Embracing Holiness: Reflecting God's Character in Our Lives

Summary

Today’s focus is on the profound and often misunderstood word: holiness. Holiness is not an outdated or irrelevant concept, but the very heart of God’s character and the calling for every believer. God’s holiness means He is utterly distinct, pure, and set apart from all creation. Unlike anything else, His perfection never fades or fails. This attribute is not just one among many; it is the backdrop for all of God’s qualities—His love is holy love, His justice is holy justice, and so on.

As children of God, we are called to reflect His holiness. This is not about external behavior or moral superiority, but about being set apart for God’s purposes—living with intentional devotion, purity, worship, and obedience. Holiness is the thread that ties together all the other words we’ve explored: love, grace, mercy, salvation, forgiveness, hope, peace, and faith. Each of these finds its fullness in the holiness of God and the holy life He calls us to live.

Holiness is not something we achieve on our own. It is a work of God’s grace, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. We are declared holy at salvation, but we learn to live out holiness through sanctifying grace—God’s patient, transforming work in us. This process is not about perfection, but about being continually set apart, cleansed, and empowered to live for God.

Living a holy life is essential for our witness. Holiness gives credibility to our gospel conversations, aligns our lives with the message we proclaim, and protects the integrity of the church. When people see the transforming power of the gospel in our lives, they are more likely to believe that it can change theirs as well. Holiness is not just for our benefit; it is for the sake of the world, so that our words about Jesus are backed by lives that reflect Him.

As we move forward in our mission to share the gospel, may we not only speak of Jesus but live lives that are visibly set apart by His love, grace, and truth. Holiness is the evidence that God’s Word has taken root in us, and it is through holy living that our message gains power, clarity, and credibility.

Key Takeaways

- Holiness is the defining attribute of God, setting Him apart as utterly distinct, pure, and unchanging. This separateness is not just about moral perfection, but about God’s unique majesty and His incapacity for evil or corruption. Every other attribute of God—love, justice, mercy—finds its fullness in His holiness, which never fades or fails. [03:22]

- To be holy is to be set apart for God’s purposes, not merely to avoid sin but to live with intentional devotion and obedience. Our identity as God’s children means we are called to reflect His character, living lives that are marked by purity, worship, and a willingness to be different from the world for the sake of His mission. [07:43]

- Holiness is not achieved by human effort but is the result of God’s grace at work in us. Through salvation, we are declared holy, and through sanctifying grace, we are continually transformed into the likeness of Christ. This process requires humility, a willingness to be changed by the Holy Spirit, and a daily response of trust and obedience. [12:25]

- The credibility of our witness depends on the reality of holiness in our lives. Moral compromise undermines the gospel, while a life set apart by God’s grace gives power and clarity to our message. Holiness is not about perfection, but about authenticity—living in such a way that others see the gospel’s transforming power at work in us. [35:59]

- Holiness and effective gospel conversations both depend entirely on the Holy Spirit. We cannot live holy lives or share the gospel with power apart from His enabling presence. As we yield to the Spirit, He empowers us to be witnesses, giving us both the words to speak and the lives to back them up, so that our message is not just heard but believed. [38:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction: Vocabulary of the Faithful
[02:15] - The Relevance and Meaning of Holiness
[03:22] - God’s Holiness: Set Apart and Unfading
[04:26] - Holiness Beyond Perfection
[07:43] - Our Calling to Holiness
[08:32] - Holiness as the Backdrop for Christian Living
[09:31] - Love, Grace, and Mercy Revisited
[12:25] - Sanctifying Grace and Learning Holiness
[15:26] - Mercy and the Call to Be Unfair
[17:29] - Salvation: Past, Present, and Future
[22:02] - Hope and God’s Purposes in History
[23:25] - Peace as Calling and Mission
[24:02] - Faith: Trusting God’s Word
[27:29] - Allowing the Holy Spirit to Transform Us
[28:10] - Holiness Lived Out in Daily Life
[31:49] - Holiness and Gospel Conversations
[35:59] - Holiness Protects the Church’s Witness
[38:38] - The Holy Spirit: Source of Holiness and Mission
[41:38] - Holiness: The Thread That Ties It All Together
[43:02] - Closing Prayer and Commission

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Holiness—Set Apart for God’s Purposes

