Reclaiming Holiness: A Call to Divine Living
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new series titled "Holiness." Observing the world, it is evident that moral standards have declined, even among Christians. God is calling us to reclaim holiness, which is the exclusive domain of the church. Holiness is not taught in schools or colleges; it is a divine expectation for us to live in a way that honors God, not just during church services but throughout our daily lives. Our foundational scripture, 1 Peter 1:15-16, emphasizes that we must be holy in everything we do because God is holy.
Holiness means absolute purity, moral perfection, and separateness from sin. Our inherited sin from Adam and Eve distorts our image as God's representatives. The real struggle for Christians is to cleanse ourselves from worldly filth so that we can reflect God's light clearly. Holiness calls us to be set apart through purity and devotion, involving ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit. This transformation impacts our personal conduct and community relationships as we prepare for heaven.
Salvation is the first step, but it is not the entirety of the Christian journey. Sanctification, the process of becoming holy, is what leads us down the narrow road to eternal life. Many people miss this, remaining stuck in a state of indecision between the broad road of destruction and the narrow road of life. Jesus taught that the broad road leads to hell, while the narrow road, though difficult, leads to life.
Holiness is the toll we pay on the narrow road. It requires constant self-examination and correction of our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. We must not normalize sin or compromise our standards for economic or social reasons. Conviction from the Holy Spirit is essential for recognizing our need for change. This conviction should lead to contemplation and ultimately to a commitment to live a holy life.
We must humble ourselves before God, resist the devil, and draw close to God. Divided loyalty between God and the world leads to instability. We need to make a wholehearted commitment to follow God's standards, not just partially but fully. God has given His all to us through Jesus Christ, and He expects us to surrender all to Him in return.
### Key Takeaways
1. Holiness as a Divine Expectation: Holiness is not just a church activity but a lifestyle that honors God in every aspect of our lives. It is the exclusive domain of the church and is essential for reflecting God's light to the world. [01:57]
2. The Struggle for Purity: Our inherited sin distorts our image as God's representatives. The real fight for Christians is to cleanse ourselves from worldly filth so that we can reflect God's light clearly. Holiness involves ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit. [04:58]
3. Salvation and Sanctification: Salvation is the first step, but sanctification is the process that leads us down the narrow road to eternal life. Many people remain stuck in a state of indecision, not fully committing to the narrow road of holiness. [08:03]
4. The Toll of Holiness: Holiness requires constant self-examination and correction of our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. It is the toll we pay on the narrow road, ensuring that we do not normalize sin or compromise our standards. [10:50]
5. Commitment to God: We must humble ourselves before God, resist the devil, and draw close to God. Divided loyalty between God and the world leads to instability. A wholehearted commitment to God's standards is essential for experiencing His blessings. [32:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:57] - Introduction to Holiness
[03:20] - God's Absolute Purity
[04:58] - The Struggle for Purity
[06:00] - Salvation and Sanctification
[08:03] - The Narrow Road
[09:48] - The Highway to Hell
[10:50] - The Toll of Holiness
[12:30] - Normalizing Sin
[13:37] - Christian Conduct
[15:32] - Responding to Conviction
[17:49] - Pleasing God
[19:28] - The Weight of Teaching
[20:14] - Isaiah's Vision
[22:14] - The Response to Truth
[23:10] - Contemplation and Action
[25:14] - David's Prayer
[27:05] - Global Chaos and Christian Hope
[29:04] - Making a Commitment
[32:18] - Humbling Ourselves
[33:59] - Surrendering All
[36:29] - Prayer and Commitment
[37:47] - Personal Decision
[39:18] - Closing Prayer and Thanks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Holiness"
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:15-16: "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. Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
3. James 4:7-8: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 1:15-16, why are Christians called to be holy? ([01:57])
2. What does Jesus say about the broad and narrow roads in Matthew 7:13-14? ([08:54])
3. How does James 4:7-8 describe the process of drawing near to God and resisting the devil? ([32:57])
4. What are some behaviors and attitudes mentioned in the sermon that reflect a decline in moral standards among Christians? ([01:57])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be holy in "everything you do" as stated in 1 Peter 1:15-16? How does this apply to daily life beyond church activities? ([01:57])
2. In Matthew 7:13-14, why is the narrow road described as difficult, and what does this imply about the Christian journey? ([08:54])
3. How does the concept of "holiness as a toll" on the narrow road help us understand the daily sacrifices and self-examinations required of Christians? ([10:50])
4. What does James 4:7-8 suggest about the relationship between humility, resisting the devil, and drawing near to God? How can this be practically applied? ([32:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where you are not living in a way that honors God? What specific changes can you make to align more closely with the call to holiness? ([01:57])
