Brookfield Church of Christ
Jul 21, 2024 Sun a.m. 1 Samuel 6:20
Can I Be Holy?
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      • 1 Samuel 6.20NIV2011

  • 1 Samuel 6:20 ESV
    20 Then the men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?”
    ​
    "Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? And to whom shall it go up from us?"

    Central Idea:

    God's awe-inspiring holiness calls believers to pursue a holy life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, making holiness attainable through His divine enablement.

    Sermon Body:

    Introduction:
    Beloved, our theme for 2024, "Spiritually Mature in Truth," challenges us to delve deeper into godly living. For the month of July, we focus on "Living a Life of Holiness," grounded in Hebrews 12:14. Today, we ask: "Can I Be Holy?" Our scripture, 1 Samuel 6:20, reveals the reverence and awe the Israelites had for God’s holiness. They acknowledged that standing before a holy God requires more than mere human effort; it demands divine intervention and grace.
    Illustration:
    Consider the image of a sculptor working diligently on a rough piece of marble. With each calculated chisel strike, he gradually transforms it into a stunning masterpiece. In our spiritual journey, we are like that marble. God's word and the Holy Spirit are the sculptor's tools, diligently working to refine us into a reflection of His holiness. Much like the marble, we start in a raw and unshaped form, full of imperfections. Yet, under the masterful hand of God, we are steadily refined and perfected. This illustration reminds us that holiness is not an overnight transformation but a progressive work of God's Spirit in our lives. The call to holiness requires surrendering to the sculptor's hand and allowing Him to shape us according to His divine will.

    I. Understanding Holiness

    God's Holiness Defined
    ​
    Leviticus 19:2 ESV
    2 “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
    Understanding Holiness
    1. Imitating God’s Nature
    2. Set Apart for God’s Purpose
    3. Obedience to God’s Laws
    4. Relationship with God
    ​
    1. Imitating God’s Nature:
    • Divine Standard: Holiness is rooted in the character of God. God’s holiness is the ultimate standard for human holiness.
    • Moral Purity: Holiness involves living a life that reflects God’s moral purity, avoiding sin, and adhering to God’s commandments.
    2. Set Apart for God’s Purpose:
    • Consecration: Being holy means being set apart for God’s special purpose, distinct from common or secular use.
    • Dedicated Service: This involves dedicating one’s life to serving God and fulfilling His will.
    3. Obedience to God’s Laws:
    • Living by God’s Commands: Holiness requires obedience to the laws and commandments given by God. In Leviticus 19, various laws regarding ethical and ritual behavior follow the command to be holy, illustrating what it means to live a holy life.
    • Reflecting God’s Will: Following these laws is a way to reflect God’s will and character in everyday life.
    4. Relationship with God:
    • Covenantal Relationship: Being holy is part of maintaining a covenant relationship with God, demonstrating loyalty and faithfulness to Him.
    • Reflecting God’s Glory: As God’s chosen people, Israel was to reflect His holiness to the world, showcasing His glory and goodness.
    ​
    In summary, to be holy as recorded in Leviticus 19:2 means to embody the moral and ethical purity of God, to be set apart for His purposes, to live in obedience to His commandments, and to reflect His nature in every aspect of life. This involves a personal and communal commitment to living according to God’s standards and serving as a testament to His holiness.
    ​

    II. The Call to Personal Holiness

    Our personal holiness has an example: Becoming Like Christ
    ​
    1 Peter 1:15–16 ESV
    15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
    Scripture teaches us to be like our creator, Holy!
    The world offers one way of living, which is not Holy. We are to be conformed to what is Holy.
    Romans 12:1–2 ESV
    1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
    Turn from the common teaching and ways of our carnal society and turn to Him who gave us what we need to be like Him who saved us.
    ​
    2 Timothy 1:9 ESV
    9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
    Holiness is only achieved with God’s help.
    ​

    Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

    ​
    Acts 1:8 ESV
    8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
    it is God’s power that makes Holiness possible.
    ​
    Galatians 5:22–23 ESV
    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
    this is what the Spirit produces…
    ​
    Ephesians 5:18 ESV
    18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
    avoid things that war against the Spirit, because it is the power of our Holiness…
    ​
    ​

    III. Objections and Counterarguments

    "I am not perfect; how can I be holy?"

    ​
    Philippians 3:12 ESV
    12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
    Never give up
    ​
    Hebrews 11:6 ESV
    6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
    Make your faith steadfast and immovable
    ​
    2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
    9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
    weaknesses are not the excuses to quit, they are the sacrifices we turn over to God…

    "The world is full of temptation."

    ​
    James 4:7 ESV
    7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
    wrestle, struggle, strive, flee, these we are capable of doing if we have the will
    ​
    1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
    13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
    temptation is common, just like wind resistance to a car, but the Lord can make us aero-dynamic to cut through the natural obstacles of going forward
    ​
    Matthew 6:13 ESV
    13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
    pray that the Lord will remove some of the things in our way, and or equip us to overcome them

    "Isn't holiness only for some people or leaders?"

