THERE IS PROBABLY NO DOCTRINE MORE DISTORTED AND ABUSED THAN THAT OF GOD'S CALL TO HOLINESS

1. All the Bible I have studied demands our personal holiness, and anything less causes suffering
2. Peter writes as one who compromised, denied the Lord, and wept every time a cock crew thereafter
3. Through God's wonderful Love- He makes possible everything He demands of us, and if we fail to make it to holiness- it is because we have refused to let Him help us!

1.- GOD'S CALL TO BATTLE ! - v. 13

"It's a Battlefield, not a recreation ground... and I've come here to stay" -Favorite of Bill Hutcher

A.- PETER SAYS WHEREFORE v.13a SEARCH OUT THE REASON WHEREFORE, AND YOU WILL JOIN HIM

1. Peter has telling about the Prophets of old searching about Christ, and what He would do v.10 25-
2. Like Heb 12:1 -"Wherefore" stands for a great cloud of witnesses- all pulling for us- Angels too
3. Now we have the Power of God fulfilled- God has made possible the power of Salvation for us.

B.- LIKE A FIGHTING FISHERMAN, PETER CRIES "GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND" FOR THE FIGHT v.13b

1. The Oriental Flowing robes were good for hot weather-but had to be girded for action-fight, run
2. Paul called for the renewing of our minds; for us to be gladiators not spectators in fight
3. Too many Christians have joined the Spectator sport crowd!- watching, criticizing,-not pulling!

C.- PETER URGES US TO TAKE THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY, AND TO GIVE IT OUT TOTAL STRENGTH, - 13c -

1. There is a time for lightheartedness jokes- even in Sermon- but also time for soberness! !
2. Church is a social time! But must be more than that! Time for soberness-serious self-examination
3. The seriousness of the time- worldliness is deadly; discipline of training makes champions

Place your hope to total surrender to the Lord, totally committed to Him- in love & strength

II.- GOD'S CALL FOR TRAINED SOLDIERS ! v.14

There is a great battle between God and Satan  - so total as to call for total mobilization-

A. PETER CALLS TO US AS OBEDIENT CHILDREN v.14a CHILDREN OF GOD, NOT HEAR YOUR FATHER'S VOICE

1. The early Christians Peter wrote to were scattered throughout the near East.-but all Saints
2. Like Joshua of Old Peter is saying "If God be God then worship (obey) Him, If not then serve Satan
3. Recent surveys hold little hope to disobedient children- Stanford- Psy-predict drugs-90%

B.- WE ARE NOT TO FASHION OURSELVES ACCORDING TO THE FORMER LUSTS 14b

1. To follow world's fashions- is to place chains of sin upon your life- chains hard to. break
2. Freedom to Pot, immoral sex, filthy language, beer & liquor -places a millstone about your neck
3. Immodest dress, school dances, card playing, Hollywood shows, all chain you to destiny of sin
4. For our young people to pair off, be disrespectful of church leaders, -habit of willfulness !

B.- PETER RECOGNIZES THAT YOUR FORMER LUSTS WERE IN IGNORANCE, BUT NOW YOU KNOW THE TRUTH - 14c

1. It is natural for children of this world to rebel - want forbidden things, sinful lusts,- of Satan's wiles
2. But we are not to be confirmed to this world- Rom 12:1, 2- no longer ignorant
3. But now you are made free by the Blood of Christ- and God will fashion you anew for heaven-

Phil 3:21- describes the time when we will share His resurrection body- Have His mind now!

III.- GOD CALLS US TO OBEY HIS COMMAND v. 15,16

Peter quotes scripture- and accepts it as authority, and we are to obey its commands.

A.- BECAUSE HE IS HOLY, BE YE HOLY 15, 16 - PEOPLE BECOME LIKE THE GOD THEY WORSHIP !

1. What is Holiness-"Hagaismos-" means separated to God- His property, for his use! Fit for master
2. We are called Saints-(Hagiai), and are to be Sanctified by the Word- (Hagaizo)- separated
3. Zech 14:20-animals and dishes are Holiness unto the Lord- We are to be Holy! Belong to Him!

B.- WE ARE TO BE HOLY IN ALL MANNER OF CONVERSATION - 15b THIS IS NOT UNREASONABLE FOR GOD TO DEMAND

1. Every part of our lives should be dedicated to Him- if we want real joy, real power, real purpose
2. Some thing Holiness means speaking in Tongues-/I'd rather have honesty, integrity, faithfulness
3. This starts with Personal devotion-copy Covenant from Bulletin- but reaches all of life!

C.- PETER REMINDS US THAT GOD WILL JUDGE US WITHOUT PARTIALITY - PASS YOUR SOJOURN IN FEAR 17

1. We are strangers in a hostile world- trying to get us to deny our Lord. Are you a traitor to Him>
2. God is no respecter of persons- Peter knew this well! & God will judge our lives -joy or sorrow
3. If you want to see God-Heb 12:14- seek Peace & Holiness - How hard are you seeking Holiness?

Satan will trick you as Esau -sell your birthright for a mess of pot- age -many do today

AS WE COME TO COMMUNION TIME, HAVE YOU GIVEN GOD THE HOLINESS THAT HE HAS DEMANDED?

1. Bitter herbs preceded the Passover - repentance, confession, & forgiveness-
2. But if you are careless, come into the Lord's presence unclean- Judgment- & death!
3. If you will Judge yourself, you will not be judged- it is up to you!