Understanding Holiness: A Call to Reflect God’s Nature

Service Notes

Update from Kyle Shreve

Mens prayer for coming election

Ask for help after the service to take up chairs.

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Cherubim are protectors and guardians, often fierce in appearance.

Seraphim are worshippers and purifiers, associated with God’s holiness.

Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Let’s talk about some things in this song that we love.

Simple timing

No wasted words

Scriptural

Joyful

Trinitarian

Aseity refers to God's self-existence and self-sufficiency.

Does not ignore the “darkness” that hides thee.

Merciful and mighty

This statement was sobering and exciting to me.

“We live in a unique time where every church is now creating their own hymn book.” - Matt Boswell

Where do you learn the definition of holiness?

Who in school is in the most advanced level of math? Science? History?

has anyone in a meeting at work been given a definition of holiness?

Seems like the privilege belongs to the church

We need to use all we have in this assignment? Including moments like this and every moment of our services.

Hymns has a unique and profound value in Christian worship and daily life.

Teaching and Reinforcing Theology

Hymns often contain rich, biblically sound lyrics that help people internalize and understand key theological concepts.

Hymn does not mean old.

The word “Hymn” simply refers to the structure of the song

When you think “hymn” you shouldn’t think old, you should think congregation.

They are not the only type of songs that we are to use for admonishing one another. Colossians 3:16 “16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Psalms

Hymns

Spiritual Songs

This verse also reminds us that the ministry of music in a church is a ministry of helping people embrace truth, it is a teaching ministry.

We should desire song that are..

Theological

Beautiful - must be more than right

Congregational

Missional - we gather with believers, knowing outsiders should hear the gospel clearly

Singing these truths helps embed Scripture and doctrine in a memorable way, guiding believers to understand God’s character and the Christian faith.

Amazing Grace – "Amazing grace! How sweet the sound"

How Great Thou Art – "O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder"

Great Is Thy Faithfulness – "Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father"

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty – "Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!"

Be Thou My Vision – "Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart"

It Is Well with My Soul – "When peace like a river attendeth my way"

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing – "Come, Thou fount of every blessing"

In Christ Alone – "In Christ alone my hope is found"

Blessed Assurance – "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine"

“Worship services prepare people to die.” - Alistair Beg

Tonight we will look at the theme of “holiness” much of what you know about this word has come from what you have sung.

“Songs are the sermons that people remember.” - Matt Papa

Uniting the Congregation:

Congregational singing brings people together, creating a unified expression of worship and shared belief.

It allows everyone, regardless of musical skill, to participate fully and feel a sense of community and belonging within the church.

“The sound of Christian music is the sound of Christians singing." - Kristyn Getty

Engaging Emotion and Memory:

Hymns have an emotional impact that can make worship more meaningful.

Their structured verses and melodies make them easy to remember, so believers can carry these songs in their hearts, even outside of church services, for personal encouragement and devotion.

Strengthening Faith Across Generations:

Singing hymns connects current generations with historical Christianity.

By singing the same songs that have been sung for centuries, believers join in a tradition of worship that transcends time and generations, linking the past, present, and future church.

Encouraging Personal Worship:

Hymns encourage believers to worship not only in the corporate setting but also privately.

They serve as tools for personal devotion, helping individuals focus on God, meditate on His Word, and express their faith meaningfully.

Holiness Defined

Holiness as God’s Central Attribute:

Holiness is foundational to understanding God; it’s “that which makes God God.”

Only attribute described in triplicate in Scripture: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).

Thomas Watson who said, “Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of God’s crown. It is the name by which He is known.”

R. L. Dabney wrote, “Holiness is to be regarded not as a distinct attribute but as the result of all God’s moral perfection together.”

They are recognizing what the prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 57:15 “15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

Definition of Holiness:

“Set apart” for a special purpose, implying distinctiveness and separation from creation.

Additional meaning: absolute purity, total separation from sin.

Examples of Holiness:

Holy Bible: Set apart as God’s Word.

Holy Land: Israel, chosen by God.

Holy Angels: Distinct from other beings.

Holy Sabbath: Set apart by God for rest.

Holy Ground: Sacred place set apart for encountering God (e.g., Moses and the burning bush).

Case Studies: Encounters with God’s Holiness

A. Isaiah 6: Isaiah’s Vision of Holiness

Context: Year of King Uzziah’s death—a period of national crisis.

Isaiah’s Experience:

Majesty (vv. 1-2): Vision of the Lord seated high, exalted, and worshipped by seraphim.

Worship (vv. 3-4): Seraphim proclaiming God’s holiness; temple shakes in response.

Confession (v. 5): Isaiah’s recognition of personal and communal impurity.

Cleansing (vv. 6-7): A seraph purifies Isaiah’s lips, symbolizing atonement.

Lesson: Encountering God’s holiness brings self-awareness, leading to confession and repentance.

B. Exodus 3: Moses and the Burning Bush

Context: Moses encounters God while tending sheep in Sinai.

Moses’s Experience:

God’s Command: “Take off your sandals, for you are on holy ground” (v. 5).

Revelation of God’s Identity: The same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Response: Moses hides his face in reverent fear.

Lesson: Recognizing God’s holiness cultivates deep respect and awe.

C. 2 Samuel 6: David and the Ark of the Covenant

Context: David attempts to move the Ark to Jerusalem, but violates God’s command.

David’s Experience:

Tragic Incident: Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark and is struck dead for his irreverence.

Lessons: Obedience and reverence are necessary when approaching God’s holiness. Enthusiasm for God’s work must be tempered with adherence to His instructions.

