Embracing Holiness: Understanding Sin and Our Journey
Summary
In today's sermon, I began by expressing gratitude for the journey my wife Maggie and I have shared with you since our arrival. I reflected on the unexpected path that led me from interim to senior pastor, emphasizing the rigorous and spiritually demanding process of ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. This process ensures that those who preach are not only educated but genuinely called by God.
I then transitioned into the core of today's message, focusing on the nature of sin and its profound impact on our relationship with God and each other. I discussed how sin is not merely an action but a condition of the heart, as outlined throughout Scripture. From the Old Testament laws that define sin to Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament, which reveal that sin includes our inner thoughts and attitudes, not just external actions.
I highlighted the concept of holiness, reminding us that as Christians, we are called to live a holy life, not because of our roles in the church but because we are followers of Christ. This call to holiness is a response to God’s own holy nature.
The sermon also covered the seven deadly sins, explaining how these particular sins encapsulate the most common ways we stray from God’s path. Each sin—pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth—was discussed in detail, emphasizing how they sever our connection with God and lead to spiritual death.
I concluded by urging the congregation to reflect on their own lives and to recognize sin’s destructive power. I called for a renewed commitment to holiness and a deeper understanding of what it means to live as true children of God, free from the bondage of sin.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Process of Ordination is Sacred and Demanding
The journey to becoming a pastor is not merely academic; it is a profound spiritual journey that tests one’s faith, character, and dedication to God’s call. This process ensures that those who lead the church are not only well-prepared but are genuinely called to serve God and His people. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and spiritual health of the church. [03:01]
2. Sin is More Than Actions; It's a Condition of the Heart
Sin is deeply rooted in our desires and thoughts, not just in our actions. Jesus taught that even our thoughts could be sinful if they lead us away from God. This understanding challenges us to deeper self-examination and calls for a transformation that begins in the heart, emphasizing the need for inner purity and the renewal of our minds to align with Christ’s teachings. [14:41]
3. Holiness is Not Optional for Christians
Holiness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. It is not reserved for clergy or those perceived as spiritually superior. Every believer is called to live a holy life, mirroring the holiness of God. This call is an integral part of our identity as children of God and is essential for maintaining a vibrant and genuine relationship with Him. [07:09]
4. Understanding and Confronting the Seven Deadly Sins
Recognizing and addressing the seven deadly sins in our lives is crucial for spiritual growth and health. These sins, which range from pride to sloth, encapsulate the fundamental ways we turn away from God. By understanding their true nature, we can better guard against them and pursue a life that reflects God’s glory and righteousness. [24:04]
5. The Necessity of Active Christian Living
Being a Christian requires active engagement in faith practices—prayer, scripture reading, and community involvement. It’s not enough to passively believe; faith must be lived out through actions that demonstrate commitment to God’s commandments and a desire to spread His love and truth to others. This active participation is essential for personal growth and for influencing the world positively. [42:54]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:34] - Gratitude and Reflections on Pastoral Journey
- [03:01] - The Sacred Process of Ordination
- [06:02] - Introduction to Sin and Holiness
- [07:09] - The Call to Holiness
- [10:50] - Old Testament Definitions of Sin
- [12:44] - Holiness and God’s Nature
- [14:41] - New Testament Expansion on Sin
- [20:15] - The Danger of Complacency in Faith
- [21:23] - The Role of Satan in Temptation
- [24:04] - Discussion on the Seven Deadly Sins
- [26:01] - The Sin of Pride
- [27:44] - Greed and Materialism
- [29:24] - Wrath and Its Consequences
- [32:29] - The Destructive Power of Envy
- [34:28] - Understanding Lust
- [36:49] - Gluttony in Modern Society
- [38:36] - The Sin of Sloth
- [42:54] - Call to Active Christian Living
- [44:52] - Conclusion and Invitation to Next Sermon
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:13-16 (NIV)
> "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 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.'"
2. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
> "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 1:13-16, what are believers instructed to do with their minds and hope?
