Choosing Holiness: A Journey of Faith and Grace

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the concept of holiness and its significance in the life of a believer. Holiness is not an accidental state but a deliberate choice to align one's life with God's will. As Christians, we are called to live lives that are distinct from the world, not conforming to its patterns but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is motivated by the love of God and is a reflection of our salvation.

I emphasized that holiness involves a separation from worldly practices. This does not mean we isolate ourselves from the world; rather, we engage with it in a way that does not compromise our values. We must be vigilant in not bringing worldly influences into the church, which is the body of Christ and should be a holy temple.

Moreover, I discussed the importance of consistency in our Christian walk. We cannot waver in our commitment to holiness, even when faced with challenges or when outreach efforts seem fruitless. Our church, Greater Christian Fellowship Church, is committed to maintaining a holy standard, not only within our walls but also in our interactions with the community.

Grace was another key theme of the sermon. Grace is God's unmerited favor towards us, a loving response to our failings. It is the safety net that catches us when we stumble and the force that guides us back to the path of righteousness. Grace is not a license to sin but a reminder of God's everlasting love and patience.

I also spoke about the role of salvation in our journey towards holiness. Accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior is the first step. From there, we embark on a lifelong process of sanctification, where we strive to embody the holiness that God calls us to. This journey is not without its challenges, but it is through grace that we are empowered to persevere.

Finally, I extended an invitation to those who wish to dedicate their lives to Christ, join our church, or seek prayer. Our church is dedicated to discipleship and building up the body of Christ, both within and beyond our congregation.

Key Takeaways:

- Holiness is a conscious decision to live a life set apart for God. It is not about isolation but about being in the world without being of it. As believers, we must actively choose to avoid temptations and worldly behaviors, reflecting God's love through our actions and decisions. [47:11]

- Consistency in our Christian walk is crucial. We cannot compromise our standards to fit in with the world or to make evangelism easier. Our steadfastness in holiness is a testament to our faith and a beacon that can draw others to Christ. [48:36]

- The church is a holy sanctuary, not just a building for social events. Even in our outreach and community engagement, we must uphold the sanctity of the church by ensuring that our activities and the behavior of our members align with biblical principles. [49:20]

- Grace is a powerful expression of God's love, not just a theological concept. It is the forgiveness and support we extend to others, mirroring how God deals with us when we stray. Grace calls us back to holiness and empowers us to live righteously. [50:58]

- Salvation is the beginning of our journey to holiness. It is a commitment that requires continuous effort and growth. As we live out our salvation, we must remember that our ultimate goal is not just to enjoy God's blessings on earth but to attain eternal life with Him in heaven. [53:07]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:2 (NIV): "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
2. 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV): "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.'"
3. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12:2, what is the process by which we are transformed? How does this relate to the concept of holiness discussed in the sermon? [47:11]
2. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, what command is given to believers regarding their conduct? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on living a holy life? [47:53]
3. How does Ephesians 2:8-9 describe the role of grace in our salvation? How was this concept of grace explained in the sermon? [50:58]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that the church should be a holy sanctuary, and how does this relate to our personal conduct? [49:20]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" in the context of living a holy life? How can this transformation be seen in daily actions? [47:11]
2. How can believers balance engaging with the world without conforming to its patterns, as discussed in the sermon? [47:53]
3. How does the concept of grace as described in Ephesians 2:8-9 provide a foundation for our journey towards holiness? How did the pastor illustrate this with examples from everyday life? [50:58]
4. What are some practical ways that the church can maintain its sanctity while still being active in community outreach, according to the sermon? [49:20]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: Are there specific areas where you find it challenging to avoid conforming to worldly patterns? How can you actively work on renewing your mind in these areas? [47:11]
2. Think about your interactions with non-believers. How can you engage with them in a way that reflects your commitment to holiness without compromising your values? [47:53]
3. Grace is described as a safety net that catches us when we stumble. Can you recall a time when you experienced God’s grace in a significant way? How did it impact your journey towards holiness? [50:58]
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of consistency in our Christian walk. What are some practical steps you can take to remain steadfast in your commitment to holiness, even when faced with challenges? [48:36]
5. How can you contribute to maintaining the sanctity of the church in your role, whether through your actions, words, or involvement in church activities? [49:20]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of discipleship and building up the body of Christ. Identify one person in your life who you can mentor or disciple. What steps will you take to begin this relationship? [54:32]
7. Reflect on the pastor’s invitation to dedicate your life to Christ or seek prayer. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to make a deeper commitment or seek support from your church community? [01:02:55]

This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of holiness, grace, and salvation, encouraging both personal reflection and communal growth.

Devotional

Day 1: Choosing Holiness in a Secular World
Holiness is a conscious decision to live a life set apart for God. It is not about isolation but about being in the world without being of it. As believers, we must actively choose to avoid temptations and worldly behaviors, reflecting God's love through our actions and decisions. In a world that often values material success and personal gratification above all else, choosing holiness is a countercultural act. It requires daily decisions to follow God's will and to prioritize spiritual growth over earthly pleasures. This choice is not a one-time event but a continuous process that shapes our character and our destiny.

Holiness is not merely about avoiding sin; it is about embracing a lifestyle that honors God. It involves making choices that may not be popular or understood by those around us, but that align with biblical principles. It is about letting our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven. By choosing holiness, we set ourselves apart as God's people, dedicated to living by His standards and not by the world's.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2:15-16 ESV)

Reflection: What worldly temptation do you find most challenging to resist, and how can you actively choose holiness in this area of your life today?

