Faith and Holiness: The Christian's Transformative Journey

 

Summary

In the passage from 2 Peter 1:1-4, we are reminded of the profound connection between faith and life in the Christian journey. These two elements are inseparable, much like the foundation and structure of a building. Faith without a holy life is incomplete, just as a life of holiness without faith is unsustainable. True faith is not a product of human effort or education but a divine gift, a regeneration that transforms us from within. It is through this faith that we are justified, not by our own righteousness but by the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This faith is precious, dealing with the most precious promises and the redemptive work of Christ.

The sermon emphasizes that faith in Christ must recognize His divinity. To see Jesus merely as a prophet or teacher is insufficient for salvation. He is either divine or a deceiver, and our faith must acknowledge Him as God incarnate. This faith is not just intellectual assent but a deep trust in His sacrificial work on the cross, where He bore the wrath of God for our sins. This faith leads to a transformation, making us partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world.

The spiritual life we receive is a gift of divine power, not something we can generate ourselves. It is sustained by grace and flourishes in peace. This life is marked by a calling to glory and virtue, a calling that reflects the glory and power of God. As believers, we are called to live distinct lives, reflecting the divine nature and escaping worldly corruption. This transformation is evident in the lives of those who have been touched by God's grace, turning sinners into saints, persecutors into apostles, and the unrighteous into the righteous.

The promises of God are both great and precious, offering us forgiveness, righteousness, reconciliation, adoption, and the assurance of eternal life. These promises are not just for our comfort but to enable us to partake in the divine nature and live holy lives. As Christians, we are called to be distinct, to live above the corruption of the world, and to be a light in the darkness. Our faith and life must be intertwined, reflecting the glory of God and the transformative power of His grace.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith and Holiness: True faith and a holy life are inseparable. Faith is the foundation, and holiness is the structure built upon it. Without both, our spiritual life is incomplete and unsustainable. We must strive to cultivate both in our walk with Christ. [01:40]

- Divine Nature: Through faith, we become partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world. This transformation is a work of divine power, not human effort, and it calls us to live distinct, holy lives. [42:19]

- Christ's Divinity: Faith in Christ must acknowledge His divinity. To see Him as merely a prophet or teacher is insufficient for salvation. Our faith must recognize Him as God incarnate, the one who bore our sins on the cross. [10:13]

- Precious Promises: The promises of God are great and precious, offering us forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. These promises are not just for comfort but to enable us to partake in the divine nature and live holy lives. [34:43]

- Transformation by Grace: The grace of God transforms sinners into saints, turning lives around completely. This transformation is evident in the lives of those touched by God's grace, as they live out their faith in holiness and love. [31:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Faith and Life
- [00:53] - The Connection Between Faith and Holiness
- [01:40] - The Foundation of Faith
- [02:39] - The Superstructure of Holiness
- [03:25] - Faith and Life: An Inseparable Bond
- [04:18] - The Necessity of Faith and Holiness
- [05:20] - The Source of True Faith
- [06:24] - Faith as a Divine Gift
- [07:57] - Examination of Our Faith
- [09:29] - The Object of Our Faith
- [10:44] - The Divinity of Christ
- [12:46] - Receiving Christ as God
- [15:02] - Christ as Our Savior
- [22:01] - The Source of Spiritual Life
- [26:55] - The Role of Grace and Peace
- [34:43] - The Privileges of Faith
- [42:19] - Partakers of the Divine Nature
- [46:27] - Escaping Worldly Corruption
- [48:20] - The Call to Holiness

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 2 Peter 1:1-4

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#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Peter 1:1-4, what are the "exceeding great and precious promises" mentioned, and how do they relate to being partakers of the divine nature?
2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the relationship between faith and holiness? [01:12]
3. What does the sermon say about the origin of true faith and its connection to divine power? [06:24]
4. How does the sermon explain the necessity of recognizing Christ's divinity for salvation? [10:13]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the concept of being "partakers of the divine nature," and what implications does this have for a believer's life? [42:19]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the role of grace and peace in sustaining spiritual life, and how might this be practically experienced by believers? [26:55]
3. How does the sermon address the potential dangers of separating faith from holiness, and what might this look like in a modern Christian context? [01:26]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the promises of God enable believers to live holy lives, and how might this be evident in a believer's daily actions? [34:43]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How do you see the connection between your faith and your daily actions? Are there areas where you feel one is lacking without the other? [01:40]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing Christ's divinity. How does this understanding impact your personal faith journey and your view of Jesus? [10:13]
3. Consider the "great and precious promises" of God mentioned in the sermon. Which promise resonates most with you, and how can it influence your life this week? [34:43]
4. The sermon speaks of transformation by grace. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you have experienced this transformation? How can you continue to grow in this area? [31:12]
5. How can you actively cultivate both faith and holiness in your life, ensuring that they remain inseparable as described in the sermon? [01:12]
6. The sermon mentions escaping the corruption of the world. What practical steps can you take to avoid worldly influences and live a life that reflects the divine nature? [42:19]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's grace and peace multiplied in your life. How did it affect your spiritual growth, and how can you seek more of this in your current circumstances? [26:55]

Devotional

Day 1: The Inseparable Bond of Faith and Holiness
Faith and holiness are two sides of the same coin in the Christian life. Faith serves as the foundation, while holiness is the structure built upon it. Without faith, holiness lacks the divine power to sustain it, and without holiness, faith is incomplete. True faith is a divine gift that transforms us from within, leading to a life that reflects the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This transformation is not a result of human effort but a work of divine grace that calls us to live distinct lives, escaping the corruption of the world. As believers, we are called to cultivate both faith and holiness in our walk with Christ, ensuring that our spiritual life is both complete and sustainable. [01:40]

2 Peter 1:5-7 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you actively cultivate both faith and holiness in your daily life this week?


