Holiness is so Vital!

Hebrews 12:14

Introduction:

Casual and unholy attitudes and lifestyles dominate the ‘Christian’ scene. There is little regard or respect for that which is truly holy. While there are deeply committed followers of Christ, so many remain halfhearted in their pursuits for personal holiness. It is disturbing how there seems to be little interest in understanding holiness from a Bible-based perspective. Thank God there are those willing to stand on God’s promises, share their faith with the unsaved, worship God consistently, and serve others sacrificially. However, so many professing believers want God’s blessings, but they care little for his holiness. Furthermore, many folks seem to be more concern with what they can get away with…is this okay or is that permissible? The interest is not on how much closer we can get to godliness, but how much closer we can get to worldliness.

Titus 1:15-16, says, Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. [16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.  

Disrespectful attitudes toward God and a lifestyle devoted to Him can be seen in every sector of our culture. We see it in politics, entertainment, sports, fashion, music, and even in modern ‘Christianity.’

Illustration: Beetles More Popular Than Jesus?

John Lennon, at 26, was a member of the British rock’n’roll band topped all disrespect for God by telling a London reporter, “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that; I’m right and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now. … ” —Christianity Today

But, worldliness is eroding the moral and spiritual foundations of many churches. Please allow me to speak plainly. I am not talking about our new converts who need time to grow; I’m not referring to visitors in the worship services. I am addressing worldliness among our established church members; so few really value holy living. What is the cure for this ailment? What can we do to avoid being sweep away with this plague of carnality and disrespect for spiritual and sacred things? The answer is in Hebrews 12:14!

Thesis Statement: Pursue holiness in daily life that the presence and work of God may be more evident to you.  Greater spiritual sensitivity comes with greater purity of life!

Message:

• I. What is meant by holiness?

Hebrews 12:14, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

To answer this question, we should remind ourselves that holiness is used of believers in at least three different ways in the NT.

A. What is holiness?

1. First of all, the believer becomes positionally holy at the time of his conversion; he is set apart to God from the world (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11). By virtue of his union with Christ, he is sanctified forever. This is what Martin Luther meant when he said, “My holiness is in heaven.” Christ is our holiness, that is, as far as our standing before God is concerned.
2. Then there is a practical sanctification (1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23). This is what we should be day by day. We should separate ourselves from every form of evil. This holiness should be progressive, that is, we should be growing more and more like the Lord Jesus all the time.
3. Finally, there is complete or perfect sanctification. This takes place when a believer goes to heaven. Then he is forever free from sin (1Cor. 15:49-57; Rom. 8:18-23). His old nature is removed, and his state perfectly corresponds to his standing.
2. Now which holiness are we to pursue? (Heb. 12:14)
1. Obviously, it is practical sanctification that is in view.
2. We do not strive after positional sanctification; it is ours automatically when we are born again. And we do not strive after the perfect sanctification that will be ours when we see His face. But practical or progressive sanctification is something that involves our obedience and cooperation; we must cultivate this holiness continually.
3. The fact that we must follow it is proof that we do not fully attain it in this life. –MacDonald, William; Believer's Bible Commentary
3. Holiness is one of the most important, if not the most important, attribute of God.

1. Nothing that God does can be done apart from being in complete harmony with His holy nature. Peter declares that “he which hath called you is holy” (1 Pe 1:15), and then he goes on to state what effect that should have in our lives, namely, “so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [life].”
2. An analogy may help in understanding this concept of holiness. What does it mean to be healthy? It means more than not being sick. Likewise, holiness is more than absence of sin; it is a positive, healthy state of being right. This is what John meant when he said that God is light (1 Jn 1:5). The ramification of this is obvious: “Walk in the light.” (1John 1:7; Eph. 5:7-16).

3.      A proper concept of holiness as a requirement for Christian living would end a lot of discussion about what is permitted for Christians and what is not. It seems as though many are trying to discover how close they can come to sin without being cut off from their church, particular Christian fellowship, or clique instead of determining the propriety of things on the simple basis of “Is it holy?”