Day 2: Steadfastness in Our Spiritual Journey
Consistency in our Christian walk is crucial. We cannot compromise our standards to fit in with the world or to make evangelism easier. Our steadfastness in holiness is a testament to our faith and a beacon that can draw others to Christ. The journey of faith is not one of sporadic leaps and bounds but of steady, unwavering commitment. It is easy to be swayed by the changing tides of society or to waver in our beliefs when faced with opposition. However, it is in these moments that our true dedication to Christ is tested.

To be consistent in our walk with God means to be reliable in our spiritual disciplines, unwavering in our moral convictions, and persistent in our love for others. It means that our words and actions are in harmony, and that our lives reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. This consistency is not born out of our own strength but is a result of the Holy Spirit working within us, guiding us, and empowering us to live out our faith authentically and courageously.

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble." (Proverbs 4:18-19 ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a more consistent spiritual life, and what practical steps can you take to avoid compromising your faith in everyday situations?

Day 3: The Church as a Sanctuary of Holiness
The church is a holy sanctuary, not just a building for social events. Even in our outreach and community engagement, we must uphold the sanctity of the church by ensuring that our activities and the behavior of our members align with biblical principles. The church is not merely a gathering place but a community of believers who are called to live out the holiness of God. It is a place where we come together to worship, to learn, to encourage one another, and to be equipped for the work of the ministry.

As members of the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to maintain the purity of the church. This means being mindful of how we represent Christ both inside and outside the church walls. Our interactions with the world should be characterized by grace and truth, and our church programs should reflect our commitment to godliness. By doing so, we honor God and provide a clear example of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to maintaining the holiness of your church community, and how can you ensure that your own behavior reflects the sanctity of the church?

Day 4: Grace as the Foundation of Righteous Living
Grace is a powerful expression of God's love, not just a theological concept. It is the forgiveness and support we extend to others, mirroring how God deals with us when we stray. Grace calls us back to holiness and empowers us to live righteously. Understanding grace is essential to our spiritual growth. It is not a free pass to continue in sin but a divine empowerment to overcome it. Grace teaches us that our relationship with God is based on His love and mercy, not on our own merit.

When we grasp the depth of God's grace toward us, we are moved to extend that same grace to others. This means forgiving those who have wronged us, offering help to those in need, and being patient with those who are struggling. Grace is the foundation upon which we build a life of holiness, for it is by grace that we have been saved and by grace that we are transformed into the likeness of Christ.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12 ESV)

Reflection: How has God's grace been evident in your life, and how can you demonstrate that same grace to someone who may need it today?

Day 5: Salvation as the Gateway to Holiness
Salvation is the beginning of our journey to holiness. It is a commitment that requires continuous effort and growth. As we live out our salvation, we must remember that our ultimate goal is not just to enjoy God's blessings on earth but to attain eternal life with Him in heaven. Accepting Christ as our Savior is the first step on a lifelong path of sanctification. This path is marked by a series of choices that draw us closer to God and mold us into His image.

The process of sanctification is not always easy. It involves self-examination, repentance, and a willingness to change. However, it is through this process that we experience the fullness of life that Christ offers. As we grow in holiness, we become more effective witnesses for the Gospel, and our lives become a testament to the transforming power of God's love.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

Reflection: What does living out your salvation look like in practical terms, and what is one step you can take today to grow in holiness?

Quotes

"Holiness doesn't happen to anyone by accident; it requires a decision of the will. So it means to now, now that we've been saved, now we want to be holy, and being holy then separates us from the worldly, the world, from not those things that people are doing. So see where I'm going? We talked about the church filled with Christians, right? The church makes up the body of Christ. In order for that body, that Temple, that church to be holy, it's got to have people that are Christians in it who are doing their best to live a holy life." [47:11]( | | )

"We can go, we can understand, we can minister to them, and we can give them an opportunity to come, and the main thing about that is us as Christians being consistent in doing that. I can't keep coming to see you, and I'm consistent, then I say, 'Well, this is not working, so now I'm going to do what you do.' We have to remain holy and steadfast on what the Lord has had us to do." [48:36]( | | )

"I think of this church, this sanctuary, as being holy. It is holy. Now granted, we have baby showers here, and we have dinners here, and all those types of things, and there's rules that we have in place for people that want to rent this church because of the way we have it set up. Even in our rules and our regulations and our rental rules, we still try to keep this place holy." [49:20]( | | )

"Even if that were to occur and we brought the world in the church, there's a word called Grace, and God gives us Grace when we don't deserve it. But the idea is, in Grace, we have to recognize what that is and go back to doing what? Being holy. So what is Grace? Well, some would say it's unmerited favor, but I think of Grace like this: many of you here have children, right? You raise your children from right and wrong." [50:58]( | | )

"God says, 'Come on back, I got you because you belong to me.' Now think about this: God gave his son, who died for us. He sacrificed his son for us, and then we still go out and sin. That's got to be some Grace because I would be like, 'I don't know, my son died, I did this for you all, and you all still act a fool.' But Grace says, 'Not going to do that. I'm going to be consistent. I'm going to say what I said I was going to do, and I'm going to be here for you because I love you.'" [52:22]( | | )

"As we're walking and talking and having fun, do it all for the love of God, and let there be a separation. Does that make sense? Let there be a separation. No one should be able to see you over here partying and drinking and having a good time, and you right beside them doing it, and you saying you're a Christian. Now again, don't think that I'm judging, but we have to make a separation." [59:06]( | | )

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Transcript
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