Pursuing Holiness in a Fallen World
Notes
Transcript
CENTRAL IDEA:
As believers in Christ, we are called to pursue holiness in a fallen world, seeking to live in obedience and reverence to God, knowing that through His grace and strength, we can overcome the darkness around us.
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
OBJECTIVES
Define Holiness
No Gain Without Pain
Pursuing Peace and Holiness
1. Holiness Defined
1. Holiness Defined
Being set apart, dedicated to God, living according to His will and commandments. Living a life of purity, righteousness, and devotion to God, striving to imitate Christ and reflect His character in all aspects of one's life. It is achieved through prayer, obedience, and a continuous process of spiritual growth and transformation with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Being set apart, dedicated to God, living according to His will and commandments. Living a life of purity, righteousness, and devotion to God, striving to imitate Christ and reflect His character in all aspects of one's life. It is achieved through prayer, obedience, and a continuous process of spiritual growth and transformation with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Peter provides more instruction on being holy.
Fallen World
Fallen World
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires that cause destruction and loss of life.
Suffering and illness, including diseases like cancer and mental health issues like depression.
Violence and conflict, including wars, terrorism, and crime.
Poverty - many people living in poverty and lacking access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and shelter.
Broken relationships, including divorce, abuse, and betrayal.
Moral decay and societal issues such as greed, gender confusion, corruption, decrease, and basic human decency.
Death and decay, as everything in this world is temporary and ultimately fades away.
THIS IS THE BACKDROP IN WHICH THE CHRISTIAN LIVES
Jesus knew the world his children would be in
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
Question #1
How should Christians navigate ethical dilemmas and moral choices in a society that often promotes values contrary to those found in the Bible?
Question #2
In what ways can Christians be a light in a dark world and bring about positive change despite the fallen nature of the world?
2. No Gain Without Pain
2. No Gain Without Pain
Now all discipline seems for the moment not to be joyful but painful, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who are trained by it.
Question #3
What are some examples of discipline/training in our lives that can ultimately lead to righteousness and peace?
My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
The person that God will use greatly, he will hurt deeply
David
Job
The prophets
The Apostles
Jesus our Lord
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
3. Pursuing Peace and Holiness
3. Pursuing Peace and Holiness
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Question #4
What are some practical ways we can strive to live in peace with those around us, even in difficult circumstances?
