LIVING IN HOLINESS

TOPIC: LIVING IN HOLINESS

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
2 Corinthians 7:1
Romans 12:1-2
Isaiah 35:8

INTRODUCTION:
Holiness is a fundamental characteristic of God, and as His children, we are called to reflect His nature in our lives. Living in holiness means being set apart for God, walking in purity, and allowing His Spirit to sanctify every area of our lives. Holiness is not optional for believers; it is a command from God, and it encompasses every aspect of our being—our thoughts, actions, relationships, and worship. This Bible study will explore how we can live a life of holiness before God and men.

1. UNDERSTANDING HOLINESS

Holiness is more than just avoiding sin; it is a total surrender to God’s will and purpose.

a) Holiness Is Being Set Apart for God:
To live in holiness means to be separated from the world and dedicated to God’s purpose (2 Timothy 2:21).

b) God’s Standard of Holiness:
God is the ultimate standard of holiness, and He calls us to imitate His character in all aspects of life (Leviticus 19:2).

c) Holiness and Righteousness:
While righteousness is our standing before God, holiness is the process of sanctification, transforming us to be like Christ (Romans 6:19).

d) The Role of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is the agent of holiness, working within us to produce godliness and Christlike character (Galatians 5:16).

e) A Lifestyle of Holiness:
Holiness is not limited to outward actions but is a way of life that affects our thoughts, attitudes, and relationships (Romans 12:1-2).

Biblical Example:
The life of Daniel serves as an example of holiness. He lived in a pagan society, yet he purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king's food, choosing to live a life set apart for God (Daniel 1:8).

2. HOLINESS AS A REQUIREMENT FOR SEEING GOD

Holiness is essential for experiencing God’s presence and power.

a) Without Holiness, No One Will See the Lord:
Hebrews 12:14 reminds us that holiness is a prerequisite for encountering God in this life and in eternity.

b) God’s Presence Dwells in Holiness:
God’s presence abides in those who walk in holiness; He cannot dwell where there is sin and impurity (Psalm 24:3-4).

c) Purity of Heart and Life:
Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). A life of holiness begins with a pure heart before God.

d) Sanctification Through Obedience:
Living in holiness is a process that involves obeying God’s word and allowing His Spirit to sanctify us continually (1 Peter 1:22).

e) Walking in God’s Light:
To walk in holiness is to walk in the light of God’s truth, free from the darkness of sin (1 John 1:7).

Biblical Example:
Moses experienced the glory of God on Mount Sinai because he walked in holiness. God revealed His presence to Moses because of his sanctified life (Exodus 33:18-23).

3. PURSUING HOLINESS IN A SINFUL WORLD

Living in holiness requires intentional effort, especially in a world filled with sin and temptation.

a) Separate from the World’s System:
As believers, we are called to be in the world but not of the world. We must not conform to worldly standards (Romans 12:2).

b) Flee from Temptation:
Pursuing holiness means actively fleeing from sin and every appearance of evil (1 Corinthians 6:18).

c) Guarding Your Heart and Mind:
We must guard our hearts and minds by focusing on what is pure, true, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

d) Accountability in the Body of Christ:
Holiness thrives in a community where believers encourage and hold one another accountable (Hebrews 10:24-25).

e) Perseverance in Holiness:
Holiness is a lifelong journey, and we must persevere in our pursuit of godliness, even when faced with opposition (James 1:12).

Biblical Example:
Joseph’s life is an example of someone who pursued holiness despite temptation. He fled from the advances of Potiphar’s wife, choosing to honour God above his own desires (Genesis 39:6-12).

4. HOLINESS THROUGH CONSECRATION AND DISCIPLINE

To live in holiness, we must consecrate ourselves and practice spiritual disciplines.

a) Consecration to God:
We must set ourselves apart, dedicating every area of our lives to God’s will (Joshua 3:5).

b) The Discipline of Prayer and Fasting:
Prayer and fasting are powerful tools for purifying our hearts and drawing us closer to God (Matthew 6:16-18).

c) Meditation on God’s Word:
The word of God is the foundation of holiness; we must meditate on it day and night (Psalm 119:9-11).

d) Discipline in Living a Blameless Life:
Holiness requires self-control and discipline in our actions, thoughts, and relationships (Titus 2:11-12).

e) A Heart of Worship and Praise:
Holiness is cultivated through a heart of constant worship and praise, keeping our focus on God (Psalm 29:2).

Biblical Example:
The Nazarite vow, taken by men like Samson and Samuel, was a vow of consecration to the Lord, reflecting a life of separation and discipline in holiness (Numbers 6:1-21).

5. THE BLESSINGS OF LIVING IN HOLINESS

Holiness comes with great rewards both in this life and in eternity.

a) Intimacy with God:
Holiness draws us closer to God, allowing us to experience deeper fellowship with Him (James 4:8).

b) Divine Protection and Preservation:
God protects and preserves those who walk in holiness, keeping them from harm and danger (Psalm 91:1-2).

c) Fruitfulness and Prosperity:
Those who live in holiness experience God’s favour and fruitfulness in all areas of life (Psalm 92:12-13).

d) Power and Authority in Christ:
A holy life unlocks the power of God, enabling us to walk in authority over sin and the works of the enemy (Luke 10:19).

e) Eternal Life and Reward:
The ultimate reward of holiness is eternal life with God, where we will see Him face to face (Revelation 22:4).

Biblical Example:
Enoch walked with God in holiness, and God rewarded him by taking him directly to heaven without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24).

CONCLUSION:
Living in holiness is not just about avoiding sin; it is about being fully consecrated to God. Holiness is a daily pursuit that requires intentional effort, discipline, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. As we live in holiness, we will experience deeper intimacy with God, His protection, and His blessings. May we strive to be holy, just as our Father in heaven is holy, and reflect His character in all that we do.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, help me to live a life of holiness that pleases You in all things.

2. Lord, cleanse me from every impurity and make me a vessel of honour for Your glory.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in holiness and righteousness every day.

4. Lord, give me the grace to separate myself from the world and its sinful influences.

5. Father, help me to pursue holiness with all my heart, knowing that without it, I cannot see You.

6. Lord, sanctify me through Your Word and let Your truth purify my heart and mind.

7. Father, keep me from falling into temptation; give me the strength to flee from sin.

8. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your holiness to those around me.

9. Father, give me a heart that seeks after Your righteousness and purity.

10. Lord, may I experience the blessings of holiness—intimacy with You, divine protection, and eternal life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that you will walk in holiness, set apart for the glory of God.

2. Every form of impurity in your life is cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

3. You will be a vessel of honour, reflecting God’s righteousness and purity.

4. I declare that you will not be conformed to the world, but you will be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

5. The Lord will keep you from every form of temptation and deliver you from evil.

6. You will experience deeper intimacy with God as you pursue holiness in all things.

7. I declare that God’s protection will surround you as you walk in holiness and obedience.

8. Your life will bear fruit in every good work, and you will prosper in all that you do.