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### Bible Reading

1. Exodus 15:11
“Who is like you among the gods, Lord? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?”

2. 1 Peter 1:13-16
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 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. Romans 6:22-23
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Exodus 15:11, what makes God’s holiness unique compared to everything else in creation?
*(see [03:22])*

2. In 1 Peter 1:13-16, what are believers specifically called to do in response to God’s holiness?
*(see [07:43])*

3. Based on Romans 6:22-23, what is the result of being set free from sin and becoming “slaves to God”?
*(see [37:57])*

4. The sermon described holiness as more than just moral perfection. What other aspects did the pastor highlight about holiness?
*(see [04:26])*

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon said, “Holiness is not about external behavior or moral superiority, but about being set apart for God’s purposes—living with intentional devotion, purity, worship, and obedience.” How does this understanding of holiness challenge common ideas about what it means to be “holy”?
*(see [08:32])*

2. The pastor emphasized that “holiness is not something we achieve on our own. It is a work of God’s grace, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.” How does this shape the way believers should approach their own spiritual growth?
*(see [12:25])*

3. The sermon stated, “The credibility of our witness depends on the reality of holiness in our lives. Moral compromise undermines the gospel, while a life set apart by God’s grace gives power and clarity to our message.” Why is it important for our actions to match our message when sharing the gospel?
*(see [35:59])*

4. In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower both holy living and effective gospel conversations, according to the sermon?
*(see [38:38])*

---

### Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “To be holy is to be set apart for God’s purposes, not merely to avoid sin but to live with intentional devotion and obedience.” What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to be more intentionally set apart? What would it look like to respond?
*(see [08:32])*

2. The sermon described holiness as the “thread that ties together” love, grace, mercy, salvation, forgiveness, hope, peace, and faith. Which of these qualities do you find most challenging to live out in a holy way, and why?
*(see [41:38])*

3. The pastor shared that “holiness is not about perfection, but about authenticity—living in such a way that others see the gospel’s transforming power at work in us.” Can you think of a time when someone’s authentic faith impacted you? How might your own authenticity point others to Jesus?
*(see [35:59])*

4. The sermon said, “Holiness gives credibility to our gospel conversations, aligns our lives with the message we proclaim, and protects the integrity of the church.” Are there any areas where your actions might be sending a mixed message about your faith? What steps could you take to bring your life and message into better alignment?
*(see [35:59])*

5. The pastor emphasized that “holiness and effective gospel conversations both depend entirely on the Holy Spirit.” What is one practical way you can invite the Holy Spirit to lead you in your daily life or in your conversations this week?
*(see [38:38])*

6. The sermon challenged the church: “I’ll preach holiness on Sunday. You preach holiness every other day of the year.” What does it look like for you to “preach holiness” through your actions and words in your workplace, school, or home?
*(see [32:55])*

7. The pastor said, “Holiness is the visible evidence that these words have taken root in us.” What is one specific change you want to make this week so that your life more clearly reflects God’s holiness?
*(see [41:38])*

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for God’s grace to grow in holiness, for the Spirit’s power to live set apart, and for boldness and authenticity in sharing the gospel.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Holiness—Utterly Set Apart and Perfect

God’s holiness means He is utterly distinct from all creation, absolutely pure, and completely free from sin or corruption. To be holy is to be set apart, and God’s holiness is the foundation for all His other attributes—His love, justice, and mercy are all holy, perfect, and unfading. Unlike anything in creation, God’s perfection never fades or fails, and His holiness is the standard by which all else is measured. As we begin to understand God’s holiness, we are invited to stand in awe of His majesty and recognize that He alone is worthy of worship and devotion. [03:22]

Exodus 15:11 (ESV)
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?”

Reflection: In what ways does recognizing God’s utter holiness change how you approach Him in prayer and worship today?


Day 2: Called to Be Holy—Reflecting God’s Character

As children of God, we are called to reflect His holiness in every part of our lives—not just in outward behavior, but in intentional, internal devotion expressed through purity, worship, and obedience. Holiness is not an outdated concept; it is the very identity and calling of every believer, to be set apart for God’s purposes and to live in a way that mirrors the character of our Father. This call to holiness is not about moral superiority, but about being transformed by God’s grace and living as His representatives in the world. [07:43]

1 Peter 1:13-16 (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.’”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to be set apart for Him today?


