Transformative Holiness: Living from Within God's Grace
Summary
Holiness is often misunderstood in contemporary culture, perceived as unnecessary or even burdensome. However, the biblical perspective on holiness is not about external conformity or legalistic practices but about being transformed from within, drawing life from a reality beyond this world. Holiness is not primarily about behavior but about being from a different world, living in the Spirit rather than the flesh. This transformation is about aligning our hearts and wills with God, leading to a life of integrity and easy obedience.
The modern concept of holiness, often characterized by external methods and social conformity, has been largely rejected because it fails to address the inner transformation needed for true holiness. This approach can lead to a form of holiness that is merely human meanness, lacking the genuine spiritual depth that comes from a relationship with God. Instead, true holiness involves a spiritual union with God, where our identity is rooted in Him, and our actions naturally flow from this relationship.
Postmodern holiness, in contrast, emphasizes the emancipation of the individual from imposed identities and external conformity. It is about living from the inner, unique sources of life that God has placed within us. This involves a deep hunger for God and a commitment to living in His kingdom now, not just in the future. It is about routine, easy obedience that comes from knowing who we are in Christ and living out that identity in our daily lives.
Holiness is not a human achievement but a life lived in the grace of God, where our desires and actions are aligned with His will. It is about being transformed by the renewing of our minds, allowing God's grace to work in us to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. This transformation leads to a life of integrity, where all dimensions of our personality are integrated and aligned with God's purposes.
Key Takeaways:
1. Holiness as Inner Transformation: Holiness is not about external conformity but about being transformed from within, drawing life from a reality beyond this world. It involves aligning our hearts and wills with God, leading to a life of integrity and easy obedience. [12:35]
2. Rejecting Modern Holiness: The modern concept of holiness, characterized by external methods and social conformity, fails to address the inner transformation needed for true holiness. True holiness involves a spiritual union with God, where our identity is rooted in Him. [16:46]
3. Postmodern Holiness and Individuality: Postmodern holiness emphasizes the emancipation of the individual from imposed identities and external conformity. It is about living from the inner, unique sources of life that God has placed within us. [27:52]
4. Holiness as a Life of Integrity: Holiness involves being transformed by the renewing of our minds, allowing God's grace to work in us to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. This leads to a life of integrity, where all dimensions of our personality are integrated and aligned with God's purposes. [34:20]
5. Grace and Holiness: Holiness is not a human achievement but a life lived in the grace of God, where our desires and actions are aligned with His will. It is about being transformed by the renewing of our minds, allowing God's grace to work in us to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. [36:03]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:24] - Introduction to Holiness
[01:30] - Repositioning Holiness
[02:21] - Holiness and Seeing God
[03:23] - Knowing Christ
[04:45] - Is Holiness Good for You?
[06:00] - Modern Holiness
[07:40] - Luther and the Reformation
[09:28] - External Conformity
[12:35] - Biblical Holiness
[16:27] - Alternate Realities
[22:49] - Inner Sources of Behavior
[27:52] - Postmodern Holiness
[33:25] - Eternal Living
[36:03] - Grace and Holiness
[41:09] - Character Formation
[46:21] - Q&A Session Begins
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Holiness
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 7:21 - "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
2. Romans 12:2 - "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."
3. John 17:3 - "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does the modern concept of holiness differ from the biblical perspective? ([12:35])
2. What does the speaker suggest is the primary focus of biblical holiness? ([12:53])
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between holiness and identity in Christ? ([38:27])
4. What role does grace play in achieving holiness, according to the sermon? ([36:03])
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "transformed by the renewal of your mind" in Romans 12:2 relate to the idea of holiness as an inner transformation? ([12:35])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that postmodern holiness emphasizes individuality and personal identity in Christ? ([27:52])
3. How does the speaker interpret Jesus' words in Matthew 7:21 about doing the will of the Father in relation to holiness? ([04:08])
4. What does the sermon imply about the connection between knowing God and living a life of holiness, as referenced in John 17:3? ([33:25])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of holiness. How does it align or differ from the biblical perspective shared in the sermon? ([12:35])
2. Consider a time when you felt pressured to conform to external standards of holiness. How can you shift your focus to inner transformation and spiritual union with God? ([16:46])
3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with routine obedience. What steps can you take to align your actions with your identity in Christ? ([38:27])
4. How can you cultivate a deeper hunger for God in your daily life, similar to the examples of Saint Francis and Ignatius of Loyola mentioned in the sermon? ([23:37])
5. Think about a specific desire or action in your life that is not aligned with God's will. How can you invite God's grace to transform this area? ([36:03])
6. In what ways can you practice living in the kingdom of God now, rather than waiting for the future? ([26:25])
7. How can you support others in your community to pursue holiness as an inner transformation rather than external conformity? ([16:46])
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the instructions given. Here it is:
Day 1: Inner Transformation Over External Conformity
Holiness is not about adhering to external rules or societal expectations but about a profound inner transformation that aligns our hearts and wills with God. This transformation is a journey of drawing life from a reality beyond this world, where we live in the Spirit rather than the flesh. It is about being from a different world, where our actions naturally flow from a heart that is in tune with God's desires. This inner transformation leads to a life of integrity and easy obedience, as we are no longer striving to meet external standards but are living out our true identity in Christ. [12:35]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still striving to meet external standards? How can you invite God to transform these areas from within today?
