Scripture Reading: Psalm 15.
Memory Verse: Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
Article 7. A HOLY LIFE AND SANCTIFICATION
We believe that God is holy and requires that His children be holy and sanctified. Sanctification means a cleansing from sin, separation from the world, and consecration to God. The sanctification of a Christian is attained through faith in the Word, faith in the blood of Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Sanctification is affected instantaneously, at the time of conversion and continuously, each day as the believer walks with God. (1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; 1 Peter 3:15)
Introduction:
One ofGod’s greatest attributes is holiness. The angels and beasts around the throne of God cry “holy, holy, holy” (Revelation 4:8; Isaiah 6:1-3). When a man comes face to face with God he will fall down and worship Him. At these times he is usually stirred with his own sin and unworthiness in contrast to God’s holiness, as was the case with Isaiah.
To be holy means to be set apart or separate from sin and evil. “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16 quoting Leviticus 19:2). In this passage God uses His holiness as a pattern for our lives. He is holy and, if we love Him, we will desire to be holy also. But more important is the fact that if we are not holy we will not see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Apostle Paul on several occasions lists sins of wickedness and immorality and states that any who are guilty of such will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:17-21; Ephesians 5:3-5).
This life of holiness is only possible with God’s help. The Apostle John states this when he says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The Apostle Paul also speaks to this in Galatians 5:16, “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
In the third, fourth, and fifth chapters of Romans Paul shows that God’s grace is sufficient to cover all our sins. This is an amazing thing when we fully comprehend it. It is also very comforting, but Paul was concerned lest the saints in Rome would rely on God’s grace rather than to develop holy lives.
If God’s grace is abundant enough to cover every sin, then why worry about holy living? Why not let God’s grace cover our sin? This would be much easier than the struggle to develop a holy life.
Apostle Paul knew that we tend to be spiritually lazy, and so he dealt with this problem. He asks the question in Romans 6:1, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” He then answers his own question in a very emphatic way. “Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:2).
Are you progressing towards a life of holiness, or are you relying on the abundance of God’s grace to see you through? Without God’s grace to make up for our weakness we would all be lost. But remember, God has stated that without holiness we will not see Him. We need to seriously consider God’s standard of holiness as it relates to our lives as individuals.
Lesson Questions:
- Why should we live holy lives? Isaiah 6:1-3; 1 Peter 1:15-16.
- How important is it that we live holy lives? 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Hebrews 12:14.
- What are some of the things that we need to change? Colossians 3:4-9.
- What should we guard against? Romans 13:12-14; Titus 2:11-12 What is provided in case we slip? 1 John 2:1.
- What are we declared to be collectively? Ephesians 2:19, 22; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
- Can we retain some of our worldly ways and still be saved? Matthew 6:24; James 4:4.
- How can we tell if a person is righteous? Luke 6:43-45; 1 John 3:7.
- What are some actions and traits that indicate a holy life? Psalm 15:1-5; 24:3-5.
- How can we become holy? Philippians 4:8; 2 Peter 1:5-9. Are there fringe benefits to holy living? 1 Timothy 6:6.
- What kind of people will be in the kingdom? 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 14:1-5; 22:14. What kind of people will be left out? Revelation 21:27; 22:15.