Embracing Holiness: A Call to Transformation
Summary
The call to holiness is not an ancient relic, but a living command for every believer today. God’s command, “Be holy, for I am holy,” is not just a standard for Israel in Leviticus, but a call that echoes through the New Testament and into our lives. Holiness means being set apart—distinct from the world, sanctified for God’s purposes. This is not about legalism or outward ritual, but about a heart and life transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ. We are not left to strive for holiness in our own strength; God equips us through His Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the community of believers.
Scripture reveals that holiness is rooted in God’s own character. He is utterly distinct, and He calls His people to reflect that “otherness” in a world that is often hostile to His ways. The Old Testament sacrificial system pointed to the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement, but in Christ, we have the perfect sacrifice. Through faith in Him, we are declared righteous and empowered to live differently. Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified by the truth—God’s Word—and that we would remain in the world, but not be of it.
Holiness is not a passive state; it requires preparation, discipline, and vigilance. We are called to “prepare our minds for action,” to be sober-minded, and to calibrate our consciences by the truth of Scripture. Just as scientific instruments must be calibrated to a true standard, our hearts and minds must be aligned with God’s Word. The battle for holiness is won on the inside, as we allow the Spirit to transform our desires and thinking.
Yet, the pursuit of holiness is not a solitary endeavor. God has given us the church—a community where we encourage, admonish, and build one another up. Holiness brings blessings: peace with God, spiritual strength, a witness to the world, deeper fellowship, and readiness for God’s purposes. Obedience to God’s commands is not about earning His favor, but about living in the joy and freedom He intends for us. Disobedience, on the other hand, leads to confusion, instability, and spiritual dryness.
As we go into our week, the challenge is clear: rely on the Word and the Spirit, resist the pull of the world, and take joy in the blessings of a life set apart for God. For those who have not yet trusted Christ, today is the day to respond to His invitation and begin the journey of holiness that leads to eternal life.
Key Takeaways
- Holiness is being set apart for God, reflecting His character in a world that often opposes Him. This “otherness” is not about outward conformity, but about a heart transformed by grace and truth. God’s call to holiness is both a privilege and a responsibility, inviting us into deeper relationship and purpose. [25:35]
- God equips us for holiness through His Word and the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures provide the standard, and the Spirit empowers us to live it out. Our consciences must be continually informed and calibrated by God’s truth, so that we can discern right from wrong and walk in obedience. [37:10]
- The pursuit of holiness requires intentional preparation and vigilance. We are called to “gird up the loins of our minds,” to be disciplined and sober-minded, and to focus our thoughts on Christ and His return. The battle for holiness is won internally, as we allow God’s Word to shape our desires and decisions. [35:04]
- Holiness brings profound blessings: peace with God, spiritual strength, a compelling witness to others, and readiness for God’s service. These blessings are not always material, but they anchor us in joy, stability, and purpose, even in times of suffering or uncertainty. [51:25]
- The church is called to be a community that encourages and models holiness. In a culture that often rejects truth or seeks comfort over conviction, we must hold fast to sound teaching, support one another, and share the gospel boldly. Our obedience and distinctiveness point others to the hope and reality of Christ. [44:22]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction and Personal Greeting
[02:30] - The Challenge of Holiness: Everest and Eric Weinmeier
[05:10] - God’s Command: “Be Holy, For I Am Holy”
[08:00] - Wrestling with Holiness: Old Testament and New Covenant
[11:20] - Reading 1 Peter 1:13-21
[14:00] - What Does It Mean to Be Holy?
[17:00] - Holiness in Leviticus and the Old Testament
[20:30] - Set Apart: Sanctification in the New Testament
[23:00] - Jesus’ Prayer for Our Sanctification
[26:00] - How God Equips Us for Holiness
[29:00] - The Role of the Conscience and the Word
[32:30] - Preparing Our Minds for Action
[36:00] - The Blessings and Consequences of Holiness
[40:00] - Holiness in Community and Witness
[44:00] - The Call to Respond and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Call to Holiness
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### Bible Reading
1 Peter 1:13-21 (ESV)
> Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Leviticus 19:1-2 (ESV)
> And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
John 17:14-19 (ESV)
> I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Peter 1:13-21, what are some of the specific instructions Peter gives to believers about how to live?