Day 2: Spiritual Union with God
The modern concept of holiness often focuses on external methods and social conformity, which can lead to a superficial form of holiness that lacks genuine spiritual depth. True holiness, however, involves a spiritual union with God, where our identity is deeply rooted in Him. This union transforms us from the inside out, allowing our actions to naturally reflect our relationship with God. It is not about human effort but about allowing God's presence to permeate every aspect of our lives, leading to authentic holiness that is evident in our thoughts, words, and deeds. [16:46]
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your spiritual union with God today? What practices or habits can help you remain rooted in Him?
Day 3: Embracing Individuality in Holiness
Postmodern holiness emphasizes the importance of breaking free from imposed identities and external conformity, encouraging individuals to live from the unique sources of life that God has placed within them. This approach to holiness is about embracing the individuality that God has given each of us and living out our unique calling in His kingdom. It involves a deep hunger for God and a commitment to living in His kingdom now, not just in the future. By understanding who we are in Christ, we can live out our identity with confidence and authenticity, allowing our unique gifts and talents to shine. [27:52]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What unique gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use them to live out your identity in Christ today?
Day 4: Integrity Through Mind Renewal
Holiness involves being transformed by the renewing of our minds, allowing God's grace to work in us to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. This transformation leads to a life of integrity, where all dimensions of our personality are integrated and aligned with God's purposes. It is about allowing God's grace to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, leading to a life that reflects His character. As we renew our minds, we become more attuned to God's will and are empowered to live a life that is pleasing to Him. [34:20]
"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." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What thoughts or attitudes do you need to renew in order to align with God's purposes? How can you invite God's grace to transform these areas today?
Day 5: Living in the Grace of God
Holiness is not a human achievement but a life lived in the grace of God, where our desires and actions are aligned with His will. It is about being transformed by the renewing of our minds, allowing God's grace to work in us to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. This grace empowers us to live a life of integrity and purpose, where all aspects of our personality are integrated and aligned with God's purposes. By relying on God's grace, we can live a life that reflects His love and holiness to the world around us. [36:03]
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's grace? How can you allow His grace to empower you to live a life of holiness today?
Quotes
Holiness is a matter of being from A Different World. It's a matter of being from a different world, it's a matter of drawing on something that is out of this world, the phrase in the world but not of it. Paul's statement in second Corinthians 10 though we walk in the flesh we do not war in terms of the flesh. [00:12:53]
Holiness is drawing your life from that other reality now we have to come back to that, and we had to talk about it at length not just human Arrangements see so much of the old that I'm calling the modern Holiness was simply a human arrangement, it was inadequate to the needs of the Soul. [00:16:27]
The existentialist orientation is an attempt to live from the inner unique sources of life it's an attempt to be an individual, and this is a legitimate concern because God made us to be unique, there are no carbon copies for Saints, Sinners they're all the same, that's why you look at one dictator you've seen them all. [00:28:56]
Holiness is good for you because when it is pursued rightly it leads you into the kingdom of God now, that I think is where we want to introduce this idea of postmodern Holiness and talk about it for a bit, remember if you get post blank what that is always depends on what blank was. [00:31:57]
Postmodern Holiness expresses itself in routine easy obedience because it comes from your identity and now the things that are wrong you don't have it to struggle with them because they're not you, they're not you. I was telling someone at lunch I think I used to, when I was a boy I used to enjoy shooting out street lamps with a BB gun. [00:38:14]
Your identity controls your action, now that is a very common thing for example rarely do you have a problem of motivation to get a people get to for a person who is driving a car sometimes you do but you don't have to motivate people to turn the wheel, to put on the brakes to speed up and so on. [00:39:34]
Holiness is not a human achievement though it requires that we do something, see grace is not opposed to effort, it's opposed to earning, earning is attitude effort is action, see now I'm Baptist and we'll preach to you for an hour and a half and tell you you can't do anything to be saved. [01:02:08]
The best way to deal with doubt is to act on the faith you have don't act on the faith you don't have, act on the faith you have and that will increase your understanding and your knowledge, and I think that's the way you grow out of it. [01:10:02]
The main thing to understand is that you have knowledge about what's going on in people that they don't have themselves, and I would encourage you to prayerfully and thoughtfully develop techniques for helping them to come to understand what is working on their insides now in a sense that's just sort of standard psychoanalytic stuff. [01:18:04]
I really think that you need you can be creative in this and exploring ways of of helping people come to understand themselves better and know what to do about the things that are troubling, and a follow-up question you've alluded to the historical uh suspicion and animosity that's existed between the church and psychology. [01:20:25]
Help us to understand that Holiness is just another word for life with you, in Jesus name amen. [01:24:25]
Holiness is not primarily about behavior but about being from a different world, living in the Spirit rather than the flesh. This transformation is about aligning our hearts and wills with God, leading to a life of integrity and easy obedience. [00:12:35]
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