The Transforming Power of Embracing Holiness
Introduction:
Today we embark on a journey to explore the transformative power of holiness as illuminated by the Word of God. In Psalm 97:10, we find a profound directive that sets the tone for our exploration. In a world often consumed by chaos and confusion, the call to embrace holiness stands as a beacon of light and hope. Join me as we delve into this scripture and discover how its transformative truth shapes our lives.
Embracing God's Holiness
Let’s explore the profound truth of holiness as revealed in Psalm 97:10.
Psalm 97:10 (NLT): "You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked."
As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate a discerning spirit that enables us to recognize and reject evil in all its forms. This discernment is not born out of self-righteousness but springs from a deep reverence for God and His commandments.
Here, we are called to love the Lord and hate evil. Embracing God's holiness entails a deep reverence for His character and a rejection of sin and unrighteousness.
In this verse, we find a clear directive to those who love the Lord: hate evil. This command is not merely a suggestion but a foundational principle of holiness. By hating evil and embracing what is righteous and pure, we position ourselves under God's protection and deliverance from the grasp of wickedness.
Isaiah 6:3 (NLT): "In a great chorus they sang, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!'"
Isaiah's vision of the Lord's majesty in the temple is a profound moment of revelation. The seraphim declare the holiness of God with the triple repetition of "holy," emphasising the divine perfection and separateness of God. This declaration resonates with awe and reverence, acknowledging God's transcendence and sovereignty over all creation. The proclamation that the whole earth is filled with His glory underscores the omnipresence and universal reign of God, affirming His absolute authority and worthiness of praise.
1 Peter 1:15-16 (NLT): "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'"
In this passage, Peter exhorts believers to live holy lives in obedience to God's command. He emphasises the imperative of holiness in every aspect of their conduct, reflecting the character of God who has called them.
The quotation from the Old Testament (Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7) underscores the enduring principle of holiness as an essential attribute of God's people. As God is holy, His people are called to emulate His holiness, setting themselves apart from the world's sinful ways and dedicating themselves wholly to Him.
Both Isaiah 6:3 and 1 Peter 1:15-16 highlight the significance of holiness in the worship and walk of believers. They affirm God's holiness as the foundation of His glory and authority, and they call His people to a life of consecration and obedience, reflecting His character in all they do. As we embrace the call to holiness, we participate in the worship of heaven and testify to the transforming power of God's presence in our lives.
As A.W. Tozer wisely said, "Holiness, as taught in the Scriptures, is not based upon knowledge on our part. Rather, it is based upon the resurrected Christ in-dwelling us and changing us into His likeness."
Living a Holy Life
Holiness is not merely the absence of sin but the presence of righteousness. It involves actively pursuing a life aligned with God's Word and His character. Through obedience to His commands, we demonstrate our love for Him and honour His holiness.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine."
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to actively pursue holiness in our daily lives. This involves intentionally choosing to distance ourselves from anything that contradicts God's character and standards.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NLT): "Stay away from every kind of evil."
When Paul instructs believers to "stay away from every kind of evil," he is emphasising the importance of maintaining moral purity and integrity in all aspects of life. This command is not limited to avoiding overtly sinful actions but extends to abstaining from anything that is contrary to God's character and His will for His people.
Paul urges believers to adopt a proactive stance against evil. Rather than merely avoiding sin when it presents itself, Christians are called to actively distance themselves from anything that may lead them astray or compromise their faith. This proactive approach to holiness requires discernment, self-discipline, and a deep commitment to honouring God in every aspect of life.
Hebrews 12:14 (NLT): "Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord."
This verse from Hebrews underscores the importance of pursuing peace and holiness in our lives. It highlights the active effort required on our part to cultivate these qualities. Living in peace with others involves seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, and harmony in our relationships.
Living a holy life requires intentional choices and actions that align with God's standards of righteousness. The verse also emphasises the solemn truth that without holiness, no one will see the Lord, emphasising the significance of personal holiness in our relationship with God.
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT): "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."
In this passage, Peter addresses believers, reminding them of their identity and calling in Christ. He describes them as a chosen people, belonging to God and set apart for His purposes. Believers are likened to royal priests, indicating their role in representing God to the world and mediating His presence. This identity as a holy nation signifies the transformative work of God in their lives, sanctifying them for His service. The verse also highlights the purpose of this chosen status: to proclaim and demonstrate the goodness of God to others, serving as beacons of His light in a dark world.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "Holiness is the architectural plan upon which God builds His living temple."
