Pursuing Holiness: Transforming Hearts Over Seeking Perfection
Summary
Today’s focus is on the pursuit of holiness over the pursuit of perfection or the many other things that can easily capture our attention—careers, relationships, sports, or even the desire to be seen as “good” by others. While it’s natural to chase after goals and dreams, the call is to examine what we are truly pursuing at the core of our lives. Are we seeking God and His holiness, or are we simply trying to look the part, striving for an unattainable perfection or the approval of others?
Holiness is not about outward appearances or checking off a list of religious behaviors. It is about being set apart for God, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. The Bible is filled with stories of imperfect people—Abraham, Moses, Rahab, David—who were used by God not because they were flawless, but because their hearts were postured toward Him. Jesus Himself told the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector to illustrate that holiness is a matter of the heart, not just external actions.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of peace with everyone, or to focus on not crossing certain lines, but Scripture is clear: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Holiness is not about how close we can get to the line without crossing it, but about a genuine desire to be set apart for God’s purposes. When we pursue holiness, the changes in our lives begin internally and naturally flow outward, affecting our behavior, our speech, and our relationships.
We are not called to be perfect, but to be holy. When we fall short—and we all do—the response is not to hide or pretend, but to repent, to turn back to God, and to allow Him to continue His work in us. Holiness is a daily pursuit, a continual surrender, and a willingness to let God purify our motives, our intentions, and our hearts. As we anchor ourselves to Him, making space for daily encounters with God, we find that the pursuit of holiness leads to true transformation and a life that brings glory to Him.
Key Takeaways
- The Pursuit of Holiness Over Perfection
God’s call is not for us to strive for perfection, which is unattainable, but to pursue holiness—a life set apart for Him. The Bible is filled with imperfect people whom God used powerfully because their hearts were postured toward Him, not because they never failed. Holiness is about being consecrated for God’s purposes, not about never making mistakes. This distinction frees us from the crushing weight of perfectionism and invites us into authentic relationship with God. [50:41]
- Holiness Begins in the Heart, Not in Outward Appearance
True holiness is a matter of the heart, not just external behaviors or religious routines. It’s possible to look holy on the outside while harboring pride, judgment, or hidden sin within. God desires transformation from the inside out, where our motives, intentions, and desires are purified, leading to genuine change in how we live and interact with others. [53:41]
- The Danger of Pursuing the Appearance of Holiness
There is a subtle temptation to focus on how we appear to others—separating our “church life” from the rest of our lives, or substituting religious language for true heart change. Like Solomon, who kept what was unholy at arm’s length rather than removing it, we can compartmentalize our lives instead of surrendering all to God. Holiness requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to let God address every area of our lives, not just the visible ones. [59:42]
- Repentance and Realignment Are Essential
When we recognize areas where we have fallen short, the response is not to hide or justify ourselves, but to repent and realign our hearts with God’s will. Repentance is more than feeling sorry; it is a turning away from sin and a change in behavior. This ongoing process keeps us anchored to God and allows His grace to continually transform us, making us more like Christ. [01:13:50]
- Daily Pursuit and Anchoring in God
Holiness is not a one-time achievement but a daily pursuit. Just as Solomon set aside time to build the temple, we must intentionally make space for God in our daily lives—through prayer, Scripture, and worship. Anchoring ourselves to God ensures that our pursuit is not in vain, and that our lives are marked by purity, authenticity, and a growing resemblance to Jesus. [01:10:46]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[40:22] - Vision: Acknowledge, Trust, and Lean on God
[43:31] - What Are You Pursuing?
[44:47] - The Pursuit of Sports, Careers, and Perfection
[45:54] - The Trap of Perfectionism
[46:53] - 1 Thessalonians 4: Called to Holiness
[48:12] - Sanctification and God’s Will
[49:37] - Imperfect People Used by God
[50:41] - Holiness vs. Perfection
[52:31] - The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
[53:41] - Heart Posture and True Holiness
[54:51] - Pursuing Peace vs. Pursuing Holiness
[56:25] - Laying Aside Sin and Weights
[57:41] - What Blocks Our Connection with God
[59:42] - The Danger of Compartmentalized Living
[01:00:35] - Inside-Out Transformation
[01:02:48] - Is This a Sin? Heart vs. Behavior
[01:04:41] - Imperfection and Repentance
[01:07:26] - The Holy Spirit’s Nudges
[01:09:26] - Anchored: The Need for a Plan
[01:10:46] - Purity in Motives and Intentions
[01:12:00] - What Are You Pursuing?
[01:13:50] - Repentance and Surrender
[01:14:58] - Jesus: The Only Perfect One
[01:16:31] - Surrendering All to Jesus
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Pursuit of Holiness Over Perfection
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### Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (ESV)
> Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
> Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Luke 18:9-14 (ESV) – The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
> [Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Thessalonians 4, what is God’s will for our lives, and how does Paul describe the way we should live?
2. In Hebrews 12:14, what two things are we told to pursue, and what is the consequence if we lack one of them?
3. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), what differences do you notice in their prayers and attitudes?
