Lesson 7 Extra Day - Holiness Thoughts
Could it be that even though we may become aware of the basic meaning of holiness, the knowledge of the truth does not grip us so that it changes our lives. We may argue that this view of holiness is an idealistic and unattainable view. The question we should address is whether it is the biblical view.
An example from the life of Paul helps me appreciate the idealism of Scripture and the fact that idealism is to be our own goal.
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, (Colossians 1:28 - 2:2)In this passage Paul twice uses the word "struggling" to describe his ministry. He said he was struggling to present everyone perfect in Christ. This word struggling has the sense of agonizing.
Granted this is the ideal. But we must pray and work for the ideal, for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16)
posted by Bill @ 9:02 AM
1 Comments:
Hi Bill,
I have also been "struggling" with understanding holiness more fully this week. I think it's important to know what exactly God was asking of the Israelites, and what He is asking of us through Peter. I understand your thought. Almost everyone can quote the verse "be holy as I am holy", but we tend to look at that as beyond our ability, shrug our shoulders and move on.
I like Thirdtim's explanation that God is able to create in us what He asks of us, through Jesus. We are made holy when we go to Him in repentance. But I would add another component, and that is our separateness from the world.
God wanted His people to be different from the tribes that surrounded them, that worshipped idols, that participated in evil practices. He called them out, and set them apart.
The new testament word for "saint" is often the same as the word "holy". That means to me, that we are also called out, and set apart for God's own purposes. That should definitely start from the inside out, but should ultimately look different on the outside as well. Peter is asking the persecuted church to focus on renewing their minds, and bringing their behavior into alignment with God's holy standards.
As I learn more of what God expects from me, I pray that He gives me a greater love for the people that He loves, and a hatred for the things that He detests. That alone will make me an alien in this foreign land, and give me opportunity to share the reason for the hope that I have.
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