A Call To Holiness

By Pastor Trent

… just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:22-33

I remember clear as day. June 26, 1992 at 2 p.m. The doors to the sanctuary flew open and my heart raced with excitement as my bride began to glide down the center aisle. My eyes locked onto her in her beautiful white dress and angelic face in anticipation of what was to come. Pamela Hope Dowdy was MY bride on that day and continues to be MY bride today! The greatest gift that she gave me on that day was not her looks or her love. It was her purity! When Pam was thirteen, she made a promise to God that she would not kiss a man until her wedding day. A promise that many scoff at, but one that made me know that her heart, and the rest of her, belonged to me and me alone! Words can’t express how awesome it was to know that seeing her in white truly was a symbol of her purity and holiness before God and everyone in attendance that day.

The image of the church as the Bride of Christ is familiar many of us. Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is His bride. That image illustrates the kind of relationship we have with Jesus. As with any healthy marriage our relationship to Christ ought to be marked by love, commitment, faithfulness and sacrifice. We know that Christ models all of those traits to us and He expects His bride, the church, to reciprocate.

Likewise, our bridegroom, Jesus, wants us to be a “holy” bride, unstained and untarnished by the world. Ephesians 5:22-33 teaches us much about marriage. But tucked into this passage is a powerful statement about what our bridegroom can do for us that no human bridegroom can do. Paul says in Ephesians 5:26-27 that Christ would “present her (the church) to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” It is God’s will for His bride to be holy. As part of the bride of Christ, we must strive to live pure lives for the sake of our Groom! This is not easy. In fact, if it were up to our own efforts, it would be impossible. But, thank God, our holiness is enabled by the power of the One who desires our purity. Jesus is the one who makes us holy, and He is the One who helps us to live holy lives.

Back to my wedding day. Though Pam and I had never met when she made the commitment to purity at the age of thirteen, she lived in anticipation for the day when we would be together as husband and wife. Likewise, though we have not seen our Groom, we must live daily with the anticipation that we will one day be presented to Him as His bride for all eternity. That knowledge should motivate us to live our lives pure, unspotted from the world!

Read Ephesians 5:1-33.

Week One: Bride (Reflection and Discussion Questions)

Read Hosea 1:2-3, 2:14-20 and 14:1-9. What do you find most shocking about God’s instructions to the prophet Hosea? What does Hosea’s faithfulness to Gomer in spite of her unfaithfulness in return teach us about God’s faithfulness to his people?

Read Ephesians 5:21-33. What are the similarities between a husband and wife in a marriage relationship with that of Christ and his church? In what way does Christ make his church holy?

According to the following scriptures, what specifically does Christ do for or because of his bride?

Isaiah 62:5—

Revelations 19:8—

Revelations 21:2-4—

What benefits might Zion experience if a greater number of us had a clearer picture of what it means to be Christ’s bride?

What one principle or insight that stands out as being particularly helpful,
insightful, or difficult to grasp from this morning's message?



Read Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:1-5. In these passages, the apostles Paul and
Peter give instructions to elders (pastors). Based on the message this
morning and these scriptures discuss what the "job description" of a pastor
ought to look like.



Titus 1:5-9 (as well as 1 Timothy 3:1-7) lists requirements for
elders/pastors. From this list, what do we learn about the character and
behavior of an elder/pastor.


While specifically applicable to elders/pastors, this list is beneficial to
all Christ-followers. Take some time to evaluate your life in light of these
character qualities. Is there any specific area you feel called to grow?

Blameless-(above reproach, unaccused) see also Colossians 1:21-22

Husband-(can be translated "a one woman man") see also 1 Timothy 3:2

Explorers, this is a good opportunity to challenge men to be the spiritual
leaders God desires them to be. Hearts Design, in 1 Timothy 3:11 Paul
addresses women, "In the same way..." There is a difference of opinion about
whether Paul means to address the wives of deacons or the office of
deaconess. Regardless, while the office of elder/pastor is reserved for men,
the character qualities and giftedness applies ("in the same way") to both
men and women.

Not wild or disobedient-(not wasteful) see also Ephesians 5:18

Not overbearing-(not self-pleasing) see also 2 Peter 2:10

Not quick-tempered-(not irritable) see also Ephesians 4:26

Not given to drunkenness-(not addicted to wine) see also 1 Timothy 3:3

Not violent-(not pugnacious) see also 1 Timothy 3:3

Not pursuing dishonest gain-(sordid gain, not greedy) see also 1 Timothy 3:8

Hospitable-(welcomes guests) see also 1 Peter 4:9

Loves what is good-(promoter of virtue) see also 2 Timothy 3:3

Self-controlled-(sound) see also 2 Timothy 1:7

Upright-(honest, righteous) see also Hebrews 11:4

Holy-(devout) see also 1 Thessalonians 2:10

Disciplined-(focused) see also 1 Corinthians 9:25

Read Hebrews 13:7 and 17. Why does the idea of obeying church leaders sound
so jarring? What advantage do we receive through obedience?