God requires nothing of His children that He Himself will not provide, including the understanding and grace to be holy as He is holy. Searching out the matter has drawn us closer to Him and His glory.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

Now that we have discovered the importance, the meaning, and the way of God for being holy, we will explore the Scriptures for specific instruction for our joining Him in the work. Which, by the way, is an important truth to recognize before we move on.

Our becoming and being holy is God’s work. He is working in us to will and to do to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). His Son, our Good King and Captain, has promised to make all who follow Him disciples and fisher of men (Mark 1:17). The Holy Spirit has come to sanctify us through belief in the truth (2Thessalonians 2:13). Our role, as they say, is to trust and obey.

So, as we continue to search out this matter of holiness, set your mind in this truth: Holiness is not a burden to carry, or even a responsibility to achieve, but an opportunity to join the Creator of the universe in the good work He desires to accomplish in you. Holiness is a blessing and a privilege.

God’s Instruction for Our Participation

The following passages give us several ways to join the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as they work to make us holy. Find one or two that speak to you, receive God’s word for faith (Romans 10:17), and ask Him to stir the desire in your heart for obedience.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1Peter 1:13-16

The way we think about holiness is important. Don’t allow your carnal mind to distract or discourage you from the exercise. Step into God’s promise of the grace necessary to resist conformity with your former lusts and allow the Holy Spirit to transform you by the renewing of your mind in this matter.

I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. Romans 6:19

Simply present your members to God as slaves of His righteousness. As Him to command you, that you might be obedient unto holiness.

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2Corinthians 7:1

Allow the fear of our holy God – For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29) – to motivate your response.

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. John 17:17-19

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth… 2Thessalonians 2:13

The Holy Spirit uses the truth to sanctify us. The truth will make us free from uncleanness and lawlessness (Romans 6:19, above). We are protected from the enemies’ deception when we receive the love of the truth.

Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. Hebrews 13:12-13

Sanctification requires a separation from the things of this world. We must resign ourselves to, and even embrace, the reproach of the world; and the same from those in the church who are convicted by our holiness.

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 1Corinthians 1:30

Lastly, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit accomplish Their work, we must regularly remind ourselves, lest we become haughty, that Christ Jesus is our sanctification. To Him be the glory!

Thank you for tracking with me through this study. Let me know how I can help you enjoy God’s way for being holy. There are several disciplines given to promote our holiness before God and man. Contact me for a few suggestions. And, in the meantime…

God bless you with a word for faith, and the stirring of your heart’s desire for holiness.

Have a strong day in the Lord,

Rob

#iamjustthepen