2. The sermon mentioned that many Christians are stuck in a state of indecision between the broad road and the narrow road. Have you experienced this tension? What steps can you take to fully commit to the narrow road? ([08:03])
3. Holiness requires constant self-examination and correction. What practical steps can you take this week to examine and correct your thoughts, actions, and attitudes? ([10:50])
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of not normalizing sin for economic or social reasons. Are there compromises in your life that you have justified? How can you address these compromises? ([12:30])
5. How can you cultivate a wholehearted commitment to God's standards in your life? What specific actions can you take to resist divided loyalty between God and the world? ([32:57])
6. The sermon emphasized the need for ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit. What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to allow the Holy Spirit to transform you? ([04:58])
7. Reflect on the concept of surrendering all to Jesus. Is there an area of your life that you have been holding back from God? How can you fully surrender this area to Him? ([33:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Holiness as a Lifestyle
Holiness is not just a church activity but a lifestyle that honors God in every aspect of our lives. It is the exclusive domain of the church and is essential for reflecting God's light to the world. Holiness is a divine expectation, not something that can be taught in schools or colleges. It requires us to live in a way that honors God, not just during church services but throughout our daily lives.
Our foundational scripture, 1 Peter 1:15-16, emphasizes that we must be holy in everything we do because God is holy. This means absolute purity, moral perfection, and separateness from sin. Our inherited sin from Adam and Eve distorts our image as God's representatives. The real struggle for Christians is to cleanse ourselves from worldly filth so that we can reflect God's light clearly. Holiness calls us to be set apart through purity and devotion, involving ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit. This transformation impacts our personal conduct and community relationships as we prepare for heaven. [01:57]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "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: In what specific areas of your daily life can you strive to reflect God's holiness more clearly? How can you make holiness a lifestyle rather than just a Sunday activity?
Day 2: The Struggle for Purity
Our inherited sin distorts our image as God's representatives. The real fight for Christians is to cleanse ourselves from worldly filth so that we can reflect God's light clearly. Holiness involves ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit. This transformation impacts our personal conduct and community relationships as we prepare for heaven.
Holiness means absolute purity, moral perfection, and separateness from sin. Our inherited sin from Adam and Eve distorts our image as God's representatives. The real struggle for Christians is to cleanse ourselves from worldly filth so that we can reflect God's light clearly. Holiness calls us to be set apart through purity and devotion, involving ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit. This transformation impacts our personal conduct and community relationships as we prepare for heaven. [04:58]
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: What worldly influences are currently distorting your image as God's representative? How can you actively work to cleanse yourself from these influences?
Day 3: Salvation and Sanctification
Salvation is the first step, but sanctification is the process that leads us down the narrow road to eternal life. Many people remain stuck in a state of indecision, not fully committing to the narrow road of holiness. Jesus taught that the broad road leads to hell, while the narrow road, though difficult, leads to life.
Holiness is the toll we pay on the narrow road. It requires constant self-examination and correction of our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. We must not normalize sin or compromise our standards for economic or social reasons. Conviction from the Holy Spirit is essential for recognizing our need for change. This conviction should lead to contemplation and ultimately to a commitment to live a holy life. [08:03]
Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV): "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
Reflection: Are you stuck in a state of indecision between the broad road and the narrow road? What steps can you take today to fully commit to the narrow road of holiness?
Day 4: The Toll of Holiness
Holiness requires constant self-examination and correction of our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. It is the toll we pay on the narrow road, ensuring that we do not normalize sin or compromise our standards. Conviction from the Holy Spirit is essential for recognizing our need for change. This conviction should lead to contemplation and ultimately to a commitment to live a holy life.
We must humble ourselves before God, resist the devil, and draw close to God. Divided loyalty between God and the world leads to instability. We need to make a wholehearted commitment to follow God's standards, not just partially but fully. God has given His all to us through Jesus Christ, and He expects us to surrender all to Him in return. [10:50]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What areas of your life require self-examination and correction? How can you ensure that you do not normalize sin or compromise your standards?
