Be Holy
September 7, 2008 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We are set apart for God’s use; we need to act like it.
Focus Passage: I Peter 1:13-16
Supplemental Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Introduction: A Haitian pastor wanted to illustrate to his congregation the need for total commitment to Christ. His parable: A certain man wanted to sell his house for $2,000. Another man wanted very badly to buy it, but because he was poor, he couldn’t afford the full price. After much bargaining, the owner agreed to sell the house for half the original price with just one stipulation: He would retain ownership of one small nail protruding from just over the door.
After several years, the original owner wanted the house back, but the new owner was unwilling to sell. So the first owner went out, found the carcass of a dead dog, and hung it from the single nail he still owned. Soon the house became unlivable, and the family was forced to sell the house to the owner of the nail.
The Haitian pastor’s conclusion: "If we leave the Devil with even one small peg in our life, he will return to hang his rotting garbage on it, making it unfit for Christ’s habitation."
I. Holiness: a definition
a. What it is not: Holiness is not just a list of do’s and don’ts.
b. What it is: It is conforming to the character of God, and being obedient to the will of God. It is the character and conduct of a new creature in Him. It is the power of the Holy Spirit working in a life that is submitted to Almighty God.
II. Holiness: a commitment
a. John 5 Jesus heals the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda. Tells him to “sin no more”
b. John 8 Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, “Go and sin no more”
c. In both cases, they were forgiven and restored to a relationship with God--but they were both told to live different lives after salvation. God does not require perfection to fellowship with him, but I believe He does expect us to be serious about it. Holiness is following God’s commands. Holiness is living a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
III. Holiness: an action
a. Obedience:
i. Obey my commandments
ii. Be filled with the Spirit
iii. Love one another
b. Communication:
i. Scripture Psa 119:11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee.
ii. Prayer 1Th 5:17 pray without ceasing;
c. Attitude:
i. Outlook: 1Th 5:16 Rejoice always;
ii. Gratitude: 1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks;
Invitation: A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine. D.L. Moody.
