Matthew 22:1-8, 9-13, 16-21; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; 2 Timothy 2:14-22; 2 Peter 2:
Biblical Concept of Holiness
· Hagios 2 Peter 1:18 (Righteousness, holy, pious)
· Qodesh Exodus 15:11 (Set apart for special purpose)
· Qadosh Exodus 3:5 (Apartness/Sacredness)
o Israel
o Furnishings in the tabernacle
o People of God
· Opposite of sacred is secular/material/profane/carnal/vain/ordinary
o Priest, nation, angels, prophets
Holiness as an essential attribute of God
· His very Being (Exodus 15:11)
· His character of moral perfection reflected in His people (Exodus 15:13, Psalm 89:35)
· It is God Himself who leads His people into his holy presence
· Biblically only God is Holy; any other person derives its holiness from God when the person or item is consecrated to God
Wrong Concept of Holiness
· Pharisaic prohibitions
· Adherence to a strict dress code
· Artificial Mannerisms
· Temperance in morality
What does it mean to say that one is holy?
A person set apart/consecrated for a sacred use
· A call to separateness
· A call to uniqueness
· A call to distinction/exception
· A call to purity
· Not just a call to separate from sin, but to cling to God (1 Timothy 6:11)
Why are we called to be holy?
· Because God is holy (Leviticus 19:1-2; 11:44, 1 Peter 1:14-16)
· Without holiness we cannot see God (Hebrews 12:14)
· Because the Holy Spirit of God is in us.
o Samson and the Holy Spirit (Judges
o Belshazzar and the holy vessels (Daniel 5:1-8)
How do we demonstrate God’s nature of Holiness in us?
· Romans 6:14
· 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
· Ephesians 4:22-24
· 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 6:16-19
If holiness is such a basic concept in Christian lifestyles, why do we struggle with it?
· Self-centered attitude towards Sin
o Our sin grieves the heart of God
o Compare attitudes of Saul, Balaam, Pharaoh vs David and prodigal son
· Lack of personal responsibility
o Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
o Give to God what belongs to God
o If God has His Spirit on you, you are His
· Deceitfulness of Sin (Hebrews 3:13)
o Call SIN for what it is
o Categorization of sins
o Tolerance of certain sins
· Frequent Exposure to agents of sin
o Samson & Delilah (Judges 16:15-17)
o Lot & Sodom/Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:8-9)
o The rule of the wicked (Psalm 125:3)
o Balaam & Balak
So what should we do?
· Come out from among them
· Don’t use your body members as agents of sin
· Consecrate yourself
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