Many of us on occasion have labored to know “God’s
will” for a specific area of our life. These often involve life’s “big”
decisions such as, “Whom shall I marry?” or “What vocation should I pursue?” There is one aim of the Holy Spirit for which
every Christian can be assured: holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and 7 reads, “For
this is the will of God, your sanctification… For God did not call us to
uncleanness, but in holiness” (NKJV). Bible teacher and author Jerry Bridges
defines holiness as “to be morally blameless… separated from sin and, therefore,
consecrated to God” (The Pursuit of
Holiness, page 19).
Positionally before God the Christian has been
made holy at the moment of salvation (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). The Holy Spirit
is at work day by day in the life of the Christian aligning his daily practice
with his position. Jerry Bridges explains, “Progressive sanctification is not a
partnership with the Spirit in the sense that we each - the believer and the
Holy Spirit - do our respective tasks. Rather, we work as He enables us to
work. His work lies behind all our work and makes our work possible.”
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 and Ephesians 4:25-32.
What practical insights do these Scriptures provide for how we ought to pursue
holiness in everyday life?
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8--
Ephesians 4:25-32--
Application
In Galatians 5:22-23 the Apostle Paul describes
living holy as bearing spiritual fruit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is…” How
are you observing the fruit of the Spirit in your life? What areas are you
sensing the Holy Spirit leading you to greater reliance?
Love (1 John 2:10)
Joy
(Philippians 4:4)
Peace (Philippians 4:7)
Forbearance (Philippians
4:5)
Kindness (2 Corinthians 6:6)
Goodness
(Ephesians 5:9)
Faithfulness (Matthew 25:21)
Gentleness (Colossians 3:12)
Self-control (2 Peter 1:6)
Memorize This
Galatians 5:16— So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify
the desires of the flesh. NIV
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