Be holy

I Peter 1:1-25

I. Introduction

Peter writes a letter to a large group of God's people and admonishes them to "be holy" and reminds them of God's loving gift of eternal life.

II. Peter starts his letter with encouragement to the saints (vs. 2-9)

As God’s people, we should be happy and greet each other with a smile.

1. Peter has Christian joy.

a. Are you happy to be in God’s house tonight?

b. Did you come of obligation, or of a joyful heart?

2. It is obvious who is truly joyful in their walk with Christ

a. You can try to mask it, but God knows your heart.

b. I have been blessed to have a godly family.

We have something to look forward to.

1. We have reserved plots in heaven waiting for our arrival.

2. God’s gifts will always surpass anything the world has to offer.

Trials and Tribulations are the fire that “tries” our faith.

1. Will yours stand the heat?

2. If a “holy fire” were set to everything in your life, what would be left standing?

3. The “end” of faith (the outcome) is eternal life.

III. Peter tells the saints to “be holy” (vs. 13-21)

We should “hope” to the day of Jesus’ appearing.

1. Don’t get so caught up in the world that you no longer look forward to God’s return.

2. We are to be different from the world.

a. Romans 12:2—“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

b. Be holy in all manner of lifestyle, including “behind closed doors.”

c. Have Christian integrity.

3. Tradition is corruptible.

4. Only God is holy.

5. Many of us are saved, but then want to continue living the “best of both worlds.”

a. God’s way has much more to offer and will leave you satisfied.

b. Sin will take you farther than you want to go, and cost you more than you ever wanted to pay.

c. Why, if we know the consequences, do we still sin?

B. The whole purpose of Jesus’ death was so your faith and hope could rest in him instead of the world and yourself.

1. Accept his free gift of salvation tonight.

2. Live your life for him.

IV. God’s word endures forever (vs. 22-25).

A. Love the brethren for real.

1. True love cannot be feigned.

2. Is your heart pure tonight?

B. The Bible has stood the test of time: thousands of years later, it is still a best-seller.

1. Its truths are still applicable.

2. Its God is still real.

C. God’s word is pure.

V. Conclusion

Purify your heart tonight. Whatever God is calling you to do, make the decision tonight. Today is the day of salvation.