The Scandal of Holiness

The Scandal of Holiness

1 Peter 4:1-6 (NIV)

1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

I.       Introduction:

II.    Arm Yourself With A Militant Attitude Towards Sin: Holiness Is Expected

A.    Possesing An Attitude

B.     Dead To Sin

C.     Ready To Live

1.      Living The Rest Of Your Life

a)      Free From The Pull Of Sin

b)      Focused On The Will Of God

2.      Making A Break With The Past

III. Brace Yourself For An Aggressive Attitude Towards Saints: Holiness Is Rejected

A.    Expect To Be Labeled As Strange: Marginalized In The World

B.     Expect To Be  Slandered: Maligned By The World

C.     Expect To Be Vindicated: Measured Beside The World

1.      Sinners Condemned

2.      Saints Preserved

a)      According To Men, Judged In Regard To The Body

b)      According to God, Alive In Regard To The Spirit

IV. Conclusion: