God's Purpose for Us
Friday, August 4, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, you are holy. Because you are holy, you require me to walk in your holiness. I admit that I can’t do this alone, but I ask that your Spirit would empower me to live righteously before you and others. I want to pursue holiness because you have called me to live in this way. I ask that you would grant me the grace to follow your calling. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen.
God’s Word Today – Jude 20-25
“20 But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. 21 Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. 22 Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.”
“24 And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. 25 All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
The fifth and final challenge I want to give New Life is found in the second part of Jude 23. It says, “There are still others whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.” New Life, PURSUE HOLINESS! Don’t be contaminated by the world’s agenda and philosophy. Jesus says in Matthew 5:48, “But you are to be perfect, even as you Father in heaven is perfect.” Another way of saying it – be “holy” as God is holy. Friends, Jesus would never command us to do something that was impossible for us to do. We can’t be holy by our own strength, but by the grace of God, and by the power of the Holy Spirit – God can make us holy. He can make us righteous in His sight. It doesn’t mean that we’ll never sin again, but it does mean that God’s grace is sufficient enough to make us holy if we choose to obey Him. Don’t be contaminated by love for money, or the quest for power and position, or by the desire for comfort. Make holiness your greatest ambition in life. We’re to allow the Holy Spirit to share and form us into the image and likeness of Jesus. As you deal with one another, as you deal with your neighbors, your friends, your classmates, and your co-workers – live in a way that honors God. New Life pursue holiness!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
Is holiness possible? Why or why not?
In Matthew 5:58, why does Jesus command us to be perfect?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
What does it mean to be holy?
How can we be made holy?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
What does a “holy” life look like?
How can you live in holiness today?
Who’s watching your life today? Why should this inspire you to live in holiness?
Thoughts
When we talk about serving the Lord in “holiness,” many of us become intimidated by the word “holy.” The thought of us becoming holy, seems so distant and foreign to us. The truth is, without Jesus Christ, this is true – we can’t be holy on our own. But as followers of Jesus, we can live in holiness because of the power of the Holy Spirit. His power equips us so that we might be “perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). We should never short change the power of the Holy Spirit to purify us and make us holy. He’s the one that sanctifies us and sets us apart for God’s holy purpose.
As a church, God has called the people of New Life to live in holiness. This means that we’re not only to live for God on Sunday, but throughout the entire week. We’re to live for Him even when nobody’s watching us. In fact, our lives speak the most about our true nature when no others are watching. God calls us to serve Him not only in public, but also in private. We are to be holy in every thought, word, and action. Others are watching us, and it’s important that they see that our words are matched with our actions. Take time today to ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live in holiness. Without holiness, we can’t see God!
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