REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES
2 Timothy 1:9 “He has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
1 Peter 2: 9-10 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
OBJECTIVE
Chosen to be Holy
Aim for holiness instead of perfection
CONTENT
Being holy means we are set apart from the rest of the world
- People think the most important part of their calling is their platform. Yet the Bible tells us differently. The greatest calling of all is to love Christ and be more like Christ. To reach the two, we need to aim for holiness. 2 Timothy 1:10 prompts us that we are set apart and made to be holy.
- We need to understand how our worldly standard of success is not God’s measure of success. While the task God wants us to steward is important, God also refines us in the process so that we become closer to holiness.
Holiness is not perfection
- Due to the fall of Adam and Eve, sin is unavoidable to us as humans. While it’s impossible for us to fulfill the laws of the old testament, we also need to remember that God has already died for us to restore us to holiness. As a result, God doesn’t look at holiness as a perfection check list, but as an encouragement to rise again to His standard after falling because the Holy Spirit is there to help us. 2 Timothy 1:10 talks about how it is not by our strength that we will be able to continuously pursue holiness, but through God’s grace to fulfill His purpose.
Holiness is the key that will allow you to walk your calling
- Living devoted to spiritual excellence will prepare us in advance for what God’s about to do. When we always aim for spiritual discipline, we become more and more aligned to God’s will and purpose, instead of following our desires. Holiness is how we reflect Christ-likeness in our lives. 1 Peter 2:9-10 tells us how we may embody the light of Christ in this dark world and His mercy enables us to do just that.
CONCLUSION
What’s more important than our public calling or ministry is our private habits. The Bible calls us to holiness through spiritual discipline and continuous relationship with God. Holiness is the precursor that prepares us for sanctification and Christ-likeness as we can only fulfill our calling when our hearts are aligned with His will and purpose. God gives us the Holy Spirit so that we don’t become overwhelmed by our own standard of holiness, but to rest in its power such that we can always raise the bar when it comes to pursuing holiness after each fall.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How can you pursue holiness in an unholy world?
- Have you ever been discouraged with your own perfectionism while you aim for holiness in your life? Discuss how you can rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power to grow more in holiness.
- How do you think aiming for holiness can help bridge you to steward the purpose of your calling?
REFERENCES