PRACTICAL STEPS TO HOLINESS

PRACTICAL STEPS TO HOLINESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 12:14, James 4:7-8, Ephesians 4:22-24

INTRODUCTION:
Holiness is a divine call and a continuous journey that every believer must embrace. While the call to be holy is clear in Scripture, many struggle to know how to practically live a holy life in today’s challenging world. Holiness is not an abstract concept but a daily lifestyle choice that involves intentional actions and attitudes.

The Scriptures provide clear instructions on the process of sanctification—the progressive work of becoming holy. It requires both God’s grace and our active cooperation through faith, obedience, and discipline. True holiness results in a transformed mind, a purified heart, and a life pleasing to God.

As we explore practical steps to holiness, we will see how everyday choices and spiritual disciplines can position us to walk closely with God and reflect His holiness in all we do.

1. MAKE A COMMITMENT TO HOLINESS
The first step toward holiness is a deliberate decision to separate yourself from sin and dedicate your life to God.

a) Romans 12:1 Calls for Presenting Your Body as a Living Sacrifice
Holiness begins with a conscious offering of yourself wholly to God.

b) 1 Thessalonians 4:3 States God’s Will is Your Sanctification
Recognise holiness as God’s plan and purpose for your life.

c) James 4:7 Encourages Submission to God
Submit to God’s authority and resist the devil who promotes sin.

d) Hebrews 12:14 Urges Pursuit of Peace and Holiness
Make peace with God and others as you pursue a holy lifestyle.

Biblical Example: Daniel’s commitment to purity and prayer in Babylon shows the power of a decisive heart (Daniel 1:8-16).

2. RENEW YOUR MIND THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD
Holiness flows from a transformed mind that aligns with God’s truth.

a) Romans 12:2 Commands Transformation by Renewing the Mind
Reject worldly patterns and adopt God’s thinking.

b) Meditate Daily on God’s Word
Let Scripture saturate your thoughts and guide your actions.

c) Apply Biblical Principles in Daily Decisions
Choose godly attitudes and behaviours consistently.

d) Avoid Negative Influences That Corrupt the Mind
Guard yourself from ungodly media, company, and thoughts.

Biblical Example: Jesus’ victory over temptation was rooted in His knowledge and application of Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11).

3. PURIFY YOUR HEART THROUGH REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION
A holy life requires regular cleansing from sin and guilt.

a) 1 John 1:9 Promises Forgiveness Through Confession
Confess your sins honestly to receive cleansing.

b) Psalm 51 Demonstrates David’s Repentant Heart
True holiness involves humility and genuine sorrow for sin.

c) Turn Away from Known Sinful Patterns
Do not tolerate sin in your life; pursue righteousness.

d) Seek Accountability from Godly Friends or Mentors
Allow others to help you maintain purity and holiness.

Biblical Example: King David’s restoration after sin shows the power of repentance (2 Samuel 12:13).

4. LIVE BY THE SPIRIT’S GUIDANCE DAILY
Holiness is empowered by the Holy Spirit who enables us to overcome sin.

a) Galatians 5:16-25 Calls Us to Walk in the Spirit
The Spirit produces holiness through the fruit of the Spirit.

b) Ephesians 5:18 Encourages Being Filled with the Spirit
Stay continually filled and guided by the Holy Spirit.

c) Pray for Strength to Resist Temptation
Depend on God’s power, not your own, to live holy.

d) Cultivate Spiritual Disciplines Like Prayer and Worship
These deepen your sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading.

Biblical Example: Paul’s transformed life and ministry were the result of living by the Spirit (Acts 9:20-22).

CONCLUSION:
Holiness is attainable when you commit your life to God, renew your mind by His Word, purify your heart through repentance, and live daily under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These practical steps build a foundation for a life that honours God and reflects His nature.

Your journey toward holiness is not instantaneous but a continual growth in grace and truth. As you take these steps faithfully, God will empower you to overcome the temptations and distractions of this world, enabling you to stand firm and walk in His presence.

May you embrace these steps with faith, knowing that God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to make a wholehearted commitment to holiness.
2. Father, renew my mind daily by Your Word.
3. Cleanse my heart through sincere repentance and confession.
4. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to live a holy life.
5. Strengthen me to resist every temptation.
6. Help me to walk daily in Your guidance and power.
7. Surround me with godly friends who encourage holiness.
8. Deliver me from influences that hinder my sanctification.
9. Teach me to apply Your Word practically in my life.
10. Let my life be a testimony of Your holiness and grace.