THE POWER TO BE HOLY!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2020.

SUBJECT: THE POWER TO BE HOLY!

Memory verse:  "For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” (Leviticus 11 vs 45.) 

READ:  First Peter 1 vs 14 - 16:

1:14: As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1:15: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1:16: Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

INTIMATION:

Holiness means being totally devoted or dedicated to God, set aside for His special use and set apart from sin and its influence. All parts of our lives and character should be in the process of becoming conformed, both inwardly and outwardly, to God’s standards. We cannot become holy on our own, but God gives us His Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. Don’t use the excuse that you can’t help slipping into sin. Rely on God’s power to free you from sin’s grip.  

I am convinced that most Christians are not looking for an excuse to sin, but for the power to live holy lives. They are very eager to receive the power to meet their needs and solve their problems, as well as live for God. They want to receive the power needed to overcome temptations. If they can be shown how to do that, then they will cooperate wholeheartedly. And without the knowledge of God's grace by believers, they will never be able to receive the power they need to rise above their sins and overcome their problems. God's grace is given to us to do more than give us the power to live, it is also given to us to lift us out of sin.

The sons of God must lead a life that is separate from the behavior that is typical of the world (See Hebrews 12 vs 14). Emphasis is on the obedience of the Christian to the will of God. Through faith one obediently responds in order to come into contact with the cleansing blood of Jesus. It’s the blood of Jesus that justifies one before God (Romans 3 vs 25). However, our response to the cross is necessary in order that we come into contact with the justifying grace of God through the blood of Jesus. 

The ultimate goal to be accomplished in us by grace is to empower us to live a holy life. But while we are not to worry about holiness, we are also not to have a light attitude toward sin. Believers are not to be anxious about holiness or the process of sanctification ('be anxious for nothing' (Philippians 4 vs 6)), but we are to be serious about it. We are to recognize that it is God's Will for us. We are to desire and thirst for it with all our hearts, and sincerely ask God for it in our fellowship with Him. We are to make every effort to cooperate with the Holy Spirit Who is working to bring it to pass in us day by day.

Yet again, grace is not an excuse to stay the way we are, claiming that we don't have to do anything about ourselves and our lives because we are not under the law but under grace. That is a mistake the early believers were making. The believers’ problem is not just a misunderstanding of sin and its power, it is a misunderstanding of grace. When the Holy Spirit shows us what to do to keep from sinning and walk in holiness, we immediately try to do it our own without His help. We struggle and strive and strain, eventually end up miserable and frustrated and confused because we don't understand why we keep failing.

It is obvious that God's grace will keep us from condemnation even though we sin. Yes, God's grace does keep our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life even though we aren't perfect. God's grace does save us, declare us righteous in His sight, assure us His blessings and a home in Heaven, carry us through this life and give us peace of mind and heart and many, many other wonderful things. But God's grace does more than all of that, it also teaches us to live as God intends for us to live—to be holy.

Prayer: Abba Father, Great is Your faithfulness. Your grace is sufficient for me: for Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Most gracious Father, I pray that the power of Holy Spirit may enable me, in all intents and purposes, to live for You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!