When Taking Responsibility is Hard

2 characteristics of the individual who accepts, rejoices in, and acts on personal responsibility during times of trial

I. A Life of Steadfast Hope

v. 13 - fix your hope completely…

A. By having a prepared mind

v. 13 - …prepare your minds for action.

B. By having a sober spirit

v. 13 - keep sober in spirit

D. Edmond Hiebert – “It denotes a condition free from every form of mental and spiritual loss of self-control…it inculcates a calm, steady state of mind that evaluates things correctly, and is not thrown off balance…”

C. By having a fixed hope

v. 13 - fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

cf. v. 4 - reserved in heaven for you…

cf. v. 5 - to be revealed in the last time…

cf. v. 7 - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…

Hebrews 11:8-10 - By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

I John 3:3 - And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

II. A Life of Personal Holiness

A. By having a right view of oneself

v. 14 - As obedient children

B. By breaking the mold of your former lusts

v. 14 - do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours by ignorance

C. By being committed to personal holiness

1 Peter 1:15-16 - but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”