HOLINESS BEFORE GOD AND MEN

BIBLE STUDY: HOLINESS BEFORE GOD AND MEN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV)
"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.'”

Supporting Texts:
1. Hebrews 12:14
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:7
3. Leviticus 20:26
4. Romans 12:1-2
5. 2 Corinthians 7:1
6. Matthew 5:8
7. Psalm 24:3-4

INTRODUCTION:
Holiness is a central aspect of the Christian life. It reflects the nature of God and is His command to His people. Holiness is not just a religious concept but a lifestyle that must be evident both before God and men. This study will explore what it means to live in holiness, why it is essential, and how it impacts our relationship with God and those around us.

1. HOLINESS IS GOD’S STANDARD FOR BELIEVERS

1 Peter 1:15-16
"But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct."

a) God is holy, and He expects His people to reflect His holiness in their lives.

b) Holiness is not optional for believers; it is a command from God.

c) Holiness means being set apart for God’s purposes, living in a way that honours Him.

d) Holiness encompasses our thoughts, words, and actions—our entire being.

e) Impact on Believers: Walking in holiness keeps believers aligned with God’s will and positions them for His blessings.

Biblical Example: The Israelites were called to be holy as God's chosen people, set apart from the nations around them (Leviticus 20:26).

2. PURSUING HOLINESS IN RELATION TO GOD

Hebrews 12:14
"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."

a) Holiness is essential for maintaining a close relationship with God.

b) It involves turning away from sin and living a life of obedience to God’s Word.

c) Holiness draws us closer to God and allows us to experience His presence and favour.

d) Without holiness, it is impossible to truly see and know God in an intimate way.

e) Impact on Believers: A life of holiness deepens our fellowship with God and leads to spiritual growth.

Biblical Example: Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness in Isaiah 6:1-8 led him to repentance and a deeper commitment to serve God.

3. HOLINESS BEFORE MEN—LIVING A LIFE THAT REFLECTS CHRIST

Matthew 5:16
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

a) Holiness is not just a private matter between the believer and God; it must also be evident in our relationships with others.

b) Our conduct, speech, and attitude should reflect the character of Christ to those around us.

c) Living in holiness before men brings glory to God and can draw others to Christ.

d) Holiness in relationships means being honest, loving, patient, and forgiving as Christ was.

e) Impact on Believers: A holy life before others makes us effective witnesses for Christ and honours God.

Biblical Example: Daniel’s life of integrity and holiness in Babylon led to his promotion and the acknowledgment of God by King Darius (Daniel 6:1-28).

4. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HOLINESS

Romans 8:13
"For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

a) Holiness is impossible in human strength; it requires the power of the Holy Spirit.

b) The Holy Spirit works in the believer to transform them into the image of Christ, helping them to overcome sin.

c) The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, empowers for righteous living, and leads in paths of holiness.

d) Walking in the Spirit enables believers to produce the fruits of holiness in their lives.

e) Impact on Believers: With the Holy Spirit’s help, believers can live victorious, holy lives that please God.

Biblical Example: Paul’s life demonstrates how the Holy Spirit empowered him to live a holy and fruitful life despite facing persecution and hardship (Galatians 5:16-25).

5. HOLINESS THROUGH A RENEWED MIND

Romans 12:2
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

a) Holiness begins in the mind and heart; it involves thinking in line with God’s Word.

b) A renewed mind rejects the sinful patterns of the world and embraces God’s ways.

c) Through the renewing of the mind, believers can discern God’s will and live in holiness.

d) Holiness in thought leads to holiness in action—what we think influences how we live.

e) Impact on Believers: Renewing the mind through Scripture enables believers to live out God’s will in a holy manner.

Biblical Example: King David prayed for a clean heart and a renewed spirit after his sin, understanding that true holiness begins within (Psalm 51:10).

6. THE REWARD OF LIVING A HOLY LIFE

Matthew 5:8
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

a) Holiness leads to a deeper experience of God’s presence and blessings.

b) Those who live holy lives will ultimately experience eternal life with God in heaven.

c) Holiness allows us to see God’s hand at work in our lives and the world around us.

d) The pursuit of holiness also brings peace, joy, and a clear conscience before God and men.

e) Impact on Believers: The ultimate reward of holiness is eternal life and the joy of seeing God face to face.

Biblical Example: Joseph lived a holy life in Egypt, refusing to sin with Potiphar’s wife, and was later elevated by God to a position of great influence (Genesis 39:1-23).

CONCLUSION:
Holiness is the hallmark of a life devoted to God. It is not only a requirement for a relationship with God, but it also impacts how we live before others. Holiness sets us apart, reflects Christ’s nature in us, and enables us to live victoriously in a world filled with temptation. As believers, we must continually pursue holiness through the help of the Holy Spirit, a renewed mind, and a deep desire to please God in every area of life.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Why is holiness a non-negotiable standard for believers?

2. How can we practically pursue holiness in our daily lives?

3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us live holy lives?

4. How does living a holy life impact our relationship with others?

5. What are some of the rewards of living a life of holiness?

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me a heart that desires to walk in holiness before You and others.

2. Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life that reflects the holiness of Christ.

3. Father, renew my mind daily so that my thoughts align with Your will.

4. Help me to be a light of holiness in my interactions with those around me.

5. Lord, strengthen me to resist the temptations of this world and live in purity.