Embracing Holiness: Living as God's Set-Apart People
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new series exploring what it means to be a holy people and how to become the children God calls us to be. We begin by examining Leviticus 19, where God commands Israel to be holy because He is holy. This command is not outdated but is a call for us today as well. Holiness, fundamentally, means to be set apart or separated from what is unclean and consecrated to what is pure. God’s holiness is His quintessential nature, unifying His attributes and actions, setting Him apart from all creation.
We explored three key aspects of God's holiness: His perfection, His unique nature, and His actions. God’s ways are perfect, He is uniquely holy, and His deeds are always just and righteous. Understanding holiness is a lifelong journey that requires deep study, practice, and trust in Scripture.
Holiness for us means being separated from the world, just as Israel was set apart to demonstrate their faith in Yahweh. In the New Testament, the early church understood holiness as an internal reality that should govern a Christian’s thoughts and actions. Christians are called to be different, to be set apart, and to reflect God’s character and love to the world.
Peter’s words in 1 Peter 2 remind us that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. This identity calls us to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness. Paul’s writings further emphasize that we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Jesus Himself warned that the world would hate us because it hated Him first. However, we are called to be holy, not holier-than-thou, showing love and compassion rather than judgment.
Holiness allows us to dwell with God, be like God, and do God’s will. It transforms us and impacts those around us, drawing the lost to Christ. Paul’s exhortation to be imitators of God and to walk in love encapsulates the essence of holiness. It is an ongoing process of learning and growing in our relationship with God.
In the coming weeks, we will delve into developing a spirit of repentance and a desire for sanctification as key actions to cultivate holiness. Holiness means living in the world but not being part of it, engaging with others, and always being ready to share our faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Holiness as Separation and Consecration: Holiness means being set apart from what is unclean and consecrated to what is pure. This separation is not just physical but spiritual and moral, reflecting God's own nature. As Christians, we are called to live distinct lives that demonstrate our faith and commitment to God. [03:16]
2. God’s Perfect and Unique Holiness: God’s holiness is His quintessential nature, unifying all His attributes and actions. His ways are perfect, and He is uniquely holy, setting Him apart from all creation. This understanding of God’s holiness should inspire awe and reverence in our relationship with Him. [05:50]
3. Holiness in the Early Church: The early church understood holiness as an internal reality that governed their thoughts and actions. Christians are called to be different, set apart from the world, reflecting God’s character and love. This separation is not about isolation but about living lives that point others to God. [12:14]
4. Holiness and Relationship with God: Holiness allows us to dwell with God, be like Him, and do His will. It transforms us and impacts those around us, drawing the lost to Christ. Our transformation from unholy to holy is a powerful testimony of God’s work in our lives. [19:55]
5. Imitating God and Walking in Love: Paul’s exhortation to be imitators of God and to walk in love encapsulates the essence of holiness. It is an ongoing process of learning and growing in our relationship with God. By imitating Jesus and living out His teachings, we can experience radical change and impact the world around us. [27:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:12] - Called to Be Holy
[02:14] - Definition of Holiness
[03:16] - Holiness in the Old Testament
[04:25] - Aspects of God's Holiness
[05:50] - God's Unique Holiness
[06:48] - God's Holiness in Action
[08:08] - Holiness as Separation
[09:06] - Israel's Call to Holiness
[10:34] - Holiness in the New Testament
[12:14] - Early Church's Understanding of Holiness
[13:00] - Peter's Message to the Church
[14:11] - A Holy Nation
[15:36] - Spiritual Warfare
[16:13] - Jesus' Teaching on the World's Hatred
[17:27] - Holiness vs. Holier-Than-Thou
[18:45] - Purpose of Holiness
[19:55] - Dwelling with God
[21:40] - Being Like God
[23:22] - Living in God's Presence
[25:07] - Impacting Others Through Holiness
[26:54] - Doing God's Will
[27:59] - Imitating God and Walking in Love
[30:56] - Learning to Be Holy
[32:10] - Developing Holiness
[33:22] - Holiness in the World
[35:15] - Encouragement from Paul
[37:01] - Paul's Testimony
[39:01] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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.'"
