HIStory Part 7 - Holiness

Called to Holiness: A Journey Through Scripture

Bible Passage: Leviticus 20:22–26, Leviticus 21:1–8, 1 Peter 1:13–16, Revelation 22:1–2, Isaiah 6:1–7, Ezekiel 47:1–12, Leviticus 14:11

Summary: The theme of holiness is foundational in the Bible, emphasizing God's distinctness and calling His people to reflect His purity and righteousness in both behavior and heart.

Application: Understanding holiness as a call for believers encourages a lifestyle that seeks righteousness, dedication to God's standards, and clarity in purpose. This can provide guidance and strength in moral challenges and spiritual growth amidst societal pressures.

Teaching: This sermon teaches the importance of holiness as a reflection of our relationship with God and explicitly highlights God's expectations of purity, both in the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the hope of restored fellowship in eternity.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ embodies holiness; He fulfills the law and provides believers with the means to live holy lives through His sacrifice and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, leading us into a relationship with the holy God.

Big Idea: Holiness is not just a requirement but the essence of our identity as followers of Christ, calling us to live distinctly in the world as we anticipate the fullness of communion with our Holy God.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider researching the concept of holiness in the context of Old Testament laws using Logos. Pay attention to the cultural and historical background of Leviticus, as well as the theological implications of 1 Peter's exhortation regarding holiness in the life of a believer. Additionally, examine the imagery within Isaiah and Revelation to understand God’s immense holiness and how it shapes our vision of eternity.

1. Pursue Holiness in Conduct

Leviticus 20:22–26

Perhaps you could emphasize how God calls His people to be distinct and holy in their conduct, as highlighted in Leviticus 20:22-26. Reflecting on how God's holiness is the foundation of this call can inspire a deeper commitment to live according to His statutes. This point could serve to remind congregants that holiness is not just a set of rules but a reflection of our identity as God's chosen people.

2. Priestly Pursuit of Purity

Leviticus 21:1–8

You might explore the specific expectations for holiness set for the priests in Leviticus 21:1-8, applying this to the New Testament priesthood of all believers. This could suggest that each Christian, as part of this spiritual priesthood, is called to a higher standard of life, representing God's nature to the world.

3. Prepared for Holy Living

1 Peter 1:13–16

Consider focusing on Peter's call to be holy as God is holy, in 1 Peter 1:13-16. Discuss how this carries forward the call from Leviticus into the lives of New Testament believers, emphasizing a holiness of heart and mind empowered by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

4. Promise of Perfection

Revelation 22:1–2

Revelation 22:1-2 paints a picture of the future where holiness is fully realized in communion with God. Perhaps discuss how this vision of a restored and holy creation can strengthen believers' hope and inspire them to live as people who reflect God's kingdom now.

5. Power in God’s Presence

Isaiah 6:1–7

In Isaiah 6:1-7, maybe focus on Isaiah's encounter with God's holiness and his subsequent cleansing. This can illustrate the transformative power of encountering true holiness—a power made available to believers through Christ, who cleanses us as we are drawn into His presence.

6. Presence that Produces Life

Ezekiel 47:1–12

Ezekiel 47:1-12 offers a vision of life and healing flowing from the presence of God. You could suggest that holiness involves being carriers of God's life-giving presence to the world, reflecting His nature in our interactions and communities.

7. Proclaiming Cleansing through Christ

Leviticus 14:11

Leviticus 14:11 could be discussed as an example of the ceremonial cleansing processes for the Israelites, pointing forward to Christ's ultimate cleansing of our sins. You might illustrate how Jesus, our Great High Priest, makes us holy, enabling us to stand clean before the Father.

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Holiness: A Divine Invitation

Bible Passage: Leviticus 20:22–26, 1 Peter 1:13–16, Revelation 22:1–2, Isaiah 6:1–7, Ezekiel 47:1–12

Summary: The theme of holiness throughout Scripture emphasizes that God not only demands holiness from His people but also graciously invites them into a transformative relationship that enables them to embody this holiness.

Application: This sermon will motivate believers to embrace God's call to holiness as an opportunity for deeper intimacy with Him, equipping them to impact the world around them positively.

Teaching: The teaching illuminates that holiness is not merely about strict adherence to rules but rather a relational dynamic with God that cultivates a heart aligned with His character, leading to lives that reflect His love and righteousness.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Christ embodies holiness as He fulfills the law and invites believers into a right relationship with God. Through His sacrifice, He makes a way for us to live holy lives marked by His grace.

Big Idea: Holiness is less about achieving perfection and more about accepting God’s invitation to grow in relationship, transforming our hearts to reflect His character in everyday life.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the historical background of holiness laws in Leviticus to understand their significance in Israelite culture and how Peter transforms these ideas for a New Covenant context. Investigating the prophetic visions in Isaiah and Ezekiel may also deepen your grasp of how holiness culminates in the ultimate hope of Revelation. Utilizing Logos can aid in finding scholarly articles that explore the intertextuality of these passages and their implications for Christian living.

1. Holiness: A Distinct Calling

Leviticus 20:22–26

You could explore how Leviticus sets the foundation for understanding holiness as a distinct calling initiated by God. Perhaps emphasize the importance of obedience to God's statutes as a reflection of His holy nature. This point encourages believers to see holiness as a response to God's gracious invitation rather than a burden.

2. Holiness: A Hopeful Transformation

1 Peter 1:13–16

Maybe highlight Peter's exhortation that holiness stems from a prepared mind and a hopeful heart centered on grace. This passage invites believers to embrace a proactive engagement with holiness, motivated by Christ's love and sacrifice, leading to transformed lives that reflect God's purity.

3. Holiness: A Transforming Encounter

Isaiah 6:1–7

This could be an opportunity to delve into Isaiah's vision, illustrating the awe and reverence for God's holiness. Consider how Isaiah's encounter leads to purification and commissioning, suggesting that experiencing God's holiness initiates personal and communal transformation, equipping us to serve with purity and purpose.

4. Holiness: A Restorative Flow

Ezekiel 47:1–12

Perhaps examine the prophetic vision of life-giving waters, tying it to the restorative power of holiness. This point could express that holiness has a missional aspect, as it brings life, healing, and refreshment to the world around us through Christ, who is the source of living water.