Day 3: Holiness Gives Credibility and Power to Our Witness

Holiness is essential to our gospel conversations because it gives credibility to our message, clarity to our witness, and power to our mission. When people see the transforming power of the gospel in the life of the messenger, they are more likely to believe that the message is true. Holiness is not just a theory or a Sunday morning idea—it is the visible evidence that the gospel has changed us, and it aligns our lives with the hope we proclaim. [31:49]

Titus 2:7-8 (ESV)
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”

Reflection: How can you intentionally demonstrate the reality of the gospel through your actions and words in a specific relationship or setting this week?


Day 4: Holiness Is the Fruit of God’s Grace—Becoming Like Christ

At its core, the gospel is not just about forgiveness but about transformation—becoming like Christ. Holiness is the fruit of God’s grace at work in us, freeing us from sin and leading us into a new life of sanctification and eternal hope. As we pursue holiness, we model the end goal of salvation: to be conformed to the image of Christ, living lives that reflect His love, purity, and purpose. [37:57]

Romans 6:22-23 (ESV)
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Reflection: What is one habit or pattern you need to surrender to God’s transforming grace so you can grow in Christlikeness?


Day 5: Holiness Depends on the Holy Spirit’s Power

Both holiness and effective gospel conversations are impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who empowers us to live set-apart lives, to speak with clarity and conviction, and to fulfill the mission Jesus has given us. As we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we become witnesses to the world—not by our own strength, but by His presence and power at work within us. [39:32]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Reflection: Where do you need to invite the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance to help you live out holiness and share the gospel today?

Quotes

Holiness is actually the very divine character of God that holiness is first and foremost an attribute of God it means he is utterly distinct from creation absolutely peoplepure, and completely free from sin or corruption.One of the chief meanings of holiness is to be set apart. That's what holiness means, to be set apart. God is holy. He is set apart because he is absolutely distinct from all of his creatures and is exalted above them in infinite majesty. [00:02:09] (00:00:41 seconds) Edit Clip

What's important to understand when we talk about god is that although god is perfect it is his holiness that makes him incapable of anything evil or bad in other words his perfection never fails and never fades and this impacts how we see the rest of god's attributes when we think about biblical holiness it is god's own moral perfection and separate in separateness and it is his desire and command that his people reflect holiness in every part of their life it's not merely external behavior but intentional internal devotion expressed in purity worship and obedience. [00:04:48] (00:00:54 seconds) Edit Clip

Grace is the dimension of divine activity that enables God to confront human indifference and rebellion with an inexhaustible capacity to forgive and to bless. That's beautiful.That God has an inexhaustible capacity to forgive us and to bless us. [00:10:46] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

In our justification, God declares us holy. See, now this is all starting to fit together. God calls us holy.Not that we are, but because of the work of Christ, he has forgiven us. And we're learning how to be holy. And that is what we call sanctifying grace. The ongoing work of God's grace that transforms the believers into the likeness of Christ. [00:12:15] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

Biblical hope is the unwavering trust that god will do what he has said because of who he is i think this is a frequent question to those who aren't christians and they say how can you have hope 65 books of the bible have been youproven true and accurate over millennias not just recent that's the big point there for millennias they have been proven accurate and now we're just waiting for the fulfillment of book 66 of course i can have hope it's the most logical hope i have ever found why wouldn't you have hope in what god tells us and he promises so much in that hope he promises salvation and eternal life with him he promises his presence in there we said that as jesus is getting ready to ascend to heaven he said i will send you a helper right the holy spirit his spirit is with us we are never alone he promises his purposes that he is working all things in this earth together for good. [00:18:45] (00:01:24 seconds) Edit Clip

Faith is a trustful human response to God's self -revelation through his words and his actions.We landed on Hebrews 11 .1 where it says, Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. I love that. A certainty of things hoped for. Certainty. You know it's coming. You just don't know when it's coming, how it's coming, where. But you know that it is. That is faith. [00:24:04] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip

Holiness is lived out when we recognize that we have been set apart by the blood of christ paul writes to the church in rome and he says this but god demonstrates his own love towards us and that while we were still sinners christ died for us much more than having now been justified by his blood we shall be saved from the wrath of god through him we are being set apart by the blood of christ when you're saved it's not just salvation it's not just for you now you're being set apart to be his holy children. [00:28:52] (00:00:39 seconds) Edit Clip

Holiness depends on the Holy Spirit.Just like having gospel conversations does.Both holiness and effective gospel conversations are impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit.Acts 1 .8 records this. These are the words of Jesus Christ. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses, both in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth. [00:38:51] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip