Category: Holiness
Subject: Holiness
Sojourners and Pilgrims
The apostle Peter made an impassioned petition to the Christians to whom he wrote in 1 Peter 2:11-12, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles…” What are these fleshly lusts?
First, the terms defined. 1) “fleshly” (sarkikos) under the control of the animal appetites; 2) “lusts” (epithumia) craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden. (Thayer). So, in our context, fleshly lusts are those desires that come from the basest parts of man — desires that are forbidden by God.
The Bible explicitly names many of these. A partial list includes: premarital and extramarital sex, including homosexuality; covetousness; murder; strife; deceit; violence; pride; gossip; anger; willfulness; rebellion; envy; idolatry; lewdness; hatred; jealousy; drunkenness; partying (revelries); extortion; stealing (cf. Romans 1:28-32; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
When we become Christians, we become new creatures. This world is no longer our home, and our lives should mirror that reality. When we live righteous lives, we will be thought strange by those who act on those fleshly lusts. No matter, for our desire is for our Lord. We are pilgrims in a strange land — heaven is our home!
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Sermon: The Relationship Between God and Man
Our God is Sovereign and Holy. He requires holiness of us. When we do good, He blesses us. When we choose to do evil, God’s righteous nature requires punishment. But, it is His desire the men be saved, not lost.
Sermon: The Glory of God
God’s glory compels His children to live by faith, to be holy in conduct, and to offer continual praise to His name. If we do so, we are promised we will share in His glory!
Sermon: Christians Are…
The various ways that Christians are described – As disciples, saints, brothers, believers, sons of God – all teach important lessons regarding our relationship and obligations to God.
Sermon: What is the Opposite of a Saint?
A saint is one who God has separated from the world. He is to be holy in his conduct. The opposite of such holiness is a profane life. It is not possible for a child of God to persist in sin!
Invitation: Why Should You Live a Holy Life?
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 1 Peter 1:15-16 Peter gives us the single and completely sufficient reason a Christian should live his life differently than those around him.
The Holiness of God
Lesson 1 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.
Using the Old Testament to establish and illustrate God’s Holiness, the lesson makes an important application: As our God is Holy, we also must be holy in every aspect of our life as His children.
Video: The Holiness of God
This great lesson by Jeremiah Cox argues that as we draw closer to God, we must become more and more holy in the life we life for Him. "Because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:16).
Posted by West Side church of Christ on Saturday, November 5, 2016
Sermon: The Burning Bush
God’s conversation with Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3, reveals important lessons about God’s presence, and the importance of a sanctified life in response to His redemptive plan.
Sermon: “Be holy, for I am holy”
Sermon by Armando Vera
God is holy, and as sanctified individuals, Christians must live their lives in a holy way before Him.
Invitation: Gird up the loins of your mind
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
1 Peter 1:13-16 teaches that we rest our hope fully on the grace of God by preparing ourselves to live righteous lives.
The danger of false perceptions
I am writing this short article while Debbie is driving on the highway between Diboll and Fort Worth. On Texas highways it is common for the speed limit to be 70-75 miles an hour. If you were to be driving in a residential area at that speed, it would be considered very reckless. If you were driving your car at 75 miles per hour, and had to weave in and around other cars going only 35-40 miles an hour, your perception of your own speed would probably scare you.
However, when everyone is going 75 or 80 miles an hour, (especially if you have been going that speed for quite a while), the perception is very different. It just doesn’t seem that fast! As a result, you have people who drive in an unsafe manner, despite the speed. They may tailgate, give insufficient space between cars when changing lanes, fail to use turn signals, etc. At 75 miles per hour!
Sermon: The Potter and the Clay
God is the Potter, we are the clay. We must allow him to prepare us for His use.
Invitation: Sanctification
Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox
Joshua 7, detailing the reasons behind the defeat of Israel at Ai shows that in order to be accepted by God, we must be holy before Him.
Sermon: Now That I’m A Christian
Speaker: Dennis Craig
Certain responsibilites and privileges follow one who becomes a Christian. The sermon discusses these things that follow becoming a child of God:
- Rejoice for Salvation
- Be Holy
- Study God’s Word
- Pray to God
- Assemble with the Saints
- Pepare for the Future