2. 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) - "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
3. Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) - "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Leviticus 19:1-2, why are the people of Israel called to be holy? [01:12]
2. What does Peter mean when he calls believers a "chosen race" and a "holy nation" in 1 Peter 2:9? [13:00]
3. In Ephesians 5:1-2, what are believers encouraged to do, and how does this relate to holiness? [27:59]
4. How does the sermon define holiness in the context of the Old Testament and the New Testament? [03:16] [12:14]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God to be "uniquely holy," and how does this understanding impact our relationship with Him? [05:50]
2. How does the concept of being "set apart" as described in Leviticus 19:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:9 influence the way Christians should live in today's world? [01:12] [13:00]
3. How does Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:1-2 to "walk in love" encapsulate the essence of holiness? [27:59]
4. The sermon mentions that holiness is a lifelong journey requiring deep study and practice. How can this perspective change the way we approach our spiritual growth? [07:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. In what ways can you demonstrate being "set apart" for God in your workplace or community? [03:16]
2. Peter calls believers a "holy nation" in 1 Peter 2:9. How can you practically live out this identity in your interactions with non-believers? [13:00]
3. Paul encourages believers to "walk in love" in Ephesians 5:1-2. Identify a specific relationship in your life where you can show more love and compassion. What steps will you take this week to improve that relationship? [27:59]
4. The sermon emphasizes that holiness is not about being "holier-than-thou" but about showing love and compassion. How can you ensure that your actions reflect this distinction? [17:27]
5. Holiness allows us to dwell with God and be like Him. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with God? [19:55] [21:40]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of witnessing and sharing our faith. Think of one person in your life who does not know Christ. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [33:22]
7. Reflect on the idea that holiness is a process of learning and growing. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to grow in holiness? What steps will you take to respond to this call? [30:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Holiness as Separation and Consecration
Holiness means being set apart from what is unclean and consecrated to what is pure. This separation is not just physical but spiritual and moral, reflecting God's own nature. As Christians, we are called to live distinct lives that demonstrate our faith and commitment to God. This involves a conscious effort to avoid behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's will and to embrace those that align with His character. By doing so, we not only honor God but also become a testimony to others of His transformative power.
In Leviticus 19, God commands Israel to be holy because He is holy. This command is timeless and applies to us today. Holiness is not about being perfect but about being dedicated to God and His purposes. It is a call to live differently from the world, to be a light in the darkness, and to show others the way to God. This requires daily commitment and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.
[03:16]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: What specific behaviors or attitudes do you need to separate from to reflect God's holiness in your life today?
Day 2: God’s Perfect and Unique Holiness
God’s holiness is His quintessential nature, unifying all His attributes and actions. His ways are perfect, and He is uniquely holy, setting Him apart from all creation. This understanding of God’s holiness should inspire awe and reverence in our relationship with Him. Recognizing God's perfect and unique holiness helps us to see Him as He truly is and to respond with worship and obedience.
God's holiness is not just an abstract concept but is demonstrated through His actions. Everything He does is just and righteous, and His ways are beyond reproach. As we grow in our understanding of God's holiness, we are called to reflect His character in our own lives. This means striving for moral purity, integrity, and justice in all that we do.
[05:50]
Isaiah 6:3 (ESV): "And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness in your daily life?
Day 3: Holiness in the Early Church
The early church understood holiness as an internal reality that governed their thoughts and actions. Christians are called to be different, set apart from the world, reflecting God’s character and love. This separation is not about isolation but about living lives that point others to God. The early believers demonstrated their faith through their conduct, showing love, compassion, and integrity in all their interactions.
Holiness in the early church was about embodying the teachings of Jesus and living out the gospel in practical ways. This meant caring for the poor, loving their enemies, and living in community with one another. Their distinct way of life was a powerful witness to the surrounding culture and drew many to Christ. As modern-day believers, we are called to continue this legacy by living out our faith authentically and consistently.
[12:14]
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the internal reality of holiness in your interactions with others today?
