Wednesday, 27 November 2024

THE COST OF HOLY LIVING

Title: THE COST OF HOLY LIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 9:23
Supporting Texts: 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 5:10-12, Galatians 2:20

INTRODUCTION:
Holy living is a command and an essential aspect of the Christian journey. However, it comes with a cost—self-denial, perseverance, and sometimes persecution. Jesus, in Luke 9:23, calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. This study explores the cost of living a holy life and how believers can embrace it with joy and commitment.

1. SELF-DENIAL

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself" (Luke 9:23a).

Holiness requires the denial of personal desires and ambitions that conflict with God’s will.

a) Surrendering Personal Ambitions
Place God’s will above personal goals (Proverbs 3:5-6).

b) Resisting Fleshly Desires
Crucify sinful desires (Galatians 5:24).

c) Submitting to God’s Authority
Live under the lordship of Christ (James 4:7).

d) Living for Christ Alone
Prioritise eternal values over temporal pleasures (Colossians 3:1-3).

e) Biblical Example:
Paul considered everything as loss for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).

2. TAKING UP THE CROSS DAILY

"Take up his cross daily" (Luke 9:23b).

Bearing the cross involves enduring trials and challenges for the sake of righteousness.

a) Enduring Persecution
Stand firm in the face of opposition (2 Timothy 3:12).

b) Suffering for Righteousness
Rejoice when faced with trials for Christ’s sake (Matthew 5:10-12).

c) Staying Committed Despite Challenges
Persevere in your faith journey (Hebrews 12:1-2).

d) Trusting God in Difficult Times
Lean on God’s strength during trials (Isaiah 41:10).

e) Biblical Example:
Stephen willingly faced martyrdom for his faith (Acts 7:54-60).

3. FOLLOWING CHRIST

"Follow Me" (Luke 9:23c).

Holy living is about imitating Christ in every aspect of life.

a) Walking in Obedience
Follow God’s commandments diligently (John 14:15).

b) Demonstrating Christlike Love
Love others as Christ loves (John 13:34-35).

c) Reflecting God’s Character
Be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

d) Prioritising God’s Kingdom
Seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

e) Biblical Example:
Peter and the disciples left everything to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22).

4. SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

"Do not be conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2).

Holiness calls for distinctiveness from worldly values and practices.

a) Avoiding Worldly Influences
Guard your heart against secular ideologies (1 John 2:15-17).

b) Living as a Light
Shine as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15).

c) Maintaining Godly Standards
Uphold righteousness in all areas of life (Titus 2:11-12).

d) Embracing God’s Values
Focus on things that honour God (Philippians 4:8).

e) Biblical Example:
Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8).

5. ETERNAL REWARDS

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers...for My sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life" (Matthew 19:29).

The cost of holy living is temporary, but the rewards are eternal.

a) Heavenly Rewards
Faithful living leads to eternal glory (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

b) God’s Approval
God honours those who live for Him (Matthew 25:21).

c) Peace and Joy
Experience God’s peace and joy even in trials (Romans 15:13).

d) Crown of Righteousness
A reward for those who endure in faith (James 1:12).

e) Biblical Example:
Moses chose to suffer for God’s people rather than enjoy fleeting pleasures (Hebrews 11:24-26).

CONCLUSION:
Holy living demands self-denial, perseverance, and complete devotion to God. Though it comes with sacrifices, the eternal rewards far outweigh the temporary costs. As believers, let us embrace the call to holiness, knowing that God’s grace will sustain us.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to deny myself and live for You.

2. Father, strengthen me to take up my cross daily.

3. Lord, teach me to follow You wholeheartedly.

4. Father, separate me from worldly influences.

5. Lord, help me to persevere in trials and challenges.

6. Father, grant me the grace to reflect Your holiness.

7. Lord, let my life glorify You in all things.

8. Father, reward my efforts of holy living with eternal blessings.

9. Lord, fill my heart with joy and peace in this journey of faith.

10. Father, keep me focused on the eternal prize.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will walk in holiness and please God in all your ways.

2. The Lord will strengthen you to bear every cross faithfully.

3. Your life will shine as a light in a dark world.

4. God will reward your sacrifices with eternal blessings.

5. You will not conform to the patterns of this world.

6. The grace to persevere in trials is released upon you.

7. You will experience God’s peace and joy daily.

8. The Lord will honour your faithfulness with a crown of righteousness.

9. Every challenge you face for Christ’s sake will result in victory.

10. You will finish your race with joy and receive your eternal inheritance.

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