ÀWAKENING TO HOLINESS AND PURITY

BIBLE STUDY: AWAKENING TO HOLINESS AND PURITY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Peter 1:15-16
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’"

Supporting Texts:
Hebrews 12:14
1 Thessalonians 4:7
1 John 3:3
Romans 12:1-2
Ephesians 5:8-10

INTRODUCTION:

Holiness and purity are foundational attributes of God's character, and as believers, we are called to live lives that reflect these qualities. In today’s world, where moral standards are often compromised, God’s call to holiness remains unwavering. This study explores the importance of holiness and purity in the life of a believer, how to awaken to this divine call, and how to walk in purity before God in a world filled with temptations and distractions.

1. THE CALL TO HOLINESS

God’s call to holiness is not an option but a command for every believer. It is a reflection of His nature and our relationship with Him.

a) God’s Holiness as the Standard: Holiness is not defined by human standards but by God's own nature (Leviticus 11:44).

b) A Call to Separation: To be holy means to be set apart for God, separated from sin and the influences of the world (2 Corinthians 6:17).

c) Holiness in All Areas of Life: Holiness should affect every area of our lives—our thoughts, words, actions, and relationships (1 Peter 1:15).

d) Holiness through God’s Grace: It is only by God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit that we can live holy lives (Titus 2:11-12).

e) Holiness and the Fear of God: Reverence for God should lead us to pursue holiness in every aspect of our lives (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Biblical Example:
Daniel (Daniel 1:8) chose to remain holy by not defiling himself with the king’s food. His commitment to purity set him apart and God honoured his faithfulness.

2. PURSUING PURITY IN HEART AND MIND

Purity begins in the heart and mind, and we are called to guard our hearts against anything that would defile us.

a) Purity of Heart: Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8). A pure heart seeks God above all else.

b) Guarding the Mind: The mind is a battlefield, and we must be diligent to guard our thoughts and renew our minds through God’s Word (Romans 12:2).

c) Fleeing from Temptation: Purity requires a proactive decision to flee from sin and anything that may lead us astray (2 Timothy 2:22).

d) Setting Boundaries: To maintain purity, we must set godly boundaries in our relationships, entertainment, and daily activities (Philippians 4:8).

e) The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit purifies our hearts and helps us to live in accordance with God’s standards (Psalm 51:10).

Biblical Example:
Joseph (Genesis 39:7-12) fled from Potiphar’s wife, demonstrating his commitment to purity even in the face of strong temptation.

3. HOLINESS AND PURITY IN A CORRUPT WORLD

Living in a world that often celebrates immorality and compromise, the call to holiness requires courage and conviction.

a) Becoming Light in Darkness: We are called to be the light of the world, standing out in contrast to the darkness around us (Matthew 5:14-16).

b) Resisting Conformity: Paul urges believers not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2).

c) Walking in the Spirit: To remain pure in a corrupt world, we must walk in the Spirit, allowing Him to guide and strengthen us (Galatians 5:16).

d) Remaining Vigilant: The enemy constantly seeks to lead us into compromise, but we must remain vigilant, standing firm in our faith (1 Peter 5:8-9).

e) Accountability and Fellowship: Surrounding ourselves with godly relationships and accountability helps us stay on the path of holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Biblical Example:
Lot (Genesis 19) faced great moral corruption in Sodom, yet God delivered him, showing that even in a corrupt environment, God's grace can keep us from falling.

4. THE REWARD OF HOLINESS AND PURITY

God promises blessings and rewards for those who pursue holiness and purity.

a) Seeing God: Purity of heart allows us to have a deeper relationship with God and to experience His presence in a profound way (Matthew 5:8).

b) Spiritual Growth and Maturity: Holiness leads to spiritual maturity and growth, making us more like Christ (2 Peter 1:3-4).

c) God’s Favour and Blessing: When we live holy lives, we experience God’s favour and blessings (Psalm 84:11).

d) Peace and Joy: Holiness brings a deep sense of peace and joy, as we walk in alignment with God’s will (Isaiah 32:17).

e) Eternal Reward: God promises eternal life and reward for those who persevere in holiness and purity (James 1:12).

Biblical Example:
Enoch (Genesis 5:24) walked faithfully with God, living a life of holiness, and was rewarded by being taken to heaven without experiencing death.

5. PRACTICAL STEPS TO AWAKENING HOLINESS AND PURITY

To awaken to holiness and purity, we must take intentional steps to align our lives with God’s standards.

a) Daily Communion with God: Holiness is nurtured in the presence of God, through prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word (Psalm 119:9-11).

b) Repentance and Confession: Regular repentance and confession of sin keep our hearts pure before God (1 John 1:9).

c) Surrounding Yourself with Godly Influences: Choose friendships and environments that encourage holiness and purity (1 Corinthians 15:33).

d) Cultivating Self-Discipline: Holiness requires discipline in areas of thought, behaviour, and spiritual practice (1 Timothy 4:7-8).

e) Seeking the Empowerment of the Holy Spirit: Ask the Holy Spirit to continually empower and guide you in your pursuit of holiness (Galatians 5:25).

Biblical Example:
Paul (1 Corinthians 9:27) demonstrated self-discipline in his spiritual walk, keeping his body under control to avoid disqualification from the race of faith.

CONCLUSION:

Holiness and purity are not optional for believers but are essential to our walk with God. As we awaken to this call, we align ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives and position ourselves to experience His presence, favour, and eternal rewards. Pursuing holiness requires daily surrender, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to guard our hearts and minds against the temptations of the world.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, awaken my heart to pursue holiness and purity.

2. Father, help me to live a life that reflects Your holiness.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to resist temptation and remain pure.

4. Lord, cleanse my heart from every impurity and sin.

5. Father, strengthen my resolve to walk in purity in a corrupt world.

6. Lord, help me to guard my thoughts and renew my mind through Your Word.

7. Father, let the light of Christ shine through me as I walk in holiness.

8. Lord, give me the courage to stand for righteousness, even when it’s unpopular.

9. Holy Spirit, lead me in the paths of holiness and keep me from compromise.

10. Father, grant me the grace to finish the race in holiness and receive the eternal reward.