The Cost Of Holy Living Series

Title: THE COST OF HOLY LIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 9:23

Supporting Texts: 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 5:10-12, Galatians 2:20

INTRODUCTION:

Holy living is a command and an essential aspect of the Christian journey. However, it comes with a cost—self-denial, perseverance, and sometimes persecution. Jesus, in Luke 9:23, calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. This study explores the cost of living a holy life and how believers can embrace it with joy and commitment.

1. SELF-DENIAL

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself" (Luke 9:23a).

Holiness requires the denial of personal desires and ambitions that conflict with God’s will.

a) Surrendering Personal Ambitions

Place God’s will above personal goals (Proverbs 3:5-6).

b) Resisting Fleshly Desires

Crucify sinful desires (Galatians 5:24).

c) Submitting to God’s Authority

Live under the lordship of Christ (James 4:7).

d) Living for Christ Alone

Prioritise eternal values over temporal pleasures (Colossians 3:1-3).

e) Biblical Example:

Paul considered everything as loss for the sake of Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).

2. TAKING UP THE CROSS DAILY

"Take up his cross daily" (Luke 9:23b).

Bearing the cross involves enduring trials and challenges for the sake of righteousness.

a) Enduring Persecution

Stand firm in the face of opposition (2 Timothy 3:12).

b) Suffering for Righteousness

Rejoice when faced with trials for Christ’s sake (Matthew 5:10-12).

c) Staying Committed Despite Challenges

Persevere in your faith journey (Hebrews 12:1-2).

d) Trusting God in Difficult Times

Lean on God’s strength during trials (Isaiah 41:10).

e) Biblical Example:

Stephen willingly faced martyrdom for his faith (Acts 7:54-60).

3. FOLLOWING CHRIST

"Follow Me" (Luke 9:23c).

Holy living is about imitating Christ in every aspect of life.

a) Walking in Obedience

Follow God’s commandments diligently (John 14:15).

b) Demonstrating Christlike Love

Love others as Christ loves (John 13:34-35).

c) Reflecting God’s Character

Be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

d) Prioritising God’s Kingdom

Seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

e) Biblical Example:

Peter and the disciples left everything to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22).

4. SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD

"Do not be conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2).

Holiness calls for distinctiveness from worldly values and practices.

a) Avoiding Worldly Influences

Guard your heart against secular ideologies (1 John 2:15-17).

b) Living as a Light

Shine as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15).

c) Maintaining Godly Standards

Uphold righteousness in all areas of life (Titus 2:11-12).

d) Embracing God’s Values

Focus on things that honour God (Philippians 4:8).

e) Biblical Example:

Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8).

5. ETERNAL REWARDS

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers...for My sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life" (Matthew 19:29).

The cost of holy living is temporary, but the rewards are eternal.

a) Heavenly Rewards

Faithful living leads to eternal glory (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

b) God’s Approval

God honours those who live for Him (Matthew 25:21).

c) Peace and Joy

Experience God’s peace and joy even in trials (Romans 15:13).

d) Crown of Righteousness

A reward for those who endure in faith (James 1:12).

e) Biblical Example:

Moses chose to suffer for God’s people rather than enjoy fleeting pleasures (Hebrews 11:24-26).

CONCLUSION:

Holy living demands self-denial, perseverance, and complete devotion to God. Though it comes with sacrifices, the eternal rewards far outweigh the temporary costs. As believers, let us embrace the call to holiness, knowing that God’s grace will sustain us.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to deny myself and live for You.

2. Father, strengthen me to take up my cross daily.

3. Lord, teach me to follow You wholeheartedly.

4. Father, separate me from worldly influences.

5. Lord, help me to persevere in trials and challenges.

6. Father, grant me the grace to reflect Your holiness.

7. Lord, let my life glorify You in all things.

8. Father, reward my efforts of holy living with eternal blessings.

9. Lord, fill my heart with joy and peace in this journey of faith.

10. Father, keep me focused on the eter