Attitudes You Can Develop to Help You Become Holy
Intro:
1. I Pet 1:15-16 - But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
2. Holy (ἅγιος) = dedicate or consecrated, set apart. Holiness means being set apart from the world by your transformed life.
3. Remember Rom 12:1-2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.
4. SO - How can you begin renewing your minds? How can you begin developing attitudes to help you become a holy person?
I Peter 2:13-17
I. v13-14 - Recognize Authority
A. God expects you to obey civil government.
1. God ordained government. Rom 13:1 - Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2. The Lord told Pilate that he had no power except what had been given to him from above. (Jn 19:11)
3. You are to obey the government. Tit 3:1 - Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good . . .
4. The Lord said to pay taxes & tithes. (Matt 22:21)
5. You are to pray for kings & others in authority over you. (I Tim 2:2)
B. But - you must obey God rather than man! Example:
1. When the apostles were told by the authorities (the court) not to preach or teach about Jesus.
(Act 4:18-19)
2. They were brought back to court because they disobediently taught after being told not to. (Act 5:29)
C. SO - You are to obey the law unless it conflicts with the authority of God.
1. Do you break the speed limit when you drive?
2. ILL: How about the man who was sentenced for murdering an abortion clinic doctor?
II. v15-16 - Recognize Morality
A. What is moral? It’s what’s right & what’s wrong!
1. Since everything God does is right & everything God teaches is truth, He becomes our standard for morality.
2. You get your direction for right choices in life from God’s Word!
B. People of the world ridicule anyone who is different than they are.
1. ILL: Little kids picking on kids who wear glasses.
2. If you live a strict moral life today people begin questioning what’s wrong with you. You’re one of those “Do Gooders!”
3. They, then, try to pick out your inconsistencies so they can call you a hypocrite.
4. v15 - Silence the gossip by living as much of a consistent good life as you can.
5. Matt 5:14-16 - You are the light of the world. . . let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
C. You have freedom!
1. You have freedom from the Law of Moses.
2. You have freedom from sin.
a. Jn 8:34 - I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
b. Jn 8:32 - Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Learning God’s truth & obeying it sets you free from the sinful lifestyle!
3. v16 - But you’re not to use your freedom in Christ as an excuse not to have self discipline!
a. Cover up (ἐπικάλυμμα) = to conceal or put a coat over.
b. Freedom in Christ doesn’t mean freedom to do wrong!
c. Rom 6:18 - You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. If you become free from the sinful lifestyle then you are a slave to doing what’s right.
III. v17 - Recognize Relationships
A. Respect everyone.
1. Respect (τιμάω) = to prize or honor; to place a value upon.
2. Our country has made great civil rights progress in the last 50 years.
a. You need to make the same progress in your attitudes!
b. ILL: Stereotyping other people’s attitudes based on their race.
3. Each person is a special creation of God made into His image - they deserve your respect!
B. Love everyone in the family of God.
1. Love (ἀγαπάω) = satisfy people’s needs simply because the need is there.
2. Jn 13:35 - By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
C. Fear God.
1. We tend to emphasize the love & forgiveness of God so much that we ignore the command to fear Him.
2. Matt 10:28 - Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
3. God is awesome & worthy of your fear if you dare to forsake Him!
D. Honor the king.
1. Honor is the same word as “respect”. Remember - the king, when this letter was written, was Nero!
2. We are commanded to respect & pray for those in authority over us.
3. I Tim 2:1-2 - I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Develop these godly attitudes for
authority
morality &
relationships.
Then you will start the journey to being
holy!
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