2. What does 1 Peter 1:14-16 say about the nature of holiness and its importance for Christians?
3. In 1 Peter 5:8, how is the devil described, and what are believers advised to do in response?
4. What are the seven deadly sins mentioned in the sermon, and how do they impact our relationship with God? [24:04]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the call to holiness in 1 Peter 1:15-16 relate to the sermon’s emphasis on living a holy life as Christians? [07:09]
2. What does it mean to have a "sober mind" as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8, and how does this concept connect to the sermon’s discussion on the nature of sin and temptation? [21:23]
3. The sermon discusses sin as a condition of the heart. How does this understanding deepen the meaning of Jesus' teachings on sin in the New Testament? [14:41]
4. How do the seven deadly sins serve as a summary of the ways we can stray from God, and why is it important to recognize and confront them in our lives? [24:04]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. How have you experienced the process of becoming more holy, and what steps can you take to deepen your commitment to holiness? [07:09]
2. The sermon emphasized that sin is not just about actions but also about the condition of the heart. Can you identify any thoughts or attitudes in your life that might be leading you away from God? How can you address them? [14:41]
3. Considering the seven deadly sins, which one do you find most challenging in your own life? What practical steps can you take to guard against it and pursue a life that reflects God’s holiness? [24:04]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of active Christian living. What are some specific ways you can engage more actively in your faith practices, such as prayer, scripture reading, or community involvement? [42:54]
5. How can you cultivate a "sober mind" as described in 1 Peter 5:8, especially in the face of modern distractions and temptations? What changes can you make in your daily routine to stay alert and focused on your relationship with God? [21:23]
6. Reflect on the concept of spiritual complacency mentioned in the sermon. Have you ever felt complacent in your faith? What can you do to reignite your passion for living as a true child of God? [06:02]
7. The sermon called for a renewed commitment to holiness. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your commitment to living a holy life, both in your personal conduct and in your interactions with others? [07:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Sacred Journey of Ordination
The path to pastoral leadership is profoundly spiritual and demanding. It is not just an academic pursuit but a deep spiritual journey that tests one’s faith, character, and dedication to God’s call. This rigorous process is essential to ensure that those who lead are not only well-prepared but are genuinely called to serve God and His people. The integrity and spiritual health of the church hinge on this sacred process, making it a cornerstone for any pastoral role. [03:01]
2 Timothy 2:15, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
Reflection: Consider your own spiritual journey. In what ways are you preparing yourself to be 'one approved' by God in your daily life?
Day 2: Sin: A Matter of the Heart
Sin is more than just wrongful actions; it is a condition that festers in the heart and mind, influencing our desires and thoughts. This deeper understanding of sin, as taught by Jesus, challenges us to a profound self-examination and calls for a transformation that begins within. It emphasizes the need for inner purity and the renewal of our minds to align with Christ’s teachings, urging us to look beyond mere actions to the motivations that drive them. [14:41]
Ezekiel 36:26, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
Reflection: What are some thoughts or attitudes you hold that might be leading you away from God? How can you begin to address these from the heart?
Day 3: The Non-negotiable Call to Holiness
Holiness is not optional for Christians; it is a fundamental aspect of our identity as followers of Christ. This call to live a holy life mirrors the holiness of God and is essential for maintaining a vibrant and genuine relationship with Him. Every believer, regardless of their role within the church, is called to this high standard of living, which serves as a reflection of God’s own nature and glory. [07:09]
1 Peter 1:15-16, "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: How does your daily life reflect the holiness of God? Are there changes you need to make to better mirror His holiness?
Day 4: Confronting the Seven Deadly Sins
Understanding and addressing the seven deadly sins is crucial for spiritual growth. These sins—pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth—represent fundamental ways we turn away from God. By recognizing their true nature and impact, we can guard against them and pursue a life that reflects God’s righteousness and glory. This understanding is vital for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual health and relationship with God. [24:04]
Proverbs 6:16-19, "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."
Reflection: Which of the seven deadly sins do you find most challenging, and what practical steps can you take to overcome it?
Day 5: The Imperative of Active Christian Living
Being a Christian demands active engagement in faith practices such as prayer, scripture reading, and community involvement. It’s not enough to passively believe; faith must be lived out through actions that demonstrate a commitment to God’s commandments and a desire to spread His love and truth to others. This active participation is essential for personal growth and for positively influencing the world. [42:54]
James 2:17, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one way you can more actively live out your faith this week? How can you engage more deeply with your community or church?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Well, I have to admit that many times in my life I have envisioned standing before Jesus having to answer for different things, and it's almost like a movie reel playing, and I never once thought it would look anything like the video that you just saw. As I get started this morning, Maggie and I want to really say thank you to all of you. This has been an incredible journey we've been on." [01:34]
2. "Here's my point. I was called because I was a Christian. Because I had a calling. I had a relationship with God. And I was called because I want others to have that same relationship I do. I want you to have the same experiences and the depth of the relationship that I do." [04:31]
3. "And we need to demonstrate that to others instead of standing, banging on a pulpit, or maybe you're out somewhere talking with somebody and you start throwing judgment out like you're a sinner. You're a sinner. And we get into name-calling. Why don't we lead people into a relationship with Jesus? One where they would actually want to be engaged with Him. The one that can save them. The one that can welcome them into eternity." [20:43]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Therefore, church, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, notice that word, children. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance." [07:09]
2. "Sin is actions by which humans rebel against God, miss his purpose for our lives, and surrender to the power of evil rather than to God. Sin is also a human activity that is contrary to God's will. Now these definitions are good, but they're incomplete. So I want to spend some time this morning looking at sin and we need to come to understand that the concept of sin is something that is developed throughout the Bible." [10:50]
3. "Sin permeates everything. It destroys relationships, first with God and then with others. Our early church fathers understood that sin is not only the action, but it is the state of our heart that leads us into this action. In the 6th century, Pope Gregory wrote the seven deadly sins to make clear to the church what sins would most often lead us astray." [24:04]
4. "Pride is an excessive love of self pride is an excessive love of self pride is a desire to be better or more important than others. Pride causes us to place ourselves on a high pedestal. It is in arrogance in which we place ourselves on the throne where God should reside." [25:18]
5. "Wrath is rage, irrational and blind hate lashing uncontrollably out at its target with anything from hateful words to violence to outright slaughter. Today, wrath leads our culture into actions like suing those who have committed even a slight wrong against us. That's just been part of our culture now in America. We just sue for everything." [29:24]
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