs.13b Peter referred to the Lord's return when he mentioned "the revelation of Jesus Christ." 2. The same verse teaches us to "hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought" at that time. 3. As we examine these verses we see that they contain some instructions that will help us to be prepared for the Lord's return -- keep in mind that Jesus said we are to watch and be ready for His return (Matthew 24:42, 44). a. Vs.13 teaches us to gird up the loins of our minds and to be sober. b. Vs.14 teaches us to avoid our former lives. c. Vs.15&16 teach us to be holy. 4. In our lesson we are studying passages that relate to the fact that "God's people are to be holy." 5. Let us begin with the main reason why we are to be holy. Discussion:
I. GOD IS HOLY (LEVITICUS 11:44)
A. 2 visions illustrate God's holiness. 1. One is recorded in Isaiah 6:1-3 2. Another is recorded in Revelation 4:1-11. B. 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). C. 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 entire 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. By being holy now we can one day address God in heaven by saying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts" (Isaiah 6:3) and "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come" (Revelation 4:8).