4. The sermon mentioned that the Bible is full of imperfect people used by God. Can you name some of the examples given? ([49:37])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes sanctification and holiness as God’s will, rather than perfection? How does this change the way we view our spiritual growth? ([48:12])
2. The sermon says holiness is about being set apart for God, not about never making mistakes. How does this distinction affect the way we respond to our own failures? ([50:41])
3. In the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector, what does Jesus teach us about the true posture of holiness? How can outward religious actions sometimes hide an untransformed heart? ([52:31])
4. The pastor talked about the danger of focusing on the appearance of holiness or compartmentalizing our lives. Why is it tempting to separate our “church life” from the rest of our lives? ([59:42])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to ask, “What am I truly pursuing at the core of my life?” Take a moment to reflect: What are you currently pursuing most—God’s holiness, or something else like career, relationships, or approval? What would it look like to shift your focus? ([43:31])
2. Holiness is described as a matter of the heart, not just outward behavior. Are there areas in your life where you are more concerned with looking good on the outside than being transformed on the inside? How can you invite God to work in those areas? ([53:41])
3. The pastor shared about Solomon keeping what was unholy at arm’s length instead of removing it. Is there anything in your life that you are keeping at “arm’s length” instead of surrendering fully to God? What would it take to let it go? ([58:33])
4. When you fall short or mess up, is your first response to hide, justify, or repent? What practical steps can you take to make repentance and realignment with God a regular part of your life? ([01:13:50])
5. The sermon encouraged making space for daily encounters with God, like Solomon set aside time to build the temple. What is one specific way you can intentionally make space for God in your daily routine this week? ([40:22])
6. The pastor mentioned that pursuing holiness leads to changes in our speech, behavior, and relationships. Is there a specific area (speech, behavior, or relationship) where you sense God calling you to grow in holiness? What is one step you can take? ([01:01:29])
7. The message said, “We are not called to be perfect, but to be holy.” How does this truth free you from perfectionism? How can you encourage someone else who struggles with feeling like they have to be perfect? ([50:41])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for hearts that are set apart for God, for courage to surrender every area of life to Him, and for the grace to pursue holiness daily—not out of pressure to be perfect, but out of love for God.
Devotional
Day 1: Pursue Holiness, Not Perfection
God calls His people to pursue holiness rather than striving for unattainable perfection. Holiness means being set apart for God’s purposes, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. While the world and even religious culture may pressure us to appear perfect, God desires a heart that is surrendered and consecrated to Him. True holiness is not about outward appearances or checking off a list of rules, but about a heart posture that seeks to honor God in every area of life. As you pursue holiness, you will notice changes in your actions and attitudes, but it all begins with a genuine desire to be set apart for Him. [48:12]
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (ESV)
"Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you."
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been striving for perfection instead of surrendering to God’s call to holiness? What would it look like to shift your focus from outward performance to inward transformation today?
Day 2: Holiness Begins with the Heart
Holiness is not about how close we can get to the line without crossing it, but about the posture of our hearts before God. Many people focus on external behaviors or appearances, but God looks at the heart. True change starts from within, as we allow God to purify our motives, intentions, and desires. When we pursue holiness from the inside out, our actions will naturally align with God’s will, and we will no longer be content with simply looking holy to others. Instead, we will desire to please God above all else, even when no one else is watching. [54:51]
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."
Reflection: Are there areas in your heart where you are more concerned with appearances than with true holiness? Ask God to reveal any hidden motives and to help you pursue holiness from the inside out.
Day 3: Imperfect People, Holy Pursuit
Scripture is filled with stories of imperfect people whom God called and used for His purposes. Only Jesus lived a perfect life, yet God worked through the flaws and failures of people like Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Ruth, and David. Holiness is not about never making mistakes, but about having a heart that is quick to repent and return to God. When we mess up, God invites us to come back to Him, to repent, and to continue pursuing a life set apart for Him. Our imperfections do not disqualify us from God’s love or calling; rather, they remind us of our need for His grace and the power of a repentant heart. [49:37]
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: When you fall short or make mistakes, do you tend to hide, make excuses, or run to God in repentance? How can you practice a heart posture of repentance and holiness today?
Day 4: What Are You Pursuing?
Everyone is pursuing something—career, relationships, success, or even the approval of others—but God calls us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. The pursuit of holiness should be our highest priority, above all other ambitions or desires. When we make time to encounter God daily, set aside distractions, and intentionally seek Him, everything else in life falls into its proper place. God desires to meet with you not just on Sundays, but every day, transforming your life as you prioritize Him above all else. [43:31]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to prioritize your pursuit of God and holiness above other pursuits in your life?
Day 5: Repentance and Real Change
True repentance is more than feeling sorry; it is a turning away from sin and a change in behavior that flows from a transformed heart. When we recognize areas where we have fallen short, God invites us to repent, receive His grace, and walk in newness of life. As we surrender our lives to Jesus, He empowers us to live differently, not by our own strength but by His Spirit. The journey of holiness is ongoing, and every day is an opportunity to surrender more fully, allowing God to purify our hearts, motives, and actions. [01:13:50]
Acts 3:19 (ESV)
"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,"
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to repent and allow God to bring real change? What specific step can you take today to surrender this area to Him and walk in holiness?
Quotes
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