The Incompatibility of Holiness and Sin

Psalm 29:2 “2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”

Singing about God’s holiness is a wonderful way to be reminded of the the beauty of holiness.

There are moments in a service when we have moments like isaiah and there is confession.

Then we recognize we are in His presence

Then we recognize we do not want to do anything to ruin the moment.

That is a call to holiness!

God’s Stance on Sin:

Holiness cannot coexist with sin; God abhors and will ultimately destroy it.

Implication for Believers: Believers must also reject sin to align with God’s holiness.

Practical Applications of God’s Holiness

A. Holiness Leads to Wholehearted Worship

True worship requires an awareness of God’s holiness.

Worship can occur anywhere, but cannot be half-hearted.

Challenge to Modern Christianity: Many treat worship with apathy, forgetting the holiness of God.

Worship as a transformative force for individuals and nations.

“Worship is the submission of all of our nature to God. It is the quickening of the conscience by his holiness; the nourishment of mind with his truth; the purifying of imagination by his beauty; the opening of the heart to his love; the surrender of will to his purpose--all this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable.”

B. Holiness Inspires Wholehearted Obedience

Characteristics of Obedience Rooted in Holiness:

Respect for God, His name, and His commands.

A greater desire to please God and live in accordance with His will.

Increased sensitivity to sin and a longing for purity.

Enhanced humility, reverence, and zeal for prayer, worship, and outreach.

C. Impacts of Holiness on the Christian Life

Self-Examination: Holiness reveals sin and fosters humility.

Renewed Purpose: A holy life prompts obedience, ignites worship, and reinforces our devotion to God.

Distinctively Christian: Holiness distinguishes believers, setting them apart in a way that is “Distinctively Christian.”

Five specific ways we strive to become holy.

1. Make holiness the purpose in life

A. Holiness is God’s goal for us

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15–16 “15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

Reasoning: God calls us to holiness, not merely to be “good people,” but to become sanctified in Him

B. Loving God Means Pursuing Holiness

Key Thought: Our pursuit of holiness is a response to God’s love and purpose for us.

Application: Commit daily to making holiness the ultimate purpose and pursuit in life.

2. Don’t Resist the Holy Spirit

A. Sanctification comes through the Spirit

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:2 – The Spirit sanctifies us, setting us apart for Christ in conversion. 1 Peter 1:2 “2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

Explanation: Sanctification has three forms:

Definitive Sanctification: The Spirit initially sets us apart in Christ.

Progressive Sanctification: The Spirit works in us continually, making us more holy over time.

Ultimate Sanctification: When we are delivered from the presence of sin.

B. The Spirit’s Work in Progressive Sanctification

Roles of the Spirit in Our Holiness:

Expose: The Spirit reveals our sins so that we can repent.

Illuminate: The Spirit helps us understand Scripture and its call to holiness.

Reveal: The Spirit shows us the glory of Christ, inspiring us to be like Him.

C. Recognize our tendency to resist the Spirit

Scripture: Acts 7:51 “51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.”

Application: Don’t resist or quench the Spirit’s work; instead, allow the Spirit to lead and sanctify you in obedience.

3. Commit to Obedience

A. Obedience as the Pathway to Holiness

Scripture: Hebrews 11 – Heroes of faith who “obeyed by faith.”

Key Thought: Holiness cannot exist without obedience; faith and obedience go hand-in-hand.

B. Example of Obedience in Action

“Obedience is the pathway to holiness.” - Jerry Bridges

Application: Embrace daily obedience as the Spirit leads, knowing that obedience brings us closer to God’s holiness.

The more we understand of a hymn the harder it should be to sing. We are about to sing “Holy, Holy, Holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;”

Right now you have the opportunity to see more clearly than you have seen all week. What areas need confession, repentance, and grace!

4. Pursue Jesus, not just religious activity

A. Holiness is Christ-Centered, Not Law-Centered

Key Thought: True holiness is not about achieving a checklist of morals; it’s about union with Christ.

“Holiness is not ultimately about living up to a moral standard. It’s about living in Christ and out of our real, vital union with him.” - Kevin DeYoung

B. Avoiding the Pitfall of Legalism

Explanation: Legalism focuses on moral standards instead of Christ. Holiness, however, comes from pursuing a relationship with Jesus.

Application: Keep Jesus as the center of your pursuit of holiness, rather than focusing solely on “good behavior.

Yes, holiness will bring good behavior but good behavior doesn’t guarantee holiness. Holiness is a pursuit of God.

5. Expect Improvement, Not Perfection

A. A Realistic Expectation of Growth

Key Thought: Holiness doesn’t mean achieving flawlessness; it’s a journey of continuous growth.

Scripture: Philippians 3:12–14 “12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

B. Encouragement in Imperfection

View your lack of perfection not as failure but as motivation to rely on God’s strength to strive for growth daily.

C. Trusting God in the Process

Key Thought: God is actively involved in our sanctification.

Scripture: Leviticus 20:8 “8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.”

Application: Depend on God’s power to continue growing in holiness, knowing He is with you.

6. Remember that you are loved.

A. Motivated by God’s Love

Scripture: 1 John 4:19 “19 We love him, because he first loved us.”

Jesus tells the woman at the well, “go and sin nor more, your sins have been forgiven.”

Key Thought: Our motivation for holiness should be rooted in God’s love for us, not to earn His love.

B. Holiness as Our Loving Response to God

Explanation: We are to pursue holiness because we are already loved in Christ.

Scripture: John 14:15 “15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

Application: Respond to God’s love by seeking holiness, reflecting His nature in your life.

C. Loving God by reflecting His Holiness

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15 “15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;”

Application: Strive to become holy as an act of love and worship, embodying God’s character.