2. According to Leviticus 19:1-2, what is the reason God gives for commanding His people to be holy?
3. In John 17:14-19, what does Jesus pray for His followers regarding their relationship to the world?
4. The sermon described holiness as being “set apart” and not just about following rules. What examples did the pastor give to help explain what it means to be set apart? [[28:00]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The command “Be holy, for I am holy” is repeated in both the Old and New Testaments. Why do you think God’s own character is the basis for our call to holiness? How does this shape the way we think about holiness? [[25:35]]
2. The sermon said that holiness is not about legalism or outward ritual, but about a heart and life transformed by grace. What does it look like for someone’s heart to be transformed, rather than just their behavior? [[28:00]]
3. Jesus prayed that His followers would be sanctified by the truth of God’s Word (John 17:17). Why is God’s Word so important in the process of becoming holy? [[37:10]]
4. The pastor mentioned that the pursuit of holiness is not a solo effort, but something we do in community. Why is the church community important for helping us live holy lives? [[44:22]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon compared calibrating our hearts and minds to calibrating scientific instruments—making sure they are set to the right standard. Is there an area of your life where you feel “out of calibration” with God’s Word? What is one step you could take this week to realign with God’s truth? [[37:10]]
2. Peter tells us to “prepare your minds for action” and to be “sober-minded.” What are some practical ways you can prepare your mind and stay alert to the challenges to holiness in your daily life? [[35:04]]
3. The pastor said that holiness brings blessings like peace with God, spiritual strength, and a compelling witness to others. Can you think of a time when living according to God’s ways brought you peace or helped someone else see Christ in you? [[51:25]]
4. The sermon warned that disobedience leads to confusion, instability, and spiritual dryness. Are there any areas where you have experienced this? What helped you return to a place of obedience and joy? [[55:24]]
5. The pastor emphasized that we are not left to pursue holiness in our own strength, but are equipped by the Holy Spirit and the Word. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit this week when you face temptation or discouragement? [[36:12]]
6. The church is called to encourage and model holiness for each other. Is there someone in your life who encourages you to live a holy life? How can you be that kind of encouragement to someone else this week? [[44:22]]
7. For those who have not yet trusted Christ, the pastor said “today is the day to respond.” If you have not made that decision, what questions or concerns do you have? If you have, how can you share your story with someone who is still considering? [[57:28]]
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Devotional
Day 1: God’s Call to Holiness—Set Apart for His Purpose
To be holy means to be set apart from what is common, reflecting the very character of God Himself. God’s command to “be holy, for I am holy” is not just an Old Testament requirement but a call that continues for every believer today. This call is not about legalistic rule-keeping, but about living in a way that is distinct from the world, marked by God’s presence and purpose. Holiness is about being different, not for difference’s sake, but because God Himself is different—utterly pure, loving, and just. As you consider your life, remember that God’s desire is for you to be set apart, to belong to Him, and to reflect His holiness in all you do. [25:35]
Leviticus 11:45 (ESV):
“For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most feel the pull to blend in with the world, and how can you intentionally set yourself apart for God in that area this week?
Day 2: Equipped for Holiness—The Power of the Word and the Spirit
God never commands what He does not also equip us to do. Through the sacrifice of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to pursue holiness. The Word of God is the standard that informs and calibrates our conscience, guiding us to discern right from wrong and to live in a way that pleases God. The Spirit within gives strength to resist temptation and to live out God’s commands, making holiness possible not by our own effort, but by His power at work in us. When you saturate your mind and heart with Scripture, you allow God’s truth to shape your desires, decisions, and daily conduct. [36:12]
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV):
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can let God’s Word and Spirit guide your decisions today, especially in a situation where you feel weak or tempted?
Day 3: The Blessings of Holiness—Peace, Strength, and Purpose
Living a holy life is not just about avoiding sin; it is about experiencing the blessings that come from walking in God’s will. Holiness brings peace with God, spiritual strength, and a sense of stability, like a tree planted by streams of water. It positions you to be used by God for His purposes and allows your life to be a testimony that points others to Him. Obedience to God’s commands leads to joy and satisfaction that the world cannot offer, and it enables you to recognize and use the spiritual gifts God has given you for the good of others and the glory of His name. [51:25]
Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV):
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
Reflection: Where have you experienced God’s peace or strength as a result of choosing obedience, and how can you encourage someone else with that story this week?
Day 4: The Battle for the Mind—Preparing and Guarding Your Thoughts
Holiness begins on the inside, with a mind prepared for action and a heart anchored in truth. Scripture urges believers to “gird up the loins” of their minds, to be sober-minded, alert, and ready to reject the lies and distractions of the world. This means intentionally focusing your thoughts on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. When your mind is disciplined and your conscience is informed by God’s Word, you are able to recognize and resist the enemy’s attempts to derail your faith. Winning the battle for holiness starts with what you allow to shape your thinking each day. [37:10]
Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV):
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Reflection: What is one thought pattern or habit you need to “gird up” or recalibrate today so that your mind is more aligned with God’s truth?
Day 5: Sharing the Truth—Holiness as a Witness to the World
A holy life is not lived in isolation; it is a powerful witness to those around you. When you live set apart, your conduct points others to the reality of God and the hope found in Christ. In a world searching for meaning, purpose, and truth, your life can be a testimony that draws others to ask, “What is different about you?” God calls you to walk alongside other believers, encouraging and building each other up, and to share the truth of the gospel with those who do not yet know Him. Holiness is not just for your benefit, but for the glory of God and the salvation of others. [44:22]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV):
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: Who in your life might be watching your example, and how can you intentionally let your light shine for Christ in your interactions with them this week?
Quotes
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