4. “Don’t be tempted to be a leader in or follower of the “let’s skate on as thin ice as possible” group; instead, be a leader in holiness. This will please God because it imitates Him.” –Ryrie, C. C. A Survey Of Bible Doctrine

• II. Why should we pursue holiness?

1. We realize we will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).
1. Since no sin can stand in God’s presence, we Christians must—and will be—sinless when we see the Lord (1 John 3:2). This realization offers motivation for pursuing holiness here and now. 
2. 1 John 3:2-3, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
2. To have a keener perception of God in our daily experiences.
1. We pursue holiness that we might see the Lord. Remember that our perception of God even now is conditioned by our real measure of holiness.  Godly believers can sense God’s presence and activity more readily then those who are spiritually dull and insensitive.
2. Matthew 5:8, Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

                                                              i.      A pure-hearted believer’s motives are unmixed, his thoughts are holy, and his conscience is clean. The pure in heart often see God through fellowship in the Word and with the Spirit. We seek to keep our hearts pure that we might see God in our lives today. We cannot see the King if we allow sin to fog and cloud our hearts. Purity of heart improves our perception of His Holiness.

                                                           ii.      But a difficulty remains! Let us understand that this does not mean that we earn the right to see God by living holy lives. Jesus Christ is our only title to heaven. What this verse means is that there must be practical holiness as a proof of new life within. It is a matter of cause and effect; if Christ has been received, the rivers of living water will flow.

3. Titus 1:15-16, Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. [16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

3. To protect our homes and families from the onslaught of filth and sin.
1. Many Christian parents enjoy wicked programs on television and video and laugh at the vile, suggestive, God-hating comedians. They find sin entertaining! The children witness their parents listening to wicked music. They see their parents reading trashy romance novels and watching tasteless soaps. They hear their parents criticizing those who try to condemn worldliness, and who seek to highlight biblical standards of holiness for church leaders and workers. They see their parents enamored with the fashions and movie personalities of the world. They hear their parents criticizing those in the church who try to practice holy living.
2. Many professing believers today think manifesting spiritual fruit is optional—that it is not a necessary and natural product of genuine salvation. We pick and choose where we will exhibit respect for God; many times greedily indulging carnal desires and patterns at home. The apostle Paul saw it differently. In Romans 7:4 he asserts, “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”
3. Holiness and the bearing of spiritual fruit are so important for believers that Paul insisted that his converts grow in holiness and Christian maturity. Steady progress in sanctification is crucial. Without it a spiritual and balanced family life is impossible. Your desire to live godly will make the difference between your family’s susceptibility to compromise and your family’s capability to stand firm for righteousness.
4. To influence the unsaved for Christ through our testimony.
1. Unbelievers will not be drawn to accept Christ if believers’ lives do not demonstrate the qualities God desires, including peace and holiness.

                                                              i.      Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me….

                                                           ii.      We must witness with our lifestyle, lips, and literature.

2. I do not ask for mighty words to leave the crowd impressed,

But grant my life may ring so true my neighbors shall be blessed.

I do not ask for influence to sway the multitude;

Give me a “word in season” for the soul in solitude.  —Unknown

3. Illustration: Bus Driver’s Soft Sell

A number of years ago, near what is known as the Kingsport Press in Tennessee, a southbound bus made scheduled midday stops of twenty minutes so that passengers might freshen up and get something to eat.

One driver said, as he brought his bus to a stop: “Folks, we’ll be stopping here for twenty minutes. This line makes it a strict policy never to recommend an eating place by name, but if anybody wants to see me while we’re here, I’ll be eating a wonderful T-bone steak with French fries at Tony’s first-class, spotlessly clean diner directly across the street.” With that remark he slowly sauntered into the tiny but tidy restaurant.

Naturally, a number of the passengers on the bus took his advice and went into the eating establishment. It came as no surprise to them that the meals they ordered were very good. —Earl C. Willer. Tan, P. L. Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations

• III. How can we become holy?