Day 2: Partakers of the Divine Nature
Through faith, believers become partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world. This transformation is a work of divine power, not human effort, and it calls us to live distinct, holy lives. The spiritual life we receive is a gift of divine power, sustained by grace and flourishing in peace. As we partake in the divine nature, we are called to reflect the glory and power of God in our lives, living above the corruption of the world. This transformation is evident in the lives of those who have been touched by God's grace, turning sinners into saints and the unrighteous into the righteous. [42:19]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the pull of worldly corruption? How can you rely on God's divine power to overcome it today?


Day 3: Recognizing Christ's Divinity
Faith in Christ must acknowledge His divinity. To see Him as merely a prophet or teacher is insufficient for salvation. Our faith must recognize Him as God incarnate, the one who bore our sins on the cross. This faith is not just intellectual assent but a deep trust in His sacrificial work, leading to a transformation that makes us partakers of the divine nature. Recognizing Christ's divinity is essential for a faith that truly saves and transforms, as it acknowledges the full scope of His redemptive work and His authority as Lord. [10:13]

Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

Reflection: How does acknowledging Christ's divinity change the way you approach your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in His divine nature today?


Day 4: Embracing God's Precious Promises
The promises of God are both great and precious, offering us forgiveness, righteousness, reconciliation, adoption, and the assurance of eternal life. These promises are not just for our comfort but to enable us to partake in the divine nature and live holy lives. As Christians, we are called to be distinct, to live above the corruption of the world, and to be a light in the darkness. Embracing these promises empowers us to live out our faith in a way that reflects the glory of God and the transformative power of His grace. [34:43]

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."

Reflection: Which of God's promises do you find most challenging to fully embrace? How can you remind yourself of this promise throughout your day?


Day 5: Transformation by Grace
The grace of God transforms sinners into saints, turning lives around completely. This transformation is evident in the lives of those touched by God's grace, as they live out their faith in holiness and love. It is a divine work that calls us to reflect the glory and power of God in our lives, living distinct and holy lives. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own but is a result of God's grace working in us, enabling us to live above the corruption of the world and to be a light in the darkness. [31:12]

Titus 2:11-14 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."

Reflection: Reflect on a specific area of your life where you have experienced God's transformative grace. How can you share this testimony with someone who needs encouragement today?

Quotes


The two most important things in our holy religion are Faith and life. He Who Shall rightly understand these two words is not far from being a master in experimental theology. Faith and life These are vital points to a Christian. They possess so intimate a connection with each other that they are by no means to be severed. [00:58:20]

You shall never find true Faith unattended by true godliness. On the other hand, you shall never discover a truly holy life which has not for its root and Foundation a living faith upon the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Woe unto those who seek after the one without the other. [01:28:68]

Faith does not grow in man's heart by Nature; it is a thing which is obtained. It is not a matter which Springs up by a process of Education or by the example and excellent instruction of our parents. It is a thing which has to be obtained, not imitation but regeneration, not development but conversion. [05:42:36]

Faith is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. Although faith is an act of man, yet it is the work of God. With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, but that heart must first of all have been renewed by divine grace before it ever can be capable of the act of saving faith. [06:21:60]

True Faith then is a faith in Jesus Christ, but it is a faith in Jesus Christ as divine. That man who believes in Jesus Christ is simply a prophet as only a great teacher has not the faith which will save him. Charity would make us hope for many Unitarians, but honesty compels us to condemn them. [09:57:72]

Jesus Christ is our savior because he became a substitute for guilty man. He having taken upon himself the form of manhood by Union with our nature, stood in the room place instead of sinners. When the whole Tempest of divine wroth was about to spend itself on man, he endured it all for his elect. [14:47:69]

Wherever true Faith enters, though it be into the heart of a harlot or of a thief, what a change it makes. See her there; she has polluted herself many times; she has gone far into sin. Mary has been a sinner; she hears the preaching of the Savior standing in the crowd; she listens to him. [30:37:56]

The Privileges of Faith are that we have given to us exceeding great and precious promises. Great and precious, two words which do not often come together. Many things are great which are not precious, such as great rocks which are of little value. On the other hand, many things are precious which are not great. [34:20:88]

We may suppose then the end to be very great when such costly means have been given and what the end why that by these he might be partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Oh my brethren if you have these mercies today by faith. [41:50:03]

To be a partaker of the divine nature is not of course to become God; that cannot be. The essence of deity is not to be participated in by the creature. Between the creature and the Creator, there must ever be a gulf fixed in respect of essence. [42:47:42]

We are by Grace made like God. God is love; we become love. He that loveth is born of God. God is truth; we become true, and we love that which is true, and we hate the darkness and the LIE. God is good; it is his very name he makes us good by his grace. [43:04:84]

Rejoice in this, Brethren, ye are made partakers of the divine nature, and all these promises are given to you in order that you may show this forth among the sons of men the Jia like God and not like ordinary men, that she had different now from what Flesh and Blood would make you. [44:50:06]

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Transcript
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