Strengthening Your Journey in
Pursuit of Holiness
Objective: To guide believers in understanding the importance of holiness, equip them with practical steps to pursue it, and provide scriptural foundation to strengthen their walk in holiness.
Introduction: The Call to Holiness
Holiness is a core aspect of the Christian walk, reflecting God's own character. In the Old and New Testaments, God calls His people to be set apart, living lives that honor Him. Pursuing holiness is not about perfection but about being transformed by the Holy Spirit into Christ’s likeness.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV)
- "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)
- "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
Step 1: Acknowledge Your Need for Holiness
The first step in pursuing holiness is recognizing that we are called by God to live holy lives. It’s an ongoing process of transformation that begins when we come to Christ and continues throughout our lives.
- Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
- "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Practical Action: Begin each day by presenting yourself as a "living sacrifice" to God in prayer, acknowledging your dependence on His grace to live a holy life.
Step 2: Seek God's Grace and Empowerment
Holiness cannot be attained by human effort alone. God’s grace empowers us to live holy lives. We must continually seek His grace, recognizing that it is only by His Spirit that we can be conformed to His image.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
- "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Titus 2:11-12 (KJV)
- "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."
Practical Action: Every day, confess your weaknesses and ask God for His grace to overcome temptation and live righteously.
Step 3: Daily Renewal of Your Mind
Transformation into holiness involves a daily renewal of the mind. This means constantly filling your thoughts with God's truth through scripture, prayer, and reflection.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (KJV)
- "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
- "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Practical Action: Start a Bible reading plan or daily devotional to regularly feed your mind with God’s Word. Memorize scriptures that encourage holiness.
Step 4: Guard Your Heart Against Sin
Holiness is a heart issue. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts from sin, knowing that what we allow into our hearts affects our lives. Avoiding sinful influences and resisting temptation is essential.
Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)
- "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
James 4:7-8 (KJV)
- "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
Practical Action: Take time to examine your heart regularly. Ask yourself what influences you are allowing into your life and whether they draw you closer to holiness or further from it.
Step 5: Walk in the Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the key to living a holy life. By walking in the Spirit, we yield to God’s work in us, allowing Him to lead us away from sin and towards righteousness.
Galatians 5:16-17 (KJV)
- "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."
Romans 8:13-14 (KJV)
- "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
Practical Action: Spend time in prayer daily asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your decisions and actions. Be sensitive to His promptings in your heart throughout the day.
Step 6: Practice Accountability
Holiness is not a solo journey. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support and encourage you in your pursuit of holiness. Accountability helps keep you on track and provides mutual encouragement.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
- "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
- "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Practical Action: Join a Bible study group or prayer group where you can share your struggles and victories, and where others can encourage and pray for you in your walk with the Lord.
Step 7: Rest in God's Mercy and Grace
Finally, pursuing holiness does not mean we won’t stumble. When we fall short, we must remember God’s mercy and grace. We are not called to live in condemnation, but in freedom and forgiveness, continually moving forward in Christ.
1 John 1:9 (KJV)
- "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
- "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
Practical Action: When you fall, don’t stay in guilt. Confess your sins immediately, receive God’s forgiveness, and rise again to continue your pursuit of holiness.
Conclusion: Holiness as a Journey of Grace
Pursuing holiness is not about striving in our own strength but walking daily in God's grace. The journey of holiness is a process of becoming more like Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and sustained by God’s mercy and grace. As you follow these steps, remember that holiness is not about perfection but progression in your walk with the Lord.
Key Scripture for Meditation:
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 (KJV)
- "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
No comments:
Post a Comment