Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:13–16

Introduction

A. The Old Testament law speakers of many things that were holy to the LORD (Exodus 16:23; 28:36; 30:10; Leviticus 2:3; 6:2; 27:30).

B. Things that were holy to God were wholly dedicated to His service and consequently were not to be used for any profane purpose.

Discussion

I. It takes a holy people to serve a holy God.

A. Our God is indeed a holy God (Joshua 24:19–20).

B. To serve God, we must be holy also (Leviticus 11:44–45).

C. The OT law included stern warnings and serious consequences for trying to serve with impurities (Leviticus 21:16–24; 22:15–16).

II. God has made us holy so that we might serve Him.

A. He made us a holy nation (Exodus 19:5–6; 1 Peter 1:9–10).

B. He made us a holy temple (2 Chronicles 7:12–16; 1 Corinthians 3:17).

C. He made us a holy priesthood (Exodus 29:44–45; 1 Peter 2:5).

III. We must take time to be holy.

A. To be holy, one must take time to study God’s word (John 17:17–19; Ephesians 5:26; Psalms 119:105).

B. One must take time to pray (2 Chronicles 7:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

C. One must be holy in every aspect of life (1 Peter 1:15–16; 2 Peter 3:11–12; 2 Corinthians 7:1).

Conclusion

A. By man’s standards, you may be a good person, but if you are not holy by God’s standards, it is impossible for you to serve Him, for He is a holy God.

B. Under the OT law, it was necessary for the priests not only to be sanctified by blood, but also to keep themselves pure—a principle that applies even more to God’s priesthood today (Hebrews 10:28–29).