Embracing Holiness: Living as God's Distinct People

Devotional

Day 1: The Indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit resides within every believer, offering guidance, comfort, and strength. This indwelling presence is a profound gift, enabling believers to live lives that are set apart and distinct from the world. However, the choices we make can either quench or fill us with His presence. To live a life of holiness means to be conscious of this divine presence and to make decisions that honor God. It is a call to embody the presence of God, allowing His Spirit to transform us from within. As we navigate our daily lives, we must be mindful of the ways in which we can either invite the Spirit's fullness or hinder His work in us. [00:11]

Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,"

Reflection: In what specific ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you today, rather than quenching His presence through your choices?

Day 2: Remembering Our Foundations

Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedoms, including the freedom to worship God. Yet, as a nation, we have drifted from the original intent of being one nation under God. This calls for a reflection on our foundational values and a striving to return to them. As believers, we are called to be salt and light, influencing every area of life, including politics, with truth and righteousness. It is a call to stand firm on the unchanging foundation of Jesus Christ, even as society attempts to redefine truth. [01:28]

Deuteronomy 8:11-14 (ESV): "Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery,"

Reflection: How can you actively participate in returning to foundational values in your community, and what steps can you take to stand for truth and righteousness today?

Day 3: Unity in the Church

The church is called to work in unity, much like a farmer's field, planting and watering the seeds of the gospel. This unity is built on the unchanging foundation of Jesus Christ, and our motives and actions will be tested by fire, revealing their true nature. As believers, we must be careful how we build upon this foundation, ensuring that our efforts are aligned with God's purposes. Unity in the church is essential for effectively spreading the gospel and reflecting the love of Christ to the world. [03:12]

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (ESV): "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to unity within your church community, and how can you ensure that your actions are building on the foundation of Christ?

Day 4: Living a Holy Life

Holiness is not about external appearances but about being filled with the Spirit of God and living differently. It involves making choices that honor God and rejecting the darkness of the world while embracing the light of Christ. As believers, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, living lives that reflect the glory of God. This transformation is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and a commitment to pursuing holiness in every area of life. [19:27]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: What specific areas of your life need transformation, and how can you actively pursue holiness in those areas today?

Day 5: Invitation to Repent and Believe

For those who do not know Christ, there is an invitation to repent and believe, to be set free from the burden of sin. For believers, it is a call to actively pursue holiness, ensuring that we are building on the right foundation. This involves letting go of sin and embracing the freedom and forgiveness found in Christ. It is a journey of faith that requires a willingness to examine our lives and make necessary changes to align with God's will. [35:16]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,"

Reflection: Is there a sin or burden you need to let go of today, and how can you embrace the freedom and forgiveness offered in Christ?

Sermon Summary

Holiness is a call to be set apart, to live a life distinct from the world, and to embody the presence of God as His temple. The Holy Spirit resides within every believer, and our choices can either quench or fill us with His presence. This week, as we reflect on Memorial Day, we remember those who sacrificed for our freedoms, including the freedom to worship God. Yet, we must acknowledge how far we've drifted from the original intent of being one nation under God. The church, like a farmer's field, is meant to work in unity, planting and watering the seeds of the gospel, building on the foundation of Jesus Christ. This foundation is unchanging, just as truth is unchanging, despite society's attempts to redefine it.

Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 3:8-17 reminds us that we are God's building, and we must be careful how we build upon the foundation of Christ. Our motives and actions will be tested by fire, revealing their true nature. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God, not conforming to the world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Holiness is not about external appearances but about being filled with the Spirit of God, living differently, and making choices that honor Him.

The church today often lacks power because we quench the Spirit by conforming to the world. We must fight for our spiritual lives, actively participating in our relationship with God. This involves making hard choices, rejecting the darkness of the world, and embracing the light of Christ. We are called to be salt and light in every area of life, including politics, standing for truth and righteousness.

As believers, we must examine our lives, ensuring we are building on the right foundation. We must be willing to let go of sin and embrace the freedom and forgiveness found in Christ. For those who do not know Christ, there is an invitation to repent and believe, to be set free from the burden of sin. For believers, it is a call to actively pursue holiness, to be filled with the Spirit, and to live lives that reflect the glory of God.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit resides in every believer, and our choices can either quench or fill us with His presence. Living a life of holiness means being set apart, distinct from the world, and embodying the presence of God. [00:11]
2. Memorial Day reminds us of the sacrifices made for our freedoms, including the freedom to worship God. Yet, we must acknowledge how far we've drifted from being one nation under God, and strive to return to our foundational values. [01:28]
3. The church is called to work in unity, planting and watering the seeds of the gospel, building on the unchanging foundation of Jesus Christ. Our motives and actions will be tested by fire, revealing their true nature. [03:12]
4. Holiness is not about external appearances but about being filled with the Spirit of God, living differently, and making choices that honor Him. We must reject the darkness of the world and embrace the light of Christ. [19:27]
5. As believers, we must actively pursue holiness, ensuring we are building on the right foundation. For those who do not know Christ, there is an invitation to repent and believe, to be set free from the burden of sin. [35:16]
** [35:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
[00:27] - Quenching or Filling the Spirit
[00:56] - Understanding Holiness
[01:28] - Memorial Day Reflection
[02:33] - The Role of Government
[03:12] - Unity in the Church
[05:02] - Building on the Foundation of Christ
[06:32] - The Unchanging Truth
[07:31] - The Solid Foundation of Jesus
[09:06] - Construction Analogy
[11:26] - The Reality of Jesus
[12:14] - Forgiveness, Strength, and Hope
[17:51] - You Are the Temple of God
[19:27] - Living a Holy Life
[35:16] - Invitation to Repent and Believe

