Holiness

1 Peter 1:13-21

Introduction

1.      A mind may be compared to a vacant lot

a.       Untended it will usually produce weeds

b.      With cultivation the weeds may be eliminated and flowers and vegetables may grow

c.       It is effort that makes the difference, plus a recognition of what is weeds and what is flowers or vegetables

2.      Holiness is the plant that we want to grow in our minds and in our lives  

Discussion

1.      What is holiness?

a.       Holiness is the state of a person set apart by God for His service – such a one is called (in the Bible) a saint  

b.      Holiness is the attitude of a person who despises evil and loves the good  

c.       Holiness as defined by Peter – 1:22-23; 2:1-3; 2:13-3:9; 4:1-3; 4:7-11  

2.      Why do we need holiness?

a.       We need holiness because we cannot come into the presence of God without it – Heb 12:14  

b.      We need holiness because God calls us to be separate from the world – 2 Cor 6:17-18  

c.       We need holiness because God has command us to be holy – 1 Pet 1:16 (Lev 11:44)  

3.      How is holiness acquired?

a.       First of all, Peter say, “Prepare your minds for action” – (1 Peter 1:13) – see also Rom 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world”

                                                            i.      We are not to be conformed because of financial considerations

                                                          ii.      We are not to be conformed by psychological considerations (trying to get others to like us, fit in, be accepted, etc.)

                                                        iii.      We are not to be conformed because of human desires  

b.      We need to recognize where the battles for holiness are occurring in our lives – these battles change as we age and our situation changes  

c.       Because holiness is first of all internal, our battle with the world is not to change laws, but to change minds – this helps us to understand why prohibition did not work  

d.      This is the basis for Paul’s admonition to Timothy – 2 Tim 4:2  

Conclusion

1.       True holiness cannot be achieved apart from an operation of God – the new birth

2.      Changing to become a Christian may begin the process, but it will not be completed until one has become a Christian

3.      God has called you to leave the world and enter His Kingdom