Holiness: A Journey of Growth and Relationship

 

Summary

In our gathering, we explored the profound and often misunderstood concept of holiness, emphasizing its significance in our spiritual journey. Holiness is not merely about adhering to a set of rules or achieving perfection; rather, it is about progress and relationship with God. As believers, we are called to be vessels of honor, striving to perfect holiness in the fear of God. This journey is not about reaching a destination but about continually growing in our faith and becoming more like Christ.

Holiness is deeply rooted in the Bible, with both the Old and New Testaments highlighting its importance. The Hebrew word "qodesh" and the Greek word "hagios" both convey the idea of being set apart, different, and sanctified. As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, not just in doctrine but in spirit. This involves allowing God's Spirit to overflow in our lives, affecting our actions and interactions with others.

We discussed the importance of understanding the principles behind our practices. In previous generations, the focus was often on what to do, without explaining why. However, in today's world, it is crucial to understand the reasons behind our beliefs and practices. This understanding helps us to live out our faith authentically and to share it effectively with others.

Holiness is not about legalism or adhering to a strict set of rules. It is about liberty and living a life that pleases God. It is about being free to live according to God's standards, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what He has done for us. This freedom allows us to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us.

Finally, we acknowledged the role of both men and women in living out holiness. While there are different standards for each, both are called to live lives that honor God. Holiness is about modesty and distinction, reflecting God's order of creation. It is about protection and power, serving as both a wall and a weapon in our spiritual lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Holiness as Progress, Not Perfection: Holiness is a journey of growth in the Lord, not a destination of perfection. It is about maturing in our faith and becoming more like Christ, allowing God's Spirit to overflow in our lives and affect our actions. [03:41]

- Understanding the 'Why' of Holiness: In today's world, it is crucial to understand the principles behind our practices. Knowing why we do what we do helps us live out our faith authentically and share it effectively with others. [12:18]

- Holiness and Liberty: Holiness is not about legalism or adhering to a strict set of rules. It is about liberty and living a life that pleases God out of love and gratitude. This freedom allows us to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. [35:46]

- Role of Men and Women in Holiness: Both men and women are called to live lives that honor God, with different standards for each. Holiness involves modesty and distinction, reflecting God's order of creation. [54:04]

- Holiness as Protection and Power: Holiness serves as both a wall and a weapon in our spiritual lives. It provides protection against sin and empowers us to live victoriously in Christ. [17:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction and Prayer
- [01:51] - The Importance of Holiness
- [03:04] - Vessels of Honor
- [03:57] - The Concept of Holiness
- [05:22] - Salvation and Sanctification
- [06:36] - Holiness as a Journey
- [07:53] - The Holy Bible and Our Lives
- [09:18] - Understanding the 'Why'
- [12:45] - Principles of Holiness
- [24:54] - Holiness and Relationship
- [35:46] - Holiness and Liberty
- [54:04] - Holiness for Men and Women
- [01:06:11] - Modesty and Distinction
- [01:17:30] - Holiness as Protection and Power

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Holiness

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 7:1 - "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
2. Hebrews 12:14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
3. 1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the term "perfecting holiness" mean in the context of 2 Corinthians 7:1, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? [03:22]

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between holiness as a journey versus a destination? [06:36]

3. According to the sermon, what are the roles of men and women in living out holiness, and how are they distinct? [54:04]

4. What is the significance of understanding the 'why' behind our practices of holiness, as discussed in the sermon? [12:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of holiness as a journey rather than a destination impact a believer's daily life and spiritual growth? [06:36]

2. In what ways does understanding the principles behind holiness practices help believers live out their faith more authentically? [12:18]

3. How does the sermon suggest that holiness provides both protection and power in a believer's life? [17:44]

4. What might be the implications of viewing holiness as liberty rather than legalism, according to the sermon? [35:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual journey. In what areas do you feel you are progressing in holiness, and where might you need to focus more on growth? [06:36]

2. Consider a practice or belief you hold. Do you understand the 'why' behind it? How might gaining a deeper understanding of its purpose affect your faith? [12:18]

3. How can you embrace the concept of holiness as liberty in your daily life, ensuring that your actions are motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation? [35:46]

4. Think about the roles of men and women in holiness as described in the sermon. How can you honor these roles in your interactions with others? [54:04]

5. Identify a situation in your life where you can apply the protective and empowering aspects of holiness. How might this change your approach to that situation? [17:44]

6. Reflect on a time when you felt restricted by rules in your faith journey. How can you shift your perspective to see these as opportunities for freedom and growth in holiness? [35:46]

7. Choose one specific area of your life where you can actively work on perfecting holiness. What steps will you take this week to cleanse yourself from "all filthiness of the flesh and spirit"? [03:22]

Devotional

Day 1: Holiness as a Journey of Growth
Holiness is not about achieving perfection but about progressing in our spiritual journey. It is a continuous process of becoming more like Christ, allowing His Spirit to overflow in our lives and influence our actions and interactions. This journey is marked by a deepening relationship with God, where believers strive to be vessels of honor, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. The focus is on maturing in faith, not reaching a final destination. As we grow in holiness, we reflect God's character more clearly, impacting those around us. [03:41]

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: In what specific area of your life do you feel God is calling you to grow in holiness today? How can you take a step towards that growth this week?


