Bible Study Week 9
Part 3
The Beauty of Holiness
If we could visualize our journey through life, we would see two roads that seem to fade away in the far distance of time. These two roads represent the way of life and the way of death (Proverbs 14:12). One is a road of blessing and the other is a road of cursing.
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19).
The Journey of Life
As on any journey, there are many places of enjoyment along the road of life. It would be a monotonous trip if we did not enjoy any of the pleasures that dot the map of our travels. As we travel, we usually plan to enjoy all that we can and take advantage of all that our traveling time allows us to do. Even so, God plans for us to enjoy an abundant, exciting life as we travel toward eternity.
Which Way Will We Go?
The important thing to consider in choosing our course of travel is: Where will the choice of roads lead? Moses chose the highway of holiness rather than the adventures and pleasures of sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25). This holy way of life is a separated way: it is set apart from the way of the crowds.
Becoming More like Him
As we journey through life on the highway of holiness, God changes us into His image from glory to glory. God enables us to conquer the sinful nature (which is always trying to influence us to travel down the old road of death), and God molds us after the character and the beauty of Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15); II Corinthians 1:15; II Corinthians 4:4). The image of God can only be reflected by the Spirit of God working in His people to cleanse us of things that mar the holy reflection of Jesus Christ (I Peter 1:15; Ephesians 4:24). The further we go with God on this journey the more we become like God. The more we become like God, the more others are attracted to God. The only way this searching generation will ever see God is through His people.
"Without (holiness) no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). When the judgment comes, God will search for those who have on the garment of righteousness. They will shine as bright lights in a darkened day.
A Beautiful Way of Life
Holiness is a beautiful way of life, and it is an integral part of God's work of salvation. Jesu cane to save from sin, which means that He delivers from the bondage of sin and then He protects, preserves, and keeps us from sin--from things that would cause us to fall short of abundant life. To sin is to miss the mark, or the purpose, for which God created us.
>>> Why is holiness important?
Holiness is a beautiful way of life that guarantees God's protection and blessings from the three major enemies that war against the soul. Holiness is not a list of codes. It is a superior way of life that leads those who follow its course into the beauty and treasure of God's kingdom. "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness" (Psalm 29:2).
Perfecting Holiness
When God fills us with His Holy Spirit, we receive a holy nature. We do not have to exert strenuous physical and mental exercises to manufacture holiness. Holiness does not come from human works but from God's Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16; John 1:13). The heart will have a great yearning to be like Jesus and will, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, be changed into the holy image of Jesus. Of course, we must yield ourselves to the influence and power of God (Romans 6:19). We must let God's Holy Spirit lead and control us in every aspect of life (I Peter 1:15). If we do, God will lead us to abstain from the appearance of evil (Psalm 101:3; I Thessalonians 5:22). God's Spirit will cause us to dress differently, act differently, talk differently, and even think differently (Philippians 4:8). We will be new people. "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (II Corinthians 5:17). But He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [conduct]" (I Peter 1:15).
As we grow in the knowledge of the will of God, we will also grow in our ability to recognize activities and attitudes that would endanger our new life in Christ. Sometimes we may feel a check of the Spirit. Sometimes we may not immediately see danger in a particular activity, but God will use our pastor to help preserve us from the subtlety of sin. Godly pastors help guide people away from the dangerous road of sin and death.
The Christian life is not governed totally by the question of whether of not something is sin, but by whether or not it will damage the image of Christ in a Christian's life. The question is not merely, What do I have to do? Rather it is, What does Jesus want me to do? How can I please Him? How can I draw closer to Him? How can I become more like Him?
Questions for Personal Reflection
1. God describes the church as His body, emphasizing its importance. How am I doing in becoming part of the body of Christ?
2. What gifts do I have that I could dedicate to God?
3. Which fruit of the Spirit would I like to see more in my life?
4. Are there areas in my life in which God may be calling me toa deeper level of consecration?
5. What step can I take this week to draw closer to God?