Holiness – Part 3
Bibleway Christian Life Centre
1. Holiness Requires Personal Effort
A. Although sanctification is a work of the Spirit, holiness does not come to us as we passively wait for it, but rather is developed as we actively and positively seek it. This means that it will require personal effort on our part. It is our responsibility to disciple the flesh, resist the Devil, mortify the deeds of the body and to actively implement the spiritual principles of God’s word. (Rom. 6:11-13, Jam. 4:7-8, 1 Cor. 9:26-27, 2 Cor. 7:1, Heb. 12:1)
B. It is only through fulfilling our obligations that we give the Spirit liberty to produce holiness in us. In other words, you do your part and He’ll do this. (For scriptures, see above)
2. Holiness Is a Gradual Development
A. Holiness takes time to develop. The basic nature of holiness is the production of spiritual fruit. Fruit never ripens in one day but grows steadily. Patience and diligence are, therefore, two very important elements contributing to the development of the spiritual fruit. (Heb. 12:1, Jam. 5:7-8, Gal. 5:22-23)
B. You ought not to be discouraged if you are not a perfect Christian after three months, but should patiently and diligently deal with your faults/shortcomings one at a time. You will often find that the Holy Spirit will deal with specific areas in your life. You should make these areas your priority, e.g., the Holy Spirit may begin to deal with your concerning your speech. You should patiently study the scriptures applicable to this area and faithfully implement the spiritual principles discovered.
3. Practical Advice to Seekers of Holiness
A. You should pray every day at set times. You will find that the power of a daily appointment with God is irreplaceable.
B. You should read the Bible daily (at least one chapter a day). This will help to replenish your thought life.
C. You should meditate in God’s word day and night. This can be done in one of many ways. Here are two examples:
1. You can either memorize a verse or a group of verses daily and ponder upon it throughout the day, i.e., trying to grasp from it as much as possible, or
2. You could learn the basic content of a particular story in the Bible and meditate upon its meanings and morals.
D. Always try to apply scriptures to your own personal life.
E. Always fellowship with ‘good Christians’.
F. Get involved in everything your church is doing, i.e., Sunday school, early morning prayer chains, prayer meetings, cell groups, outings, bible studies and witnessing.
G. Do your best to avoid television viewing as much as possible.
H. Support your church in every way possible. This includes your skills, your time, your finances and your prayers.
I. Do your best to fast at least once a month. Fasting is an aid to prayer and will increase your faith.
J. Be obedient to the pastoral authority, leadership and guidance in the church.
K. If you have a problem that you cannot handle, or are embarrassed to share with friends, don’t die of ignorance. Share it with your pastor.
Holiness – Part 3 True/false answers
Please indicate whether the statements below are either true or false.
1. Because sanctification is a work of the Spirit, we must simply wait for it
and it will come True/false
2. Holiness requires no personal effort on our part True/false
3. Holiness does not take time to develop True/false
4. You must try to deal with all of your shortcomings immediately. True/false
5. You should pray and read your Bible whenever you get the chance True/false
6. You should always fellowship with ‘good’ Christians True/false
7. You must not get too involved in the church True/false
8. Television viewing can be helpful True/false
9. You should fast at least once a year True/false
10. You should only obey pastoral authority if you feel led to True/false
11. If you have a problem that you cannot handle, keep it to yourself
and it will work itself out True/false
This article ‘Holiness – Part 3’ was excerpted from: Milk of the Word: Discipleship Manual by Bibleway Christian Life Centre. 1993. It may be used for study & research purposes only.
