Holiness Over Manipulation—A Call to True Leadership and Righteous Living

Holiness Over Manipulation—A Call to True Leadership and Righteous Living

Title: Holiness Over Manipulation—A Call to True Leadership and Righteous Living Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:16 – “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Introduction

Many misunderstand the relationship between demons, sin, and human nature.

Sin is not a demon problem but a heart problem—we are responsible for our actions.

The church today often chooses leaders who manipulate rather than submit to God.

Jesus is our perfect example of holiness, correction, and true leadership.

Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

I. Sin Is a Choice, Not a Demon

James 1:14-15 – “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Ecclesiastes 7:29 – “God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”

Little foxes spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15) – Small, unchecked sins can destroy our holiness.

Application:

Stop blaming demons for sin and take responsibility.

Guard your heart, because “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9).

True holiness is about self-control and obedience.

II. The Culture of Willful Neglect

Hebrews 12:6 – "For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son."

Proverbs 3:11-12 – “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

Many only remember neglect when it happens to them, yet are quick to judge others.

Matthew 7:3-5 – "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

Application:

Holiness accepts correction, while the world rejects it.

Be quick to self-examine, not just to criticize others.

True holiness requires humility and teachability.

III. Church Leadership: A Call to Integrity

Many churches choose leaders who manipulate instead of submitting to God.

Matthew 23:11-12 – “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

1 Timothy 3:2-3 – “A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous.”

Titus 1:7-9 – A leader must hold firmly to sound doctrine and not be easily manipulated.

Application:

Leadership is not about power and control, but servanthood.

The church must reject a culture of favoritism, gossip, and control.

Holiness demands leaders of integrity, not manipulators.

IV. Holiness as a Healing Force, Not a Weapon

Many in the church focus on exposing weaknesses rather than restoring the weak.

Galatians 6:1 – "If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted."

James 5:19-20 – “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

Colossians 3:12-13 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Application:

Reject a culture of condemnation; embrace restoration.

Holiness is about healing, not hurting.

We must become healers, not tattle-tellers.

V. Jesus: The Perfect Example of Holiness

Jesus lived in perfect holiness, setting the example for us to follow.

John 8:11 – “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”

1 John 2:6 – “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.”

Final Call to Holiness

Isaiah 35:8 – “A highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness.”

2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

Closing Prayer

Pray for wisdom to recognize and reject manipulative leadership.

Ask for a heart that desires holiness above all.

Commit to being a healer and restorer in the church.