Explanation
The word ‘holy’ means to be separate or set apart. It is contrasted with the mundane or banal. To say that God is holy is to say that he is set apart in a way that is special, lofty and sacred. God is ‘other’ in that he is beyond the corruption and imperfections of our world. He is perfect in truth, goodness and purity. There is no stain or darkness in him. Likewise, the Bible calls people to be holy or separate from the corruption, stain and darkness of this world. This requires sanctification or cleansing. Faith in Christ for the forgiveness of sins sanctifies us or makes us holy before God and fit for his presence. Furthermore, this sanctification is something we continue work out in our lives as we seek to be holy as our Father is holy. We seek to separate our self from the sin of this world. We are set apart for God and his use. This means that we walk in truth, goodness and purity. We are people of integrity or character. The question is what exactly does it mean to be holy? What does it mean to be separate from the world and from sin? What does God expect and why is this important?
KEY SCRIPTURES
Key Scriptures
Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question. They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject. Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject. They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole. Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion. Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.
God is holy
Exodus 15:11 – “Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? NIV
1 Samuel 2:2 – There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. NIV
Luke 4:34 – What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” NIV
See also 1 Samuel 6:20, Psalm 22:3, & Luke 1:35-36
Salvation makes us holy
John 17:17-19 – Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. NIV
Hebrews 13:12 – And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. NIV
See also Exodus 31:13, Romans 15:16, 1 Corinthians 1:30, & Colossians 1:22
We are called to live holy lives
Exodus 19:6 – You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. NIV
Leviticus 19:2 – Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. NIV
2 Timothy 1:9 – has saved us and called us to a holy life. NIV
2 Peter 3:11-12 – Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. NIV
See also Leviticus 20:26; 21:6, Luke 1: 74-75; 1 Peter 1: 15-16
Conforming to the image of Christ
Romans 8:29-30 – For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. NIV
Colossians 3:10 – Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. NIV
See also John 3:2 & Philippians 3:21
Moral implications of holiness
1 Thessalonians 4:7 – For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. NIV
2 Corinthians 7:1 – Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. NIV
Galatians 5:19-21 and Revelation 2:14
Inductive Bible Study Questions
to be used with individual Key Scriptures
- What is the primary point of this passage?
- How does this passage challenge us?
- How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
- What does this passage teach us about God?
- What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
- What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
- What does this passage ask or require of us?
Key Scriptures Bible Study
to be used when studying all Key Scriptures together
- Did any of the scriptures given surprise you? Explain
- Did any of the scriptures given confuse you? Explain
- Did any of the scriptures given comfort or excite you?
- How would you sum up these scriptures to another?
- What implications do these scriptures have for our lives?
- Which of these scriptures would you find it valuable to memorize?
DISCUSSION GUIDES
GROWING EXERCISES
- Living a holy life requires keeping our focus on God and his goodness rather than the enticing temptations of this world. Make an exhaustive list of all the qualities you appreciate about God: his love, faithfulness, care, providence, etc. Practice praising God daily for each of these qualities for two full weeks. Discuss the experience with your friend or mentor. Does praising God everyday enable you to be more conscious of him during the day? During this this time did you find it easier to resist temptation? How was your attitude towards God and doing the right things during this time? Would you recommend this exercise to others?
- Living a holy life is much easier when our love and appreciation for God is strong. Make an exhaustive list of all of the blessings God provides in your life: physical, material, relational and spiritual. Practice thanking God daily for each blessing for two full weeks. Discuss your experience with your friend or mentor. Did you find that you were more cheerful during this time? Did this exercise change your attitude about God and the things of God during this time? During this this time did you find it easier to resist temptation? Would you recommend this exercise to others?
- Living a holy life often requires self-control. One of the purposes of fasting is to develop self-control. Practice fasting one meal per day for one full week for the purpose of seeking God during that time. Discuss the experience with your friend or mentor. How difficult was the experience? What did this experience reveal about your self-control? Do you feel that fasting on a regular basis may improve your self-control in other areas? Would you recommend this exercise to others?
- Part of living a holy life is keep a short reign on sin. Practice confessing your sin to God daily for two full weeks. To do this you will need to be ever conscious of your thoughts attitudes and behaviors? You may also wish to keep an accessible log somewhere to remind you each day. Discuss the experience with your friend or mentor. Did this practice make you think twice about sinful thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that you typically find easy to commit? Did your list get shorter over the two weeks? Did other sins come to mind as time went on? Is this a practice you feel you wish to continue indefinitely? Would you recommend this exercise to others?
- If holiness is defined as godliness or godly character, find or create a list of the qualities of God. Circle the qualities we can emulate as human beings. Discuss this list with your friend or mentor. What is the difference between the qualities we can emulate and the ones we can’t? Why or why not does this list seem overwhelming to you? Is this something you can do in your own strength? How and why must we depend on God to live this way? Does this give insight to the phrases ‘Walking in the Spirit’ and ‘Walking in the flesh?’ How does the power of the gospel itself give the ability to live well? How is holiness a matter of faith and grace rather than human effort?
- Holiness is related to character and integrity. Identify the three highest character Christians in your life. Take them to coffee or lunch to discuss the following questions. How do you respond to the fact that I (and others) see you as a person of spiritual character and integrity? What is your secret: where do you find the inspiration or strength to live for God? How have you been able to overcome temptations or spiritual weaknesses in your life? Are there any practices or habits that make it easier for you to seek God? What advice would you give to someone wishing to seek God and live for him?
- Find and develop an accountability partner to help you with reoccurring sins or character weaknesses. The best person for this may be your ‘Thrive 316’ friend or mentor, but it does not have to be. Share your particular struggles with other with the goal of encouragement and accountability. Below are some sample accountability questions.
- Have you spent time with God this week?
- Have you spent time reading or studying the Bible this week?
- Have you spent quality time with your spouse and children this week?
- Have you remained morally pure and totally faithful this week?
- Have you struggled this week with any particular sin or weakness?
- Have you honored God with your relationships this week at home, work, and church?
- Have you shared your faith this week and been a faithful witness?
- Have you just lied to me regarding any of the above questions?
RECOMMENDED READING
- Into the Depths of God by Calvin Miller
- The Utter Relief of Holiness by John Eldridge
- The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
- Rediscovering Holiness by J.I. Packer
- Tempted and Tried by Russell Moore
- A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson
- The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
- Brand Jesus: Christianity in a Consumer Age by Tyler Wigg Stevenson
- The Trivialization of God by Donald McCullough
- Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot
- Holiness by Henry Blackaby