Day 5: Commitment to God
We must humble ourselves before God, resist the devil, and draw close to God. Divided loyalty between God and the world leads to instability. A wholehearted commitment to God's standards is essential for experiencing His blessings. God has given His all to us through Jesus Christ, and He expects us to surrender all to Him in return.
Holiness is the toll we pay on the narrow road. It requires constant self-examination and correction of our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. We must not normalize sin or compromise our standards for economic or social reasons. Conviction from the Holy Spirit is essential for recognizing our need for change. This conviction should lead to contemplation and ultimately to a commitment to live a holy life. [32:57]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is saying to us as the church, it is time to reclaim holiness because holiness is the exclusive property and purview of the church. The school won't teach you holiness. College won't teach you holiness. Many families won't teach you holiness. But in order to be who Jesus wants you to be, you have to come through. The. Pathway of holiness." [01:57] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Holiness calls us believers to be set apart through purity and devotion. So holiness calls us to be different. To be set apart is to be different through purity and devotion involving ongoing transformation by the Holy Spirit. The person you were last week, you shouldn't be this week. You should be better. And that will impact our personal conduct and community relationships as we prepare for heaven." [06:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Salvation causes us to take the exit. But new theological word, sanctification, is what causes us to take the exit and actually get on a different road. Called the narrow road. And sadly, many people miss it. They're on the broad road, they see it's not going anywhere, they actually see themselves passing the same stuff they've been passing for miles, but they don't know what to do." [07:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Holiness is the toll we pay on the narrow road. Let me say that again. Holiness is the toll we pay on the narrow road. The broad road, it has costs, but they're built in. And you won't pay the cost until the road ends. But holiness is a toll we pay. We're on the narrow road. I got to check my emotions, got to check my attitude, got to check my words, got to check my actions, got to check my thoughts." [10:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "My hope is built on nothing less. Than Jesus' blood and his righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. I'm not voting for Jesus because he's king. He already has the position. I just have to follow him. So I contemplate. I examine myself. I determine, Trevon, where are you missing it? What buttons are being pushed in you that you respond negatively to? How can you be better for God?" [28:15] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The real fight for the Christian is to get the filth of the world out of your life. So that as God shines on you, you can then reflect that light undisturbed to those around you because we have a lot of smut on the mirror. If you're taking a picture and there's a lot of fingerprints or smut on the lens, the picture won't come through clearly. It isn't that exactly what's happening. People are not accepting Jesus, not because there's something wrong with Jesus, but because there's something. Defective. Defective in our picture of Jesus. And that's what holiness corrects." [04:58] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have normalized sin and said it has economic benefits. So, when I was growing up, didn't live together unless you were married. In fact, they called it shacking. But now... Man, these prices are so expensive out here. You really can't afford an apartment by yourself. So, let's move in together. Because for economic reasons, it will work out. Because two are... Of course, two are better than one, right? And we're allowing ourselves to do things that we shouldn't do. And it's a compromise." [12:30] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When sin is preached about, people want to get offended and run. They feel conviction. I'm not coming back there. You'll never grow that way. And a pastor's job is not just to make you feel good. So, I know, if I wanted y'all to love me, all I got to do every week is just tell you how good God is and how he's going to bless you, how he's going to help you, how he's going to heal you, how he's going to be there for you, how you're blessed coming in, blessed going out. You're the head, not the tail. If I just preached all that kind of stuff about prosperity, you'd be so happy." [17:15] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "David prayed this prayer in Psalm 139. David said, search me, O God, and know my heart. May I just let you know here today that people use that as an excuse when we see their actions are not right. And they say, but you know, God knows my heart. Hey, don't play with that because he does know your heart. And he knows your heart is deceitfully wicked above all things. God sees what's really in your heart. Don't act like because we can't physically see your heart because the truth of the matter is your actions will always show what's in your heart." [24:19] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God doesn't want us partially in. God wants us to be fully committed to him. That's why James gives us the secret to how we can make this commitment. We make the commitment by humbling ourselves before God. I don't come to God like I got it all together. I don't come to God and act like I'm right and he needs to reconsider his position. I come to God with a contrite heart, humbly, and say, God, I know I've messed up. But that's why I'm coming to you. Because I want to get this area right in my life." [32:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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