    ​
    Titus 2:11–12 ESV
    11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
    everyone can walk in light
    everyone receives the grace of God
    what will we do with it?
    ​
    1 Thessalonians 4:7 ESV
    7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
    (next slide)
    ​
    Ephesians 4:24 ESV
    24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
    walk in the newness of life
    ​
    ​
    Conclusion:
    My beloved, let us remember that as children of God, we are called to be holy just as He is holy. Let us not underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit within us, who equips us and empowers us to live a life of holiness. May we always strive towards godliness and continually seek God for strength and guidance in our journey towards spiritual maturity. Let us go forth, living confidently and boldly as ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His holiness to the world. So let us continue to grow in holiness, knowing that it is not by our own efforts but through God's grace and divine intervention that we can truly become holy. Amen.
    ​
    Invitation to Take Action:
    Brothers and sisters, let us commit to living a life of holiness. This is not a journey of perfection but continuous growth and reliance on God. We can embody the holiness that reflects God's character through our dedication and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. Let's pray, asking for God's help to live out this holy calling.
    ​
    Review Questions:
    True or False:
    1. True or False: Holiness is only attainable by a select few.
    - False
    2. True or False: Holiness requires the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
    - True
    Multiple Choice:
    3. According to 2 Timothy 1:9, we are called to a holy calling:
    A) Based on our good works
    B) According to His own purpose and grace
    C) Through our own strength
    D) Because we are perfect
    Answer: B) According to His own purpose and grace
    4. Which scripture assures us that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear?
    A) Philippians 3:12
    B) Ephesians 4:24
    C) 1 Corinthians 10:13
    D) Galatians 5:22-23
    Answer: C) 1 Corinthians 10:13
    5. How does Ephesians 5:18 advise us to live as opposed to being drunk with wine?
    A) Be filled with the Spirit
    B) Practice self-discipline
    C) Depend on our own understanding
    D) Follow the law strictly
    Answer: A) Be filled with the Spirit
    6. What does Romans 12:1-2 urge believers to do with their bodies?
    A) Treat them as their own possession
    B) Present them as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God
    C) Conform to the world’s standards
    D) Rely on human wisdom
    Answer: B) Present them as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God
    7. What should our lives reflect, according to 1 Peter 1:15-16?
    a) The world's standards
    b) Our own desires and ambitions
    c) God's holiness
    d) Our personal preferences
    Answer: c) God's holiness
    Essay Question:
    8. Reflect on the concept of holiness as presented in the sermon above. Discuss how believers can practically strive for holiness in their daily lives, integrating biblical references and personal application. How does the empowering of the Holy Spirit facilitate this process, and what role does faith play in overcoming the challenges of temptation and imperfection?
    Answer:
    The concept of holiness, as outlined in the sermon, is both a divine calling and a practical pursuit for believers. To strive for holiness in daily life, believers must respond to the injunction in Romans 12:1-2 by presenting their bodies as living sacrifices, and by not conforming to the patterns of this world. This involves adopting a lifestyle marked by spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and worship, as well as embodying the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
    The empowering of the Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in our journey towards holiness. Acts 1:8 states that believers receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. This divine empowerment is essential, as it equips us to overcome our natural tendencies and walk in righteousness. Ephesians 5:18 further advises believers to be filled with the Spirit, highlighting the continuous need for spiritual renewal and dependence on divine strength rather than our own efforts.
    Faith is crucial in navigating the challenges of temptation and imperfection. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that faith is necessary to please God, emphasizing trust in His ability to reward those who earnestly seek Him. The assurance found in 1 Corinthians 10:13, that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, provides comfort and a pathway to victory over sin. By submitting to God and resisting the devil as James 4:7 advises, believers can triumph over temptations. Additionally, understanding that God's grace is sufficient, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 12:9, helps believers rely less on their perfection and more on God's perfect strength.
    In conclusion, striving for holiness involves a balanced approach of practical daily actions, reliance on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, and unwavering faith. By integrating these elements, believers can rise above the challenges of this world and reflect the holiness that God calls them to exhibit.
    References:
    The Holy Bible, New King James Version"How to be Holy," Got Questions Ministries - https://www.gotquestions.org/how-to-be-holy.html"What Does It Mean to Be Holy?" Crosswalk.com - https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/what-does-it

      • 1 Samuel 6:20RSV

      • Leviticus 19:2RSV

      • 1 Peter 1:15–16RSV

      • Romans 12:1–2RSV

      • 2 Timothy 1:9RSV

      • Acts 1:8RSV

      • Galatians 5:22–23RSV

      • Ephesians 5:18RSV

      • Philippians 3:12RSV

      • Hebrews 11:6RSV

      • 2 Corinthians 12:9RSV

      • James 4:7RSV

      • 1 Corinthians 10:13RSV

      • Matthew 6:13RSV

      • Titus 2:11–12RSV

      • 1 Thessalonians 4:7RSV

      • Ephesians 4:24RSV

      • 1 Corinthians 11:23–24NIV2011

      • 1 Corinthians 11:25–27NKJV

      • 2 Corinthians 9:7NIV2011

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Brookfield Church of Christ
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https://brookfieldcoc.faithlifesites.com
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