Perfecting Holiness

Jeremy Paschall
04/26/15 - Sunday AM Worship

1. Introduction
   • The words "holy", "sanctify", etc. appear more than 100 times in the NASB
   • These words are used in two senses:
     • The consequences of our conversion into Christ (1 Cor. 3:17; 6:11; Col. 1:22;3:12; 1 Pet 2:5)
     • The character of God, into which we should continually grow. (Eph. 1:4; 2:21; 5:27; 1 Th 3:13; 4:3-7; Heb. 12:10; 1 Pet. 1:14-16; 2 Pet. 3:11)
   • It is in this second sense... (2 Cor. 7:1)
   • How is that accomplished? How do we develop and perfect / complete holiness in our lives?
2. God's word. (Jn. 17:17)
   • God has not required that for which He has not provided the instructions (cf. Lev)
   • Garbage in, garbage out; Right in, right out. (Rom. 10:17; 12:1-2; Eph 4:23)
   • It is God's word by which we grow. (Acts 20:32)
3. God's people. (1 Cor. 15:33)
   • People influence people, for better or for worse.
   • It is possible to be influenced away from holiness, but it is also possible to be influenced toward it. (Pr. 27:17; Heb 10:23-25)
4. Self-discipline (2 Cor. 7:1)
   • A process, of which Paul is our example to follow - focus, perseverance, discipline. (1 Cor 9:24-27)
   • Israel illustrates failure in these ways (10:1-13)
5. Conclusion (1 Th 4:3; 1 Pet 1:14-16)
   • As with any worth pursuit, "perfecting holiness" will not happen by accident...
   • But only when we diligently pursue those means which God has prescribed.