How can we encourage others to pursue holiness like John the Baptist? Setting the scene “for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.” (Luke 1:15) What Luke 1:15 teaches about holiness • Greatness in God’s eyes is tied to separation from sin’s snares. • John’s abstaining from wine models self-denial for a higher purpose. • His Spirit-filled life shows holiness is impossible without God’s power. Key markers of John’s holiness • Consecration: set apart before birth (Jeremiah 1:5). • Spirit-dependence: “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:15; cf. Ephesians 5:18). • Simple living: desert lifestyle, camel-hair clothing, locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). • Bold witness: called sin what it was, pointed people to Jesus (John 1:29). • Humility: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Linking to the broader biblical call • “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15-16). • “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit” (2 Corinthians 7:1). • “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Practical ways to encourage others toward this holiness Model it – Live visibly Spirit-filled lives: love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:22-23). – Practice modesty and contentment that signal a different allegiance. Speak it – Share John’s story when mentoring younger believers. – Use Scripture naturally in conversation; God’s Word creates appetite for holiness (Psalm 19:7-11). Invite accountability – Form small groups where honesty about temptations is normal (James 5:16). – Celebrate progress rather than merely policing failure. Cultivate Spirit hunger – Encourage fasting from media, food, or other “wine” that dulls sensitivity. – Pray together for fresh fillings of the Spirit, expecting empowerment like John’s. Point to Christ, not rules – John’s whole aim was to spotlight Jesus; keep Him central. – Remind others holiness is a response to grace, not a ladder to earn it (Titus 2:11-12). Serve side-by-side – Invite people into ministries that demand self-sacrifice; action shapes desire. – Use service moments to highlight joy that comes from obedience (Acts 20:35). Celebrate testimonies – Share stories of freedom from addictive patterns; they breed hope. – Mark milestones—one year sobriety, breakthrough in purity, renewed boldness. Living it out together Holiness like John’s is a shared pursuit: we lean on the Spirit, encourage one another, and keep pointing to Christ. As we model consecration, speak truth in love, and foster Spirit-sensitive community, others will catch the vision of a life “great in the sight of the Lord.” |
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