Scripture References: Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 5:25-27; Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 10:10; Hebrews 12:14; 1 John 1:5-10
Sermon Notes:
Intro: Welcome to our "Summer of the Spirit" series! We're focusing on life animated by God's Spirit, contrasting it with life lived "according to the flesh" (Gal 5). Kicking off, we tackle holiness – a topic often seen as optional, unattainable, or undesirable. But growing in the Holy Spirit means growing in holiness.
Key Points:
- Holiness Isn't Optional, It's Inevitable: God's purpose isn't just saving us from sin's guilt, but saving us to holiness. Christ aims to present the church as "holy and blameless" (Eph 5:27). He chose us before creation "to be holy and blameless" (Eph 1:4). It's our destiny.
- Holiness Isn't Unattainable, It's Both Gift & Goal:
- Positional Holiness: We have been made holy through Christ's sacrifice, once for all (Heb 10:10). This is our standing before God as Judge.
- Progressive Holiness: We are called to strive for holiness in our daily lives (Heb 12:14). God as Father sees and is pleased by our imperfect progress and desire to grow (Parent/child analogy). Focus on evidence and progress, not perfection.
- Holiness Isn't Undesirable, It's Life-Giving: Holiness isn't just joyless rule-following ("PC" vs. "Mac" commercial). Jesus, the holiest man, was dangerously alive. Holiness means being set apart from sin for God's intended purposes. It's essential for the full life, joy, peace, and impact we truly desire. It's connected to everything good.
- How the Holy Spirit Makes Us Holy:
- Leads into Truth (Conviction, Not Condemnation): The Spirit reveals specific sin that separates us from God and hinders our walk. This conviction is specific and leads toward repentance, unlike the enemy's vague, paralyzing condemnation/shame. He exposes lies (like the "Titanic myth" - sin in one area won't affect others).
- Points to Jesus (Cleansing): He doesn't just reveal sin; He points us to the cross and applies the cleansing, freeing power of Jesus' blood.
- Leads to Community (Confession): He prompts confession to one another, breaking isolation, building accountability, and fostering shared growth (1 John 1:7, James 5:16).
Conclusion: Holiness is the beautiful, life-giving work of the Holy Spirit conforming us to Jesus. It's our guaranteed destination, pursued progressively through His power. The Spirit helps by convicting us of truth, cleansing us through Jesus, and connecting us in community.
Call to Action:
- Embrace Holiness: View holiness not as a burden, but as God's path to true life and joy.
- Invite the Spirit's Work: Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of specific sins or lies hindering your walk.
- Confess & Connect: Practice confessing sin within trusted community, receiving forgiveness and accountability.
- Walk in the Light: Live openly before God and others, trusting the blood of Jesus continually purifies you (1 John 1:7-9). Reject shame; embrace the Spirit's transforming power.
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