This is a brief summary of Dr. Tony Merida’s words at the Indiana Shepherd’s Conference when he preached I Peter 1:13-2:3.

Character is an indispensable part of a preacher’s ministry. God doesn’t call men to exemplify great talent but great character.  Spurgeon said, “God will use a fool if he is holy.”  Here are seven charges Tony gave from the I Peter passage:

1. Live in the power/hope of our new identity
2. Make war with the flesh
3. Pursue pervasive holiness
4. Live before the eyes of God
5. Preach the gospel to yourself daily
6. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
7. We must believe Christ is better than sin