Day 4: Holiness and Relationship with God
Holiness allows us to dwell with God, be like Him, and do His will. It transforms us and impacts those around us, drawing the lost to Christ. Our transformation from unholy to holy is a powerful testimony of God’s work in our lives. As we pursue holiness, we grow closer to God and become more like Him in character and action.
Being holy means being in a right relationship with God, which involves regular prayer, studying His Word, and obeying His commands. It is through this relationship that we are transformed and empowered to live out our faith. Holiness is not about following a set of rules but about being in a loving relationship with our Creator and allowing His Spirit to work in and through us.
[19:55]
2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV): "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today to allow His holiness to transform you?
Day 5: Imitating God and Walking in Love
Paul’s exhortation to be imitators of God and to walk in love encapsulates the essence of holiness. It is an ongoing process of learning and growing in our relationship with God. By imitating Jesus and living out His teachings, we can experience radical change and impact the world around us. Walking in love means showing compassion, forgiveness, and kindness to others, just as Christ has shown to us.
Imitating God involves more than just outward actions; it requires a heart transformation. As we spend time with God and learn from His Word, we begin to reflect His character in our daily lives. This process of sanctification is ongoing and requires our active participation and reliance on the Holy Spirit. By walking in love, we fulfill the greatest commandments and become a living testimony of God's grace and truth.
[27:59]
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to imitate God and walk in love towards others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are called to be holy. That isn't a statement that applies to Israel and is no longer applicable to us. But rather, if we understand Scripture, that Israel is a precursor to the church. And we are to remain holy. But I think there's a question of what is holiness? How do we read it? How do we understand that? And I want to begin with a definition this morning. When we talk about holiness, we need to start with God, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit." [01:12] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Holiness means we live in the world but we are not part of the world. It means that there is a separation between us and the rest of the world. And when we look at that what I'm implying is one of those individuals is holy and one is not. Which one is it? You don't know do you? You can't know unless you talk to them. You can't know unless you engage with them. See there comes witnessing." [33:22] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Holiness compels us to see the world through the eyes of God. We will want to help the least of us. We want to serve in the church and we want for the Lord for us to be saved. Probably one of the most succinct statements on becoming holy is written by Paul in Ephesians 5. As Paul is teaching the church to be holy, he writes this. Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children." [27:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are called to be holy, but very importantly, not holier than thou. We've all been to a church where there's that one person, right, self-righteous, dresses right, talks right, casts like an eagle glare across the crowd, casting judgment. You're not dressing right. You're not saying the right things. They're holier than thou. Now, it's amazing how quickly people forget that our label pre-salvation was children of wrath to which we all were. Can't forget that." [17:27] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Holiness allows us to dwell with God. Look at Ephesians 2. When Paul is teaching the church he says, So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone in whom the whole building being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord." [19:21] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When we look at the book of Acts, and we understand that that is the development of the Christian church, we see, that the church understood holiness as a profound internal reality, that should govern a Christian's thoughts and attitudes, in relation to the persons and objects in the external world. The early church believed that Christians should be separated from the rest of the world." [12:14] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Holiness means to cut or to separate. Fundamentally, holiness is a cutting off or a separation from what is unclean and consecration to what is pure. God is holy in that he is utterly distinct from his creation and exercises sovereign majesty and power over it. He is, he is separated from us because he is holy. Probably hadn't thought about it in that context." [03:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Holiness allows us to be like God. Let's go back to our opening verse in Leviticus 19. Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy for I the Lord your God am holy. We are to be like God. Plain and simple. But maybe you're missing it. See, context matters. When we're thinking about the book of Leviticus, we have to understand it's the third book of the Bible." [21:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Holiness also allows us to be like God. Let's go back to our opening verse in Leviticus 19. Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy for I the Lord your God am holy. We are to be like God. Plain and simple. But maybe you're missing it. See, context matters. When we're thinking about the book of Leviticus, we have to understand it's the third book of the Bible." [21:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Holiness means we live in the world but we are not part of the world. It means that there is a separation between us and the rest of the world. And when we look at that what I'm implying is one of those individuals is holy and one is not. Which one is it? You don't know do you? You can't know unless you talk to them. You can't know unless you engage with them. See there comes witnessing." [33:22] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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