Hole in our Holiness (Week 3) - Holy Habits

Bridging the Gap: Cultivating Holy Habits

Bible Passage: Colossians 1:9–10

Summary: In Colossians 1:9-10, the Apostle Paul prays for the Colossian church to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, leading to a life that is worthy of the Lord and pleasing to Him, highlighting the importance of developing holy habits that reflect our faith.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to examine the 'holes' in their holiness by identifying areas in their lives that lack consistent spiritual practices. By embracing holy habits such as prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship, believers can strengthen their walk with God and deepen their relationship with Christ.

Teaching: The message teaches that holiness is not merely about rules and restrictions, but about cultivating a relationship with God through consistent, Spirit-led habits that transform our daily lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme emphasizes that Christ empowers believers to live holy lives. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, He enables us to pursue holiness and forms our character as we seek to know His will, reflecting His glory in our actions.

Big Idea: The pursuit of holiness can be actively developed through intentional habits that align our lives with God's purpose, leading us to a deeper relationship with Christ.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the historical and cultural context of Colossians to understand the specific issues the church faced that prompted Paul's prayer. Also, look into the Greek terms for 'knowledge' and 'wisdom' in this passage, as understanding their nuances can deepen your exploration of real-life application. Utilizing Logos, you could benefit from commentaries that discuss how spiritual wisdom manifests in holy habits within community settings.

1. Pursue Purposeful Prayer

Colossians 1:9

You could discuss how Paul's prayer for knowledge of God's will is the foundation of holy habits. Emphasize that understanding God's desires requires commitment, similar to how Paul persistently prayed for the Colossians. Encourage the congregation to seek spiritual wisdom through prayer and diligent study, trusting that Christ empowers this pursuit. This point reinforces the idea that knowing God's will aligns our habits with His purpose.

2. Practice Pleasing Paths

Colossians 1:10

Perhaps you can highlight how living a life worthy of the Lord involves practical steps of acting on knowledge gained from our spiritual pursuits. Encourage the audience to embrace actions and choices that please God, which in turn, will bear the fruits of righteousness. Stress Christ's role in enabling believers to grow through their actions, reminding them that holy habits continually improve our witness and relationship with God.