WEEK FOUR: Holiness

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
1 Peter1:16
Opening Thoughts:

Friends, we spent last week looking at God’s expectations based on a passage from Deuteronomy; this week we’re going to take a look at another expectation from the New Testament. We’re going to study holiness… a trait I associated with God, but really didn’t understand until I worked through this study. I pray God teaches you in the same powerful way He did me! This is not a topic to take lightly, it’s something we can always learn more about and it’s so needed in our world today. This chapter contains some hard truths, but encouraging promises. I pray you walk into this lesson with open hearts and a willing mind.

A Word of Encouragement:

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul says,“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” These words are easy to read and simple to understand, but they are so important to remember!

I can recall looking up to people all through my life. As an elementary student I admired older girls in my 4-H club, as a junior high athlete I respected high school players and as a new teacher I learned from the experienced ones. When I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, I was blessed by more mature believers and the example they set.

It’s easy for me to think about the mentors in my life and be grateful for the role they play, but as I studied holiness I thought about the other role in this relationship. Friend, we are to learn from and be encouraged by others, but as daughters of the King and followers of Christ, we too set an example. Others are watching you and me and they need to see Jesus. The more we know about holiness, the better we are able to live it out. As you study holiness I pray you remember the value of doing so – living holy will impact you, but it also make a difference in the lives of those around you!

Closing Questions:

Let’s start simple:

  • Football season is underway… do you have a favorite team? If so, who do you cheer for? If not, what fall activity do you enjoy when time allows?
  • What do you know of holy?

Going a bit deeper:

  • What role does holiness play in the life of the believer? Are you living a holy life?
  • What did you learn about as you completed the study on sin?
  • Share your take-away from this chapter.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, As I embark on another chapter, I ask you for a humble heart and teachable spirit. Prepare my heart and mind for what you know I need to learn. Open my ears so that I will listen and my eyes so I can see. Lord, your Word tells me to be holy as you are holy. Help me understand what that means and how it is possible. Draw we into your Word. Teach me and transform me Lord. Thank you for the example Jesus set of holiness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen