Maintaining Holiness In A Corrupt World Series

MAINTAINING HOLINESS IN A CORRUPT WORLD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Peter 1:13-16

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, James 1:27, Titus 2:11-14, Philippians 2:15

INTRODUCTION:

Holiness is not just an old-fashioned concept—it is the eternal standard of God. In a world increasingly filled with sin, compromise, and moral confusion, God still calls His people to live differently. The word “holy” means “set apart,” and every believer is called to live a life that reflects God's purity and righteousness, even in the face of pressure and corruption.

The challenge of maintaining holiness today is real. From media influence to peer pressure, from workplace temptations to societal norms, the world offers countless reasons to compromise. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to shine as lights in the darkness. Holiness is not about legalism; it is about living to please God out of love and reverence.

This message is a clarion call for believers to remain pure and set apart in a perverse generation. God has not left us helpless—His grace teaches and empowers us to live holy lives in the midst of corruption.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE CALL TO HOLINESS

Holiness is a command, not a suggestion.

a) God Is Holy and Expects His Children to Reflect Him

“Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

b) Holiness Is Our Identity in Christ

We are chosen to be a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9).

c) It Is a Requirement for Fellowship with God

Without holiness, no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

d) Holiness Is Proof of Spiritual Maturity

It reflects growth in grace and obedience.

Biblical Example – Enoch walked with God in a corrupt generation and pleased Him (Genesis 5:24)

2. GUARDING YOUR MIND IN A PERVERTED WORLD

The mind is the battleground of holiness.

a) Renew Your Mind Daily

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

b) Reject Every Form of Corrupt Thinking

Cast down imaginations and every high thing (2 Corinthians 10:5).

c) Feed Your Mind with the Word of God

The Word washes and purifies the mind (Ephesians 5:26).

d) Filter What You See and Hear

Guard your eye and ear gates diligently.

Biblical Example – Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8)

3. WALKING BY THE SPIRIT, NOT BY THE FLESH

Victory over corruption begins with Spirit-led living.

a) The Flesh Cannot Produce Holiness

In your flesh dwells no good thing (Romans 7:18).

b) The Spirit Empowers Righteous Living

Walk in the Spirit and you won’t fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

c) Yield Daily to the Holy Spirit’s Leading

He convicts, guides, and strengthens us.

d) Flesh Must Be Crucified Daily

Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Christ (Luke 9:23).

Biblical Example – Paul lived by the Spirit and declared, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31)

4. SEPARATING FROM COMPROMISING ENVIRONMENTS

Holiness often requires radical separation.

a) Don’t Be Unequally Yoked

Light has no fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14–17).

b) Avoid Corrupt Associations

Evil communication corrupts good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33).

c) Be Willing to Stand Alone for God

Holiness may not be popular, but it is powerful.

d) God Will Honour Your Separation

“Come out from among them, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

Biblical Example – Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife and stood alone with integrity (Genesis 39:7–12)

5. DEPENDING ON GRACE TO LIVE HOLY

Grace does not excuse sin—it enables righteousness.

a) Grace Teaches Us to Deny Ungodliness

It trains us to live soberly and godly in this present world (Titus 2:11–12).

b) Grace Gives Power Over Temptation

God’s grace is sufficient in every test (2 Corinthians 12:9).

c) Grace Helps Us to Endure Persecution for Righteousness

When you suffer for being holy, grace sustains you.

d) Grace Preserves You Blameless Until Christ Comes

It is God who works in you to will and to do (Philippians 2:13).

Biblical Example – Noah found grace in a corrupt world and walked righteously (Genesis 6:8–9)

CONCLUSION:

Maintaining holiness in a corrupt world is not optional for the believer—it is essential. You are called to be different, to shine as light, and to be the salt of the earth. Holiness is not about perfection, but about walking with a heart set on pleasing God, even when no one else does.

Stand firm in your identity. Depend on the Holy Spirit. Separate from defilement. Live with eternity in view. The world may mock holiness, but heaven rewards it. Let your life reflect God’s glory in the midst of darkness.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for calling me to live a holy life.

2. Lord, purify my heart and cleanse me from every defilement.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in true holiness.

4. I resist every temptation to compromise my values.