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1 Corinthians 3:8-17
Romans 13:1-4
Matthew 7:21-23

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Observation Questions:

According to 1 Corinthians 3:8-17, what analogy does Paul use to describe the church and its members? How does this analogy relate to the concept of unity in the church? [03:12]
What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, and how can our actions affect the Spirit's presence within us? [00:27]
How does the sermon connect the observance of Memorial Day with the spiritual state of the nation and the church? [01:28]
What does the sermon say about the foundation of Jesus Christ and its importance for believers? [05:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the analogy of the church as a field or building help us understand our individual roles and responsibilities within the church community? [03:12]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that society has drifted from its foundational values, and how does this impact the church's mission? [01:43]
What does it mean to "quench" or "grieve" the Holy Spirit, and how can believers ensure they are filled with the Spirit instead? [00:27]
How does the sermon interpret the testing of our motives and actions by fire, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:13? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [14:57]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be quenching the Holy Spirit? What specific changes can you make to be more open to the Spirit's influence? [00:27]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of building on the foundation of Jesus Christ. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life is built on this foundation? [05:02]
Consider the ways in which you engage with the world. Are there aspects of your life where you conform to worldly standards rather than being set apart? How can you address these areas? [19:27]
The sermon calls for believers to be salt and light in every area of life, including politics. How can you actively stand for truth and righteousness in your community? [28:43]
Examine your motives for serving in the church or community. Are there any areas where your intentions might not align with God's will? How can you realign your motives to reflect a heart for God? [15:16]
The sermon invites those who do not know Christ to repent and believe. If you are a believer, how can you share this invitation with others in a meaningful way? [35:16]
Reflect on the concept of holiness as being set apart for God. What specific actions can you take this week to live a life that is distinct and honors God? [19:27]

Sermon Clips

The Holy Spirit of God resides in a believer if you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You've been transformed by the gospel, the Holy Spirit resides in you. You can either quench and grieve the Spirit of God by your lifestyle or you can be filled mightily with the Spirit of God by your lifestyle. [00:14:14]

Holiness, all that means is to come out from among them and be separate. There's a distinction from you, there's a difference. We remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms that we now enjoy, and you never will realize how important freedom is until you have to fight for it. [00:52:05]

Paul is talking about going out and planting the seeds of the gospel that we're supposed to be united, not competing. Churches need to be united in their endeavor. So he said we go out planting and watering as one, and each will receive his award according to his labor. [03:20:42]

Paul said as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation. He considers what he's building. Here's the key: all of us are building something. Did you know that? You are building a foundation in your life, especially families, mothers, especially fathers. You're building a foundation on which others can come and build on top of that. [05:28:59]

The truth will not change. Times change, but truth does not. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, the life. Nobody comes to the Father except through me." Well, that's pretty narrow. So is gravity. So is 2+2. It's why isn't always 4? Why does that never seem to upset anyone? [06:21:49]

Holiness is a person being filled with the Spirit of God. The Bible says come out from among them and be separate. So holiness, what do you think of when you think of that word? Some guy wearing a gown and a big hat and the Most Reverend so-and-so holy? No, that's not holy. [19:24:39]

You can't serve two masters. You'll either love the one and hate the other, be loyal to one and despise the other. Paul would even say the Old Testament would say come out from among them and be separate. So there's a distinction. You look different now. God says now I can use you. [20:44:89]

The church is impotent or powerless. We don't win people to the Lord. We don't pray for them. We barely make it on Sunday. Why? Because the Holy Spirit of God is being quenched and grieved. When the Holy Spirit's let loose, watch out. Lives will be changed. There's no way around it. [27:22:28]

The world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully surrendered to him. And D.L. Moody said, "I aim to be that man." That should be the call of every Christian in this room. I aim to be that person. Yes, I've struggles. Yes, I might have this propensity or might have this struggle. [27:48:26]

The church needs to come alive and take authority in all areas of life with godly legislation. Would you please run for office somewhere? Do it and do something. We've got to be out there being the salt and the light. Oh, that's right. Jesus said be salt and light except in the area of politics. [28:38:20]

The church is dead, standing on her feet because she's not living on her knees. Whittinghill said that many years ago. So I'm gonna close with a few points, and if you're glad it's coming to a close, that means you need to hear this. We often say if you don't like what I'm hearing, it's because you need to hear what I'm saying. [33:19:94]

If you want to feel that God, I want to be caught up in your presence. I want to sit here at your feet. Jesus, you don't owe me anything. I want to become a worshiper. I want to encourage you to come pray with us in the prayer room. In case you think that's humility, I'll be the first one. [40:40:39]

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Embracing Holiness: Living as God's Distinct People

Devotional

Day 1: The Indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit

Day 2: Remembering Our Foundations

Day 3: Unity in the Church

Day 4: Living a Holy Life

Day 5: Invitation to Repent and Believe

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Embracing Holiness: Living as God's Distinct People

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