10 Principles of Godly Living Message 7

10 Principles of Godly Living

Message 7

Holiness

Be Holy because I am holy! (1 Peter 1:16)

a. Seems like a tall order.

i. God didn’t really mean it?

ii. God is just saying that because He is God.

iii. Of course, that is not the case.

b. One desire of my heart to is walk with God.

i. I want to dive deep.

ii. I want to know God.

iii. I want to hear from God.

iv. If you have the same desire…

Barriers to Holiness.

Sinful Nature

i. Romans 3:23 (NLT) — 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

Romans 3:23 NLT

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

1. This is inherited sin!

ii. Our own lust brings us down also.

1. James 1:14–15 (NLT) — 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14–15 NLT

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

iii. The very thing that I hate I do.

1. Romans 7:15 (NLT) — 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

Romans 7:15 NLT

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

Unresolved Sin

i. Unconfessed and unrepentant sin can create a barrier between you and God.

ii. 1 John 1:9 (NLT) — 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9 NLT

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

The World Around Us.

i. You are lied too.

ii. What is good and holy has been made evil.

iii. This world’s influences have a powerful sway over us.

iv. 1 John 2:15 (NLT) — 15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.

1 John 2:15 NLT

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.

Negative Influences

i. 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) — 33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

ii. We have all experienced this.

Unbelief and doubt

i. Peter walks on the water

ii. Matthew 14:31 (NLT) — 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Matthew 14:31 NLT

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

iii. Why do we doubt?

iv. Storms are there as a test of faith.

v. James 1:5 says “If you need wisdom” Ask but ask in faith

Spiritual Lukewarmness

i. A lack of passion and enthusiasm for one's faith can hinder spiritual growth.

Revelation 3:16 (NCV) — 16 But because you are lukewarm—neither hot, nor cold—I am ready to spit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:16 NCV

But because you are lukewarm—neither hot, nor cold—I am ready to spit you out of my mouth.

Holiness

a. The holy grail of the Christian walk

i. Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) — 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Hebrews 12:14 NIV

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

ii. I think this is misunderstood.

iii. Many see as perfectionism.

1. Perfectionism can be a barrier to holiness. (Legalism)

iv. It is the lifelong process of becoming like Christ.

v. Three things we need for holiness.

Pursue Peace

i. Matthew 5:9 (NIV) — 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9 NIV

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

ii. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, to seek reconciliation and understanding even in the face of adversity.

iii. As it is possible.

The Effort of Holiness

i. “Make every effort”

ii. Not perfection

iii. Holiness is consecrating our lives to God.

iv. Holiness is striving for purity.

v. Holiness is aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with His will.

vi. Holiness is not an option. It’s a command and privilege.

The promise of seeing the Lord.

i. This isn't about physically seeing God in this life.

ii. It’s about His presence. Hearing his voice. The pull on the heart. His calling.

Be holy as I am holy.

a. Some practical ways of doing this.

i. Seek God Through Prayer and Scripture.

ii. Cultivate a Heart of Worship.

iii. Obey and submit to His word.

iv. Repent and confess.

v. Guard your heart and mind.

vi. Develop self-discipline in areas of your life where you struggle with temptation.

vii. Practice humility

viii. Serve others!

ix. Fellowship and Accountability.

x. Practice Gratitude.

xi. Remember God's Grace.

5. Walking together

a. Encourage one another.

How is your spiritual walk?

How can I pray for you?