What’s Missing
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Introduction
This morning I want us to look at a notion that is often neglected by Christians today
So, what is this neglected notion?
This morning I want us to look at this Biblical principle of Holiness and the central role it is to play in our new life and walk.
I. What is of Holiness
A] At its basis, Holiness means being set apart as God’s possession (Jam 1:18). As such, at its root, Holiness is a work of God and God’s grace. In fact, theologically speaking, Holiness corresponds to the sealing and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation– having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise
Importance: first and foremost, holy is not something you strive to be. Instead, holy is who you are
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession,
Bottom line: any discussion of holiness begins with eyes on God and God’s grace.
II. Scripture’s Call to be Holy
If Holiness is the work of God, how are we to understand Scripture’s call for each believer to be holy (to live and act in holiness).
Leviticus 19:2 “Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, because I the LORD your God am holy.
Simply put, Scripture’s call to be holy is the call to live consistently with what is most true about who you are in Christ. In other words, it is the call to line up what you do with what God and His grace are doing in you.
Ephesians 5:8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light
Notice the Result: Scripture’s call to be holy is based directly on the fact that the grace that saves you is a grace that changes you. In other words, the Spirit is already unfolding in you the very salvation/new life that He has sealed to you FN#1.
Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
III. Looking Holy
So, what does Scripture’s call to be holy look like in everyday life?
A] First, notice what true holiness is not- it is not self-righteousness nor is it a man centered holier than thou attitude. Therefore, holiness is not austere, fear driven, guilt motivated, joyless legalism.
Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Col 2:20-23)
B] Instead, holiness means living life for God, facing God, and according to God (i.e. distinct/set apart from the motives and actions of the world). It is the desire to be with God and to be pleasing to God.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness;
Simply put, when Scripture calls you to be holy, it is calling you to love and serve God in all that you are and do.
Matthew 22:37 And Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
IV. How to be holy?
A] First, notice that true holiness is active. That is, God intends you to become good at it. In other words, God intends you to grow in holiness as you follow Christ and learn not to compromise, excuse, or hold back certain areas of your life.
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
B] How do we grow in holiness?
(1) We grow in holiness by making daily use of the means God has given us to grow in our relationship with Him (Word, Prayer, Worship, and Sacrament)
James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
(2) We grow in holiness by not grieving the Spirit (that is by not neglecting, ignoring, or resisting the work of God in your life). Instead, you are to pursue with your life what God and His grace are doing in your life.
Ephesians 4:30 do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God
(3) We grow in holiness by not forgetting the whole point of your Christian walk- you have been saved into an eternal relationship with God that God might delight in you and you in Him
Luke 10:41 “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
Bottom line: Holiness is seeking with your life what God and His grace are unfolding in your life. As such, it is living set apart/in distinction from the motives and actions of the world. That is, holiness is the joy of living your life for God and before God
Footnotes
1] Systematic theologies often discuss Holiness/Sanctification under two distinct headings: Stative Sanctification and Progressive Sanctification. Stative Sanctification is the act of God whereby He seals salvation to the believer and sets him apart as His own possession. Under this heading the believer is passive and is purely the recipient of God’s act. Progressive Sanctification, on the other hand, is the work of God’s grace in the believer’s life whereby he grows in his relationship and walk with God. Under this heading, the believer is an active participant, endeavoring to follow God more fully each day. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with this breakdown. In fact, you will see the same principles at work throughout the sermon. However, the point that I want you to see here is that stative and progressive sanctification are not two distinct kinds of holiness. They are not two separate things or two separate works of God. Rather, they are one and the same holiness, one and the same work of God and God’s grace viewed from two different perspectives. Thus, stative sanctification views our salvation and reconciliation to God from God’s perspective as a single decisive act. God seals the whole of salvation to the believer once and for all. On the other hand, progressive sanctification views this single decisive act of God from man’s vantage point as this singular salvation unfolds in the believer’s life.
~ Sermon Outtakes
A] First, Holiness makes the distinctions of the true Faith and the offer of the Gospel both visible and believable to an on looking world (Holiness is grace, hope, and healing that the world can see).
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
B] Second, Holiness provides both occasion and context for your word witness. That is, holiness is deed witness that makes your word witness both intelligible and believable.
1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make an answer to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
C] Third, the joy, strength, hope, compassion, and integrity of holiness makes the Gospel sweet to an on looking world.
Titus 2:9 Urge bond-slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they may adorn (make beautiful/attractive) the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.
D] Finally, notice the result: true holiness brings true joy, peace, direction, and meaning. Remember sin robs/diminishes life. Grace brings healing, fulfillment, and peace.
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Bottom Line: True holiness is the grace, healing, and joy of the new life on display. It is not something you put on and take off. It is who you are by degrees right now and at every moment.