Scripture References: 1 Peter 1:13-25; Matthew 23:23-28; Hebrews 10:10; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1
Intro: Good morning. Today we address a topic often met with discomfort: Holiness. We hear the command, "Be holy, because I am holy" (1 Pet 1:16), but often associate holiness with boring rules, unattainable perfection, or judgmental attitudes. It doesn't seem desirable or connected to the "good life." Let's challenge those perceptions and rediscover the biblical beauty and necessity of holiness.
Key Points:
- The Call is Clear (1 Pet 1:15-16): God commands His people to be holy, reflecting His own character. This isn't optional for believers; it's central to our identity and calling.
- Why We Resist Holiness:
- Misconceptions: We wrongly see it as joyless, legalistic rule-following, disconnected from real life or relationships.
- Sense of Futility: Past failures in trying to "be good" make holiness seem unobtainable. Jesus' high standards (e.g., equating lust with adultery) can feel crushing.
- Redefining Holiness:
- Reflects God's Good Character: Biblical holiness mirrors God's perfect nature—His love, justice, mercy, faithfulness, purity (Ex 34:6-7).
- More Than Rules: Jesus emphasized the "weightier matters" (justice, mercy, faithfulness) over mere technical rule-following (Matt 23:23). It involves the heart and relationships.
- Internal Transformation: True holiness flows from a clean heart, not just modified behavior (Matt 23:25-26).
- Attractive (Like Jesus): Jesus was perfectly holy and deeply attractive, full of grace and truth.
- Holiness: Gift AND Pursuit: How do we reconcile scriptures saying we are holy with those saying strive for holiness?
- Positional Holiness (Gift): Through Christ's sacrifice, we have been made holy positionally before God (Heb 10:10). Our acceptance is based entirely on His work, received by grace through faith.
- Progressive Holiness (Pursuit): We are also called to actively "strive... for holiness" (Heb 12:14), cleanse ourselves (2 Cor 7:1), and grow in reflecting God's character in our daily lives. This requires effort, empowered by the Spirit. We're saved for good works, not by them.
- Holiness IS the Good Life: Pursuing holiness isn't opposed to joy, relationships, or flourishing. It is the path to them because it aligns us with God's good design and deeper relationship with Him. Sin destroys; holiness builds.
Conclusion: Holiness is not a burden but a high calling to reflect the beautiful character of our God. It's both a secure status gifted to us in Christ and a lifelong pursuit empowered by His Spirit. It is attainable and leads to the truly good life.
Call to Action: Ask God to replace negative images of holiness with a vision of His beautiful character. Embrace your identity as already holy in Christ. Then, partner with the Spirit: Identify one area where you can actively "strive for holiness" this week through obedience, seeking to reflect His character more fully.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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