INTRODUCTION: 

       A.  Often we give up because we do not have the discipline to hang on. 

       B.  Peter outlines some areas in which we are to discipline ourselves that will
            allow us a long relationship with God. 

      C.  In this lesson, let's look and see some areas in which  we too need to be
            self-disciplined in order to be holy. 
 

   I.  DON'T GIVE UP ON WHAT THE PROPHETS BEFORE YOU WERE
       LOOKING FOR - V. 10-12. 

       A.  You have something unique.  You know what they did not know. 

       B.  The prophets presented salvation to come. 

            1.  Isaiah 2:1-4 - a future universal salvation. 

            2.  Micah 2:12-13 - deliverance promised. 

            3.  Daniel 2:44 - a strong indestructible kingdom. 

            4.  Joel 2:28-32 - a spiritual renewal. 

            5.  Isaiah 53 - a suffering Messiah. 

       C.  The prophets and angels looked for what you have. 

       D.  Be disciplined in yourself -- hold on -- they did! 

            1.  If they hung on with so little to understand, surely you can hold on with
                 so much. 

  II.  GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MINDS - V. 13. 

       A.  Therefore - because you have something unique - v. 10-12. 

       B.  Gird up - ANAZONNUMI - to gird up or to gather the loose ends.  "His
             readers were accustomed to gathering up their long garments and
             placing the folds inside their belts in order to engage in movement or work
             without hindrance, an activity which finds its modern counterpart in the
             removing of a coat or the rolling up of sleeves."    (Kelcy, p. 30) 

       C.  The mind - DIANOIAS - the understanding.  Tie up any loose ends which
             cause you to think defeat! 

 III. HOW TO GIRD UP THE MIND - V. 13-16. 

       A.  Be sober. 

            1.  Sober - NEPHO - "signifies to be free from the influence of intoxicants."
                 (Vine)  You do not have a polluted thinking process. 

            2.  I Thess. 5:6,8 - self-disciplined - in control, clear thinkers. 

            3.  II Timothy 4:5 - keep your head (NIV). 

       B.  Set you hope fully on grace - v.  13. 

            1.  The writer encourages them to trust in Jesus and not themselves. 
 
            2.  Hope - desire with expectation. 

            3.  Those who trusted in themselves could not hold up under the trials.
                 Jesus is the only means  of survival. 

       C.  Live in obedience - v. 14. 

            1.  Obedience - HUPAKOUO - "to listen or attend, ...to submit, to obey."
                 (Vine)    

       D.  Do not conform to evil desires - v. 14. 

            1.  Conform - SUSCHEMATIZO - "to fashion or shape one thing like
                 another." (Vine) 

       E.  Be holy:  God is your example - v. 15-16. 

            1.  Holy - HAGIOS - to be separated; the idea of separated from sin and
                 consecrated to God. 
 

   CONCLUSION: 

       A.  Are you living a holy life? 

       B.  Do you think that these things are too hard for you to try? 

       C.  If the prophets could hang on with so little, don't you think you can make it
             with so much revelation?