Both Hebrews 12:14 and 1 Peter 2:9 emphasise the importance of holiness in the life of a believer. They call for active pursuit of peace and holiness, grounded in our identity as chosen and sanctified people of God. As we embrace this identity and walk in obedience to His commands, we not only experience the fullness of His presence but also become vessels through which His light and goodness shine forth to those around us.
The Wisdom of Holiness
True wisdom is found in fearing the Lord and hating evil. It is in embracing holiness that we gain insight and discernment to navigate life's challenges and temptations.
Proverbs 8:13 (NLT): "All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech."
This verse is part of the wisdom literature of the Bible, specifically within the context of a personified depiction of Wisdom speaking. Here, Wisdom declares that those who reverence the Lord will inherently despise evil. The fear of the Lord, which is a reverent awe and respect for His holiness and authority, naturally leads one to abhor anything that opposes His righteous standards. The verse lists specific forms of evil: pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech, highlighting their contradiction to the character of God.
Charles Spurgeon commented, "He that fears God will fear sin; he who is afraid of God's wrath will be afraid of his own guilt."
Martin Luther once said, "You cannot then help hating what God hates, namely, all wickedness, all folly, all vice, all ignorance, all darkness, all untruth."
This verse underscores the intimate connection between the fear of the Lord and the rejection of evil. Genuine reverence for God leads to a deep-seated aversion to anything that contradicts His nature and His will. The specific evils listed—pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech—represent various manifestations of sin that are antithetical to God's righteousness and truth.
James 1:5 (NLT): "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."
In this verse, James encourages believers to seek wisdom from God. The context of James's letter suggests that the recipients were facing various trials and challenges. Instead of relying solely on their own understanding, James urges them to turn to God in prayer for wisdom. This verse highlights God's willingness to generously grant wisdom to those who ask, without reproach or judgment. It underscores the importance of humility and dependence on God for guidance in navigating life's complexities.
Psalm 111:10 (NLT): "Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!"
The psalmist emphasises the foundational role of the fear of the Lord in acquiring wisdom. This fear doesn't denote terror but rather reverence and awe towards God, acknowledging His sovereignty and authority.
True wisdom begins with a right relationship with God, rooted in reverence for Him. The verse also highlights the correlation between obedience to God's commandments and the growth in wisdom. Those who walk in obedience to God's Word experience spiritual maturation and a deepening understanding of His ways.
Ultimately, the psalmist concludes with a call to perpetual praise and adoration of God, recognising His infinite wisdom and goodness.
These verses collectively underscore the importance of seeking wisdom from God and living in reverence and obedience to Him as the path to true understanding and insight in life.
Point 4: Standing Firm Against Wickedness
In a world where darkness often threatens to overwhelm, we are called to stand firm in our commitment to holiness. This requires courage, perseverance, and unwavering faith in God's promises. As we stand against evil, God's protective hand covers us, ensuring our safety and deliverance.
John Wesley echoed this sentiment, stating, "Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on Earth."
Conclusion: As we conclude our journey through God's Word, let us heed the call to embrace holiness wholeheartedly. May we love the Lord, shun evil, and seek wisdom in all our ways. Let holiness be the guiding light that transforms our lives and reflects the glory of our Heavenly Father to the world.
Application:
Reflect on areas of your life where you may need to align more closely with God's standard of holiness. Commit to pursuing holiness daily through prayer, study of the Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and study of God's Word to deepen your understanding of His holiness.
Evaluate your associations and activities, ensuring they align with God's standards of righteousness.
Take a stand against injustice and immorality, speaking out for what is right and just.
Call to Action:
Let us commit ourselves anew to the pursuit of holiness.
Ask God to help you to be a beacon of holiness in your community, demonstrating God's transformative power through your words, actions, and attitudes.
As you walk in holiness, may others be drawn to the truth of the Gospel and experience the life-changing love of Christ.
May our lives be transformed by the truth of God's Word, and may we be beacons of light in a world darkened by sin. Let us love what is good and hate what is evil, knowing that in doing so, we honour and glorify our holy God.
In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer and Sanctifier. Amen.