• A. Note what we should depend on God to do.

How are believers sanctified? It involves both divine and human: both God and man contributing and co—operating towards this desired end.

1.      The Father will sanctify the believer.

i.        1 Thess. 5:23-24, And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (See Jn 17:17; Phil. 1:6)

ii.      We cannot purify ourselves alone, but we can yield to God and then the purity will come gradually, but certainly.

2.      The Lord Jesus will sanctify the believer.

i.        Hebrews 10:10, By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

ii.      The death of Jesus Christ separates the believer from sin and the world, and sets him apart as redeemed and dedicated to the service of God. The sanctification of the Church is also based on the sacrificial death of Christ, (Eph. 5:25, 27).  See also 1Cor. 1:30

3.      The Spirit of the Living God sanctifies believers.  It is the Spirit of life who gives us freedom from the law of sin and death.

i.        Romans 8:2, For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.   

ii.      He is called the Holy Spirit, not only because He is absolutely holy Himself, but also because He produces that quality of soul—character in the believer. The Spirit is the executive of the Godhead who works to war against the lusts of the flesh and enable us to bring forth fruit unto holiness (Gal. 5:17–22).

  B. Note what our responsibilities are.

1.      Pursue holiness with great diligence! (Heb. 12:14)

i.                    Place total confidence in the redemptive work of Christ (1Cor. 1:30) and depend on —count on, have full confidence in—the indwelling Christ to live His life through you (Gal. 2:20-21).

ii.                 Rely entirely on the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:11-14; Eph. 5:18-21).

2.      Consume and obey the Scriptures (Jn. 15:3; 17:17; Eph. 5:26).

i.                    Our sanctification is limited by our limitation in the knowledge of and our lack of obedience to the Word of God.

ii.                 How does the Word of God sanctify? By revealing sin; by awakening conscience; by revealing the character of Christ; by showing the example of Christ; by offering the influences and powers of the Holy Spirit, and by setting forth spiritual motives and ideals.

iii.               “There is no power like that of the Word of God for detaching a man from the world, the flesh and the devil.” –Evans, William; The Great Doctrines of the Bible

3.      Live a life marked by godly distinctness.

i.                    Christians are commanded to love not the world, or the things in the world (1 John 2:15), to not become contaminated by the world around us (2 Peter 3:14).

ii.                 We are commanded to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:15-16).

iii.               We must abstain from fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11), to abstain even from the appearance of evil (1Thess. 5:22).

iv.                The believer is to jealously guard his thought life to ensure it is approved of God (Phil. 4:8), bringing captive every thought into obedience to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

4.      Allow God to use you to influence sinners for Christ! (Matt. 5:13-16).

Illustration: The lower lights surrounding a lighthouse guide the boats in the harbor away from the treacherous rocks and into the channel. This interesting analogy in the hymn, “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning,” was suggested to author and composer Philip P. Bliss as he listened to D. L. Moody tell a sermon illustration about a pilot during a storm.

“Brethren,” concluded Mr. Moody, “the Master will take care of the great lighthouse. Let us keep the lower lights burning.” Bliss, as he often did, immediately put this challenging thought into a hymn.

Brightly beams our Father’s mercy from His lighthouse evermore, but to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.

Dark the night of sin has settled. Loud the angry billows roar; eager eyes are watching, longing for the lights along the shore.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! Some poor sailor tempest tossed, trying now to make the harbor, in the darkness may be lost.

Chorus: Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave! Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save. --Osbeck, K. W. 1990. Amazing Grace

Conclusion:

We may not all be powerful lighthouses, such as D. L. Moody, or Philip Bliss, but God calls us each to be “lower lights” wherever we are to guide some fainting, struggling person to the eternal haven through a holy lifestyle and with deeds that direct all attention to our heavenly Father. Resolve to keep a gleam burning for Christ by your attitude, habits, words, and actions so that some seeking individual may be directed into a calm and secure relationship with our Lord.