Pursuing Holiness Part 3 Series

B.A.S.I.C part 3

Pursuing holiness

Introduction-

2 Peter 3:8-18 Read from Bible and pray

This morning we look at part 3 of the Basic series. Becoming a servant in Christ.

The first week we looked at the deity of Christ. You can never serve God until you know who God is. Know what He has done for you.

Last week we looked at what Being Born again means. That there is has to be a transformation of your spirit. You desire to serve God with all your heart, mind, soul and body.

When you return back to the basics of anything you do, it is fresh to some. They have never heard it before, they have an opportunity to respond accordingly. To others, it is a reminder. They knew it, but have maybe gotten away from it.

So I don’t care where you are at this morning, there is something God wants to show you or remind you of this morning.

This morning we are looking at pursuing holiness.

If you have been a Nazarene for awhile, you know that holiness is a character that we are constantly striving for.

In fact, we sing a song- Called unto Holiness. The chorus goes “Holiness is our watch-word and song. Holiness unto the Lord as were marching along. Sing it, shout it, loud and long...holiness unto the Lord now and forever”

At the top of your sermon note sheet you see an attempt at a time line. It goes from non-Christian to saint.

Each and every one of us is somewhere on that line. Each one of us without thinking knows exactly where we fit in on that time line.

Non-Christian:

No desire to serve God- maybe you’re here because you have to be here. Maybe you’re here for other reasons not related to God. Maybe you’re here , but you are open to the things of God, but you have not heard enough to make a decision.

Curious:

maybe your curious. The things of God intrigue you but not enough to make a commitment. You might be the one that says may be later. Your curious, but you are a unbeliever.

Baby-Christian:

you came to Christ recently and you want to learn more about Christ. You committed your life to Christ a long time ago, but for whatever reason, you are still a baby in Christ.

Not growing Christian:

you get fed on Sunday by the pastor, but you make no other effort to learn of the things of God. Your good old days are behind you because God isn’t exciting anymore to you.

Growing/Mature Christian:

You cannot get enough of the things of God. You desire more to know Christ and your relationship with the Lord is growing steadily.

Saint:

A lot of you think you are saints, only your husband or wife and the Lord know for sure. At the end of the journey, the saints of God(those that know Christ and have a active relationship with Him) not perfect ones will be united with their savior and their Lord.

This morning each of us has been mentioned. Each one of us knows where we are at this morning.

For most, what ever level you are at, if your growing and your relationship is getting stronger, the Lord is pleased with you this morning.

Every person who has gone to the next level, weather sports, business, or ministry has to be determined to get there. It is the same with our spiritual journey with God.

You began your journey

You saw your need (Romans 7:18-20)

You trusted God to give you a new start (Born Again) 2 Cor. 5:17

You confessed your sin 1 John 1:9

Asked Jesus to rule your life Rev 3:20

You believe He forgave you Romans 10:9-10

You promised to live for Him Gal. 2:20

You set out on this journey to do whatever it takes to be what He wants you to be (Phil 3:11-12)

Everything I just said about the journey is scriptural.

The question is are you pursuing holiness? Are you desiring to please God or yourself?

Peter reminds us (v1) that he is writing to them as a reminder to stimulate us to wholesome thinking. Wholesome thinking for a believer is to think things that are pleasing and productive to the Lord.

He tells us time is not a factor to God. 1000 years are as one day to God. He destroyed a evil world with water and there is a coming a 2nd coming of our Lord and savior and our thoughts should look forward to a new heavens and a new earth.

This is not a message of end times, will have to do that another time.

But (v14) “So dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him (Jesus)