Be Holy For I Am Holy

Introduction:

Holiness is expected behavior for the Christian. We are called to be holy. But what does this mean?  How important is this to us? Holiness is both a state of existence & a commitment to action. It is seen by the absence of evil behavior.  It is also & equally seen in our godly actions.  We cannot demonstrate holiness by doing nothing. Human holiness is demonstrated by resisting evil & serving God.  It important to understand that we can become holy only through God’s power.  We’ve been set apart from sin so that we can live exclusively for God! We surrender self to: God’s use & God’s purposes. Titus 2:11-14

I.  What does holiness involve?

A.      Accepting God’s forgiveness on His terms – obey gospel

B.      Setting our mind/heart/body apart from ungodliness. 

C.     Focusing on the daily pursuit of God.

D.     Changing our thoughts; choices; & behavior

II. God’s holiness is different from the Christians.

A.    Holiness = part of God’s divine nature.

1.    God did not become holy – God IS holy!

B.    A Christian is holy because he is cleansed.

1.    Eph. 1:7-8a. Divine forgiveness DESTROYS human sin!

2.    We are holy because we exist in God’s forgiveness.

III. We have been called to make a commitment to holiness.

A.    1 Pet. 1:13 – it involves mental action.  It is a sober decision.

1.    they were to maintain soberness in their commitment.

B.    1:13- they were to fix their hope on God’s grace.

1.    KEY:  our motivation needs to be from an awareness of God’s goodness.

C.   1:14 – this hope motivated them to be obedient children.

D.   1:15-16 – they were to remember the one who called them.

1.    Isa. 6:1-5 – what happened when people of old were in the presence of God’s holiness?

IV. We must live our lives in the fear of profound reverence.

A.     We must live in profound reverence of God.

B.    1:17 – the fact that we call Him Father will not blind Him to our behavior!

C.    1:18-19 – our ransom paid w/precious blood of Jesus!

D.    1:20-21 God has raised Jesus from dead & glorified Him.

V.  No one is holy by accident.

A.     It not convenient for anyone to be holy.  Not easy either.

B.    a holy life is the result of commitment & effort – not the product of an accident!

C.    it is a call to sacrifice!  Holy existence is not pain free or struggle free!

Conclusion:

A.     How real is Christianity to us?

B.    This commitment to holiness is #1 of the Christian’s list of priorities. Where is it on yours? Make the commitment to holiness!