How can we strive to be holy as God is holy today? The Foundation: God’s Own Holiness “for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:16) • Holiness begins with who God is, not what we do. • He is set apart, morally perfect, utterly pure (Leviticus 11:44). • Because we are His children (1 Peter 1:14), He calls us to reflect His character. Marked by a New Identity 1 Peter 1:14–15 reminds us we are “obedient children” who no longer “conform to the passions” we once had. • Conversion brings a real, objective change (2 Corinthians 5:17). • The Spirit now indwells us, empowering genuine holiness (Romans 8:9–14). Practical Pursuits of Daily Holiness • Set your mind: Saturate thoughts with Scripture (Psalm 119:9–11). • Guard your eyes and ears: Refuse media that normalizes sin (Psalm 101:3). • Order your speech: Let words build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29). • Control your body: Flee sexual immorality; honor God with purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). • Steward your time: Invest in worship, work, service, and rest that please Christ (Ephesians 5:15–16). • Embrace fellowship: Walk with believers who sharpen you (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Practice confession: Keep short accounts with God and people (1 John 1:9). • Cultivate gratitude: A thankful heart resists envy, greed, bitterness (Colossians 3:15–17). The Role of Grace and the Spirit “For the grace of God has appeared…training us to reject ungodliness” (Titus 2:11–12). • Grace saves and schools us. • The Holy Spirit produces fruit—love, joy, peace…self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). • We cooperate by “keeping in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). Renewing the Mind “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Steps: 1. Daily reading and meditation. 2. Memorization for ready recall in temptation. 3. Applying truth to decisions, relationships, habits. Resisting the Old Nature “Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature” (Colossians 3:5). • Identify recurring sins. • Replace them with righteous practices (Ephesians 4:22–24). • Lean on accountability partners who will ask real questions (Proverbs 27:17). Pursuing Positive Righteousness “Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). • Holiness is not mere avoidance; it is active love, justice, mercy (Micah 6:8). • Serve in concrete ways—assist the needy, share the gospel, forgive offenders (James 1:27). Hope-Fueled Motivation 1 Peter 1:13 urges us to “set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” • Future glory inspires present purity (1 John 3:2–3). • Anticipate reward, hear “Well done,” and respond now with wholehearted obedience. The Ongoing Battle and Assurance • Striving for holiness is lifelong (Philippians 3:12–14). • Failure does not negate adoption (Romans 8:15–16). • Confess, rise, press on—He who promises is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24). • The end goal: to stand blameless and rejoice forever in His presence (Jude 24–25). |
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