Day 2: Understanding the Principles Behind Holiness
In today's world, understanding the 'why' behind our practices is crucial for living out our faith authentically. Holiness is not just about following rules but about comprehending the principles that guide our actions. This understanding helps believers to live out their faith genuinely and share it effectively with others. By knowing the reasons behind our beliefs, we can better align our lives with God's will and communicate our faith to those around us. This approach moves us away from mere tradition and towards a meaningful relationship with God. [12:18]

1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV): "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 practice or belief you hold that you need to understand more deeply? How can you seek to understand the 'why' behind it this week?


Day 3: Holiness as Liberty, Not Legalism
Holiness is about living a life that pleases God out of love and gratitude, not out of obligation or adherence to a strict set of rules. It is about experiencing the freedom to live according to God's standards, which allows us to enjoy the fullness of life He intends for us. This liberty in holiness is not about legalism but about embracing the freedom that comes from living in alignment with God's will. It empowers believers to live joyfully and victoriously, free from the constraints of sin and legalistic practices. [35:46]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced legalism in your spiritual journey? How can you embrace the freedom of living a holy life out of love and gratitude today?


Day 4: Distinct Roles in Holiness for Men and Women
Both men and women are called to live lives that honor God, with distinct standards for each. Holiness involves modesty and distinction, reflecting God's order of creation. It is about living in a way that honors God's design and purpose for each gender, recognizing the unique roles and responsibilities given to men and women. This distinction is not about inequality but about complementarity, where both genders work together to reflect God's image and fulfill His purposes. [54:04]

1 Timothy 2:9-10 (ESV): "Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works."

Reflection: How can you honor God in your unique role as a man or woman today? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's order and purpose in your life?


Day 5: Holiness as Protection and Power
Holiness serves as both a wall and a weapon in our spiritual lives. It provides protection against sin and empowers believers to live victoriously in Christ. By living a holy life, we build a spiritual defense that guards us against the temptations and attacks of the enemy. At the same time, holiness empowers us to stand firm in our faith and overcome challenges with the strength that comes from God. It is both a shield and a sword, equipping us to live out our faith boldly and confidently. [17:44]

Ephesians 6:14-17 (ESV): "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection: What area of your life needs the protection and power of holiness today? How can you actively put on the armor of God to stand firm in your faith this week?

Quotes

Holiness is not an achievement; holiness is not a diploma or a certificate. Holiness is a work in progress. It is a journey of you growing in the Lord. Holiness is not a destination; it is a lifelong journey. When Isaiah spoke those words, here's the thing: one translation says wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. [00:06:32]

Holiness is not about gritting your teeth and keeping rules and pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps. Holiness is about letting the Holy Spirit and the Holy Bible guide you and lead you and grow you, and it is a beautiful thing to live a life of holiness. [00:18:52]

Holiness is not about perfection; holiness is about progress. It's not about perfection; it's about progress. In the Bible, God's people are called Saints, which means sanctified ones, and sanctification is a synonym for holiness or separation. So a saint, by definition, leads a separated life. [00:12:56]

Holiness is not about legalism; it's actually about liberty. A lot of people throw this word around, legalism, today. You may have had it thrown at you. Well, that's just legalism, you live in that way and keeping those standards. Let me tell you, legalism is defined as the act of basing your salvation on your own good works. [00:35:37]

Holiness is not about rules; it is about relationship. That's what holiness is about. God cannot become sinful in order to fellowship with us, so we must become holy in order to fellowship with Him. And so that's why God's Word gives us Commandments, so we would understand what would prevent us from having a relationship with God. [00:24:56]

Holiness is about protection. Holiness puts a fence around us; it's about protection. But holiness is about something even greater than that. Holiness is about protection, but it's also about power. A great man of God in this state, he's an elder in the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, Reverend Billy McCool over in Knoxville. [01:17:30]

Holiness is about modesty. It is. Holiness is about being modest in our apparel, in our dress, in our interaction. But holiness is also about a principle that is even older than modesty. It's the principle of distinction. People say, well, does it really matter how we appear on the outside if God looks at the heart? [01:06:11]

Holiness is not just protection; holiness is power. Holiness is not just a wall built around me; holiness is a weapon. Let me give you the best example in closing that I can think of from the New Testament. The Bible teaches a woman to have an attitude of submission, not because she's inferior to man, but simply because of God's order of creation. [01:17:30]

Holiness is about women, but it's also about men. Every Christian is called to live a holy life. Even in the world of Christian denominations, many people, preachers, Saints today, they think holiness is something that is old-fashioned or outdated or irrelevant, or worse, they think holiness is something that's simply determined by our culture. [00:54:04]

Holiness is not just about modesty; it's also about distinction. The first principle, modesty, was instituted by God immediately after sin entered the world. But this other principle of distinction was instituted by God even before sin came into the world. Distinction is an older principle than modesty. [01:06:11]

Holiness is not a privation; it is a privilege. It is not a burden; it is a blessing. Holiness is not an obligation; it's an opportunity. It is not a loss; it is Liberty. It is not hard; it is a harbor. Holiness is my protection against promiscuity. It is my protection against the loss of my reputation and the loss of my spiritual sensitivity. [01:17:30]

Holiness is not just protection; holiness is power. Holiness is not just a wall; holiness is a weapon. Right now, I'd like every lady in this room, if you would, stand. I'd like you to lift up your hands, and I'd like you to lift up those beautiful feminine voices, but lift them up loud just like you would if you saw one of your children in danger. [01:17:30]

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Transcript
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