Sermon Central
-
Be Holy?
Contributed by John Kilough on Apr 24, 2014 (message contributor)
"Be holy, for I am holy." For most people this can be a very intimidating statement. The Lord God says, "Be holy, for I am holy." The issue with that is, well God is God and I am not. It is easy for Him to say be holy, but I just have way too many faults. However, we love the Lord and we are committed to His word and so we go about trying our very best to be holy, because He is holy.
We enter into this overwhelming challenge under our own willpower and determination vowing to be holy even if it kills us; unfortunately trying to achieve holiness through our own power will kill us! This is the reason why so much emphasis is placed on how one dresses and where they go. These things can be measured and judged. However, is this what God meant by "be holy, for I am holy?" I could spend a great deal of time explaining what I believe is the correct answer, but simply for me it is about the Treasure in this jar of clay that helps me toward that great goal of holiness; the Holy Spirit.
We put the emphasis on the wrong part of God's command, we focus on the "Be Holy" part, but the real power is in the "For I Am Holy" part. I can't be holy without God's holiness.
When I was in the Army I worked as a mechanic. One of the things I loved to do was teach others. (I still believe that my greatest talent is teaching.) If I took a new recruit and told them, "I am the world's greatest mechanic and because of that you better learn everything I teach you or else." That guy is going to be a nervous wreck by the end of the training cycle, because I have placed the entire burden on him.
Now let's look at it another way. A new recruit comes into my shop ready to learn and I say to him, "Listen, I am the world's greatest mechanic. Since I am the world's greatest mechanic all you need to do is pay attention, let me guide you and prepare you, I will give you everything you need to be successful and productive, and if you forget something or make a mistake I will be right there to help you every step of the way." After listening to that, the recruit now knows that he too can be a great mechanic, because the burden is not on him; but on the teacher.
Please do not get me wrong, we do have a part in being holy. Our part is to be obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He gives us direction. Our biggest failure, when it comes to holiness, is our disobedience to God's Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Although holiness may seem out of reach, when we allow the Holy Spirit complete control of our lives we will see God's holiness. "Be Holy, For I Am Holy." Yes Lord!
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
It Was A State Campground Near Old Walker Mine ...
Contributed by Charles Wilkerson on Nov 14, 2003
It was a state campground near Old Walker Mine in late September. My father and I pulled in about 11:30 at night and setting up camp what I remember most was the night sky. It was black, not dark but black. The stars were clearer, huge, close and more brilliant than I’d ever seen them or could ...read more
-
William James Once Said "When You Have A Choice ...
Contributed by Brian Burkett on Mar 29, 2004
William James once said “When you have a choice to make and don’t make it, ...read more
-
4. For Years Gordon Macdonald Rode The Same Bus ... PRO
Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 7, 2004
4. For years Gordon MacDonald rode the same bus daily from his home to his church in New York City. One day the bus driver complained to MacDonald: “You’ve got it a lot better than me. You have an interesting job and travel different places. I just drive this bus up and down the same streets ...read more
-
Dr. R.g. Lee Said, "If You Trust In ... PRO
Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Oct 7, 2005
Dr. R.G. Lee said, "If you trust in administration; you will get what administration can do. If you trust in hard work; you will get what hard work can do. If you trust in your sparkling personality; you will get ...read more
-
There Was A Woman Who Went On A Short Term ... PRO
Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 17, 2003
There was a woman who went on a short term missions trip to Kenya, helping the missionaries there. Before she left, she stopped at a remote village where she attended a medical clinic. As the native women outside the clinic began to sing together, she found herself deeply moved by their beautiful ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Holiness Is Right
Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jul 2, 2015
Regardless of the laws that are passed by the Supreme Court Holiness is Right.
-
You Are Holy - Set Apart For A Purpose
Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Nov 10, 2015
How do we become Holy? The Hebrew word translated Holy is Qodesh it means a sacred place or object set apart consecrated and dedicated to God. Beloved there is a vast difference between Holy and Purity.
-
Eight Habits For Holy Living Series
Contributed by Tom Shepard on Sep 20, 2013
Developing eight habits. 1. Rejoice always 2. Pray without ceasing 3. Give thanks in everything 4. Don't put out God's fire 5. Listen to God's Word 6. Examine everything 7. Hold fast to what is good 8. Stay away from evil
-
Be All That You Should Be Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Aug 2, 2015
A sermon addressing the steps towards holiness.
-
Psalm 15 - The Portrait Of A True Worshipper Series
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Oct 1, 2015
This message deals with what God looks for when He notices someone who is truly a worshipper.
