Sermon Central
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Holiness 101
Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Jun 4, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: Holiness is an action word. It is what God does in us and what happens to us when He does it. Peter tells the church to "prepare our minds for action."
Holiness 101
Introduction-
I want to look at holiness for a minute and I know that the word holiness strikes fear in some because it plays to our weaknesses and draws attention to our failures.
If I asked you in three words to describe yourself, what would it be?
If before you answered, I told you that I asked your wife or family member the same question for you, what words would they use?
While you are thinking, does the word holy come to mind?
Or does holiness in your mind indicate the preacher, missionary, Bible professor, and people that go into the monkhood.
Peter, in his letter to believers and to the church gives us a look at holiness and what holy living looks like.
It was written to believers being persecuted and struggling to live a life that is pleasing to God in a world that has forgotten God.
Some commentaries think that the letter could not have been written by Peter because they say that he used educated words and he was only a fishermen.
I would have to disagree with them on the basis that if Peter was under the anointing of God, that nothing is impossible with God and God can use whatever words he desires to use.
Throughout the written word of God, God’s people are told to be obedient and they are told to be holy.
Both things are impossible without God’s help.
“I am the Lord your God, consecrate yourselves, and be holy, because I am holy.”
This thought is repeated in the text:
1 Peter 1:13-1:21 (read text)
Peter tells the church, (13) “Prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled, set your hopes fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Holiness is an action word- to the church, he was telling them to grab those long gowns, and be ready for action and that you will only succeed by the grace of God working in your life.
Let’s define Holiness (God’s holiness)- both the Greek and Hebrew word for holy is translated; to be separated; to be set apart. Separated from sin and impurity, and set apart to God.
(15) “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written be holy, because I am holy.”
God calls his people to holiness- to be in the image of God, to be set apart and consecrated to Him. Then very clearly lets us know that we cannot do that in our own strength, our disciplines, and our actions.
God is calling His people, those people that profess His name as Lord to holiness.
To swim upstream against the current because most of the world is not living holy lives.
This book is about holy living and our conduct as believers.
Living stones and God’s chosen people
Submitting to authority and rulers, but still standing up for the final authority- God!
Holy living in our marriage and our relationships.
Most important, living for God, understanding that to be a believer, we must strive to be holy, to be like Christ in our actions.
You must understand the stages of holiness
(1)- Understanding what God means by holiness;
Understanding that He does not mean perfect.
Does not mean you are better than anyone else.
That you are going to make mistakes.
That in our conduct and life, we will live a life pleasing to God.
(2) Process of Holiness- you are not the way you use to be, but praise God, He is not finished with you yet.
(3) Living holiness- in your life, you want to please God.
No one should have to wonder if you are a believer.
We do not have to be afraid of the word holy, it means that we were changed, we are being changed,
We are sold out to Christ.
We are set apart for His glory.
“”Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.”
Holy life is a committed life-
God does not require perfection to fellowship with Him (Praise the Lord!)
He expects us to take serious our lives that are committed to Him.
Holiness is not just on Sunday
It is not just in church, it is every day, every aspect of our lives.
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father.”
A holy life reflects Christ to this world
To your family.
To your workplace.
Holiness will show in our live for God
Holiness will show in our intimate relationship with God.
Holiness will show in our reverence for the things of God.
