Top
| Before You Begin | 7 | (1) | |||
| Tips For Group Members | 8 | (1) | |||
| Tips For Facilitators | 9 | (2) | |||
| Introduction | 11 | (2) | |||
|
13 | (8) | |||
|
21 | (8) | |||
|
29 | (8) | |||
|
37 | (8) | |||
|
45 | (6) | |||
|
51 | (6) | |||
|
57 | (6) | |||
|
63 | (6) | |||
|
69 | (8) | |||
|
77 |
The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
Chapter One
Developing Personal Holiness
* * *
I n this study, we'll learn how holiness in our lives can make a difference, and we will look at ways to go about bringing holiness into various areas. Before we get that specific, though, let's take a look at what is meant by the term holiness --and see how to bring it into our hearts.
Reflection Question
When you hear the phrase personal holiness , what comes to your mind?
Introduction
The command to "be holy, because I am holy," in Leviticus 11:44, must have frustrated the dickens out of Old Testament followers of God--either that or made them want to give up before they even started trying. After all, who can possibly be as holy as God? The answer, of course, is no one. So why does He even ask us to try? There are at least two reasons: one is to show us what the standard is; the other is to show us how completely unable we are to attain that standard. When we understand those two things, our need for a Savior is perfectly clear. Unholiness separates us from God; forgiveness through Christ Jesus reunites us. The New Testament doesn't let us off the hook, however. Romans 12:1 tells us to "offer [our] bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God." But what does that mean? Is it ever possible? Let's find out.
Study
Read together Colossians 3:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; 1 Peter 1:13-25; and 1 John 5:17-21.
1. Based on these passages, how would you now define holiness?
2. First John 1:8 says, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." This is not news to most of us! Fortunately, once we accept Christ's atonement for our sins, we are forgiven, not only for the sins we have already committed, but for all the sins we ever will commit (Eph. 1:7, 2:8-9). How can you reconcile this truth, however, with the notion of purification in 1 Peter 1:22 and Philippians 2:12?
* What is our role in purification?
3. According to 1 Peter 1:13, is holiness something that will occur naturally once Christ is in our lives? Restate this verse in your own words.
* How do you "prepare your minds for action"?
* This passage also advises us to be self-controlled. What role do you think self-control plays in holiness?
4. First Peter 1:14 admonishes us not to "conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." What are some of the evil desires that lure us?
5. What do you think 1 Peter 1:17 means when it tells us to live our lives here as strangers?
* How does that admonishment relate to personal holiness? (See also Rom. 8:5).
6. What does Colossians 3:1-10 tell us to "put to death," or rid ourselves of?
* How can the advice in verse 1 help us to do that?
Application
These passages on holiness were written to the early Christians who lived in a culture that was every bit as corrupt as our own. Much of what is written in these passages may seem obvious to you, but it didn't to first-century readers. And it may not to many people today. Even if you know these passages about holiness, it's one thing to have a high moral standard in your mind; it's quite another to have one in your life. Let's take what we've learned and put it into practice.
1. First Thessalonians 4:1-12 offers a number of things we can do to incorporate holiness into our lives. From the list below, choose the three or four instructions you struggle with most. Describe what you think they mean and discuss practical ways to implement them.
* Avoid sexual immorality.
* Do not take advantage of your brother or sister.
* Don't be impure.
* Love others.
* Lead a quiet life.
* Mind your own business.
* Work hard.
* Live in a way that wins respect.
2. One area most of us struggle with is the control of our bodies, yet this is such a fundamental part of our lives, one that influences every other aspect. First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." How can you honor God in the following physical areas?
Diet . Okay, admit it--you keep Little Debbies in your desk drawer or you visit the vending machine every afternoon or you're more likely to eat five servings of fruit and vegetables in a week than you are in a day ... right? Maybe you've just grown dependent on caffeine. God has given us amazing bodies, but they won't keep being amazing if we don't take care of them. What one change could you make that would improve your overall nutritional health?
Exercise . Work, kids, dishes, laundry ... it's hard to fit exercise into the daily mad dash. Apart from the obvious benefits, though, don't you want to give God a strong, healthy temple to inhabit? If you already have an exercise routine you're satisfied with, write down the things that tend to get you off track, as well as a plan for how to get around them. If you don't, choose just one form of exercise to incorporate into your life, something as simple as walking or gardening. Write down when you are going to do it, aiming for at least twenty minutes, three times a week.
Sex . Men aren't the only ones who face temptation in this area. What tends to stir up your passions in ways you aren't proud of--novels, magazines, movies? Sexuality' is meant to be a source of great pleasure in our lives, but only in the proper context. How can you make sure you are channeling it in the right direction?
Conversation . An old Chinese proverb says that a man's tongue is only six inches long, but it can kill a man six feet tall. Our tongue may be a small part of our body, but it can sure do a lot of damage! (See Prov. 18:21.) Do you struggle most with gossip, swearing, or sharpness of speech? Maybe you tend to lose your temper and say things you regret, or perhaps you tend to bend the truth. Pinpoint one goal in this area.
Relaxation . It doesn't seem like something we should need reminding of, does it? But so often, relaxation falls to the bottom of our to-do list. Yet it's through rest that we are able to regain control of so many other areas--our stress level, temper, even eating habits. Our bodies weren't meant to go nonstop, so give yours a break! Decide on one thing you could do each day to give yourself a time-out--maybe take a soak bath, lie down with a book or magazine while the spaghetti boils, or take the dog for a solitary stroll around the block--even for ten minutes.
Josh McDowell has said that every command in the Bible is for either our protection or our provision . All these admonishments for holy living can seem like a burden at first glance. Choose several of the instructions in this lesson and discuss how they could ultimately result in your protection or your provision.
Conclusion
Dr. Robert Schuller coined the phrase, "Inch by inch, everything's a cinch." None of us will achieve personal holiness overnight; it's a lifetime project--one that will not be complete until we are in heaven. But by taking small steps toward improving personal holiness, we are moving in the right direction in the process of sanctification. Move that first inch forward today, won't you?
Memory Verse
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
Copyright © 2000 Julie Baker. All rights reserved.
Need Help? Copyright © 1999-2026
