Holiness is a daily battle

What prevents us from being holy?

• External influences
• Pride
• Doubt

This battle takes on two forms:

• External
• Internal

We are being lied to by external influences all around us:

• Godless society
• Moral relativism
  • The idea that there is no absolute right and wrong.
  • Judges 17:6; 21:25
• Pluralistic ideology
  • The idea that we’re all going to heaven, just on different paths.
  • This is somewhat related to the idea of multiculturalism when it is applied to religion.
  • Isaiah 5:20

Reminders:

• Romans 12:1-2 – Don’t conform, be transformed
• II Corinthians 6:17 – Come out and be separate
• I Peter 1:15-16 – We CAN be holy

Battle – Ephesians 6:10-13

• Ephesians 6:10 – Be strong
• Ephesians 6:11 – Put on armor; stand firm against devil’s schemes
• Ephesians 6:12 – Struggle not against flesh/blood

External battle … with Satan

• He is an active enemy … but one we can fight
  • James 4:7 – Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Singing has always been important to God’s people.

• Exodus 15:1-7 – The song of Moses.
• I Samuel 18:6-7
• The book of Psalms is a collection of the songs of God’s people.
  • Psalms 72

Congregational singing is a fellowship.

• Psalms 95:1-7 – This is something we do together. God’s people are always stronger together.
  • “O come”
  • “Let us”

Congregational singing IS and IS NOT

It IS a command – NOT an option

• Ephesians 5:19
• Colossians 3:12-16 – Don’t make excuses for why you don’t sing. It is a command right along with kindness, humility, and patience.
• Exodus 4:10-14
• Psalms 100:1
• We are not commanded to sing only if we are good at it.

It IS worship – NOT entertainment

• John 4:24
• Psalms 100:1-5
• Singing is about God – not us. It is not a time for us to showcase our talents – that is worshipping me.

It IS from the heart – NOT empty words

• Mark 12:30
• Psalms 103:1
• Malachi 1; Matthew 15:8-9

It IS a sermon – NOT a “warm-up”

• Singing teachings – Colossians 3:16
• Singing encourages – Hebrews 10:24-25
• Singing comforts – Acts 16:25; Matthew 26:30
• Singing draws us closer to God – James 4:8
  • … and each other

Introduction

• II Timothy 1:5 – We must make our faith our own.
• I John 4:1 – This is my responsibility.

First generation Christians

• When he hears the truth for the first time, it’s always from the vantage point of unbelief and error. He had his beliefs and faith called into question in terms of truth.
• Conversion is always a traumatic experience, paying a great price.
• With reference to truth, what he is concerned with is, is it right or am I right with truth? Am I faithful and lower to the truth? Sees faith differently.
• The problem: Apt to become radical. Identifies any variation with innovation or defection. Equates own belief and own perception with the truth. It’s personal.

Second generation Christians

• He hears the truth for the first time from the vantage point of belief. Had things to be sorry for, but not like the first generation Christian.
• Conversion is not traumatic. Parents were there when baptized. Grew up in a context of belief.
• Concern becomes the people. Let’s not disturb them, because it’s going so well. Not am I right, but who will I upset. Have I just inherited what I believe and grew up with – go back over old ground.
• The problem: Seldom becomes radical. He becomes liberal. Rationalizes innovation as a way to do it better. Doesn’t have background to be a radical.

Testimonies from those who are first generation Christians

• What was your conversion experience like? How were you taught? What were the major roadblocks to conversion for you? What sacrifices did you make or continue to make after conversion?

Introduction

• John 11:1-16

Jesus let Lazarus die.

• John 11:5-6 – Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, yet He did not leave immediately to see Lazarus when He heard he was sick.
• Jesus loved them … so he let Lazarus die.
  • Jesus let Lazarus die because he loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
  • John 11:4, 15 – Jesus had a plan all along.
• They were allowed to suffer, though they were loved by the Lord, so God’s glory could be displayed.
• Matthew 10:28-31
• Whatever happens in life, use it to glorify God.

Martha’s response

• John 11:17-27 – Martha was a great woman of faith. Martha never questioned Jesus’ love or His power.
• Martha declares her faith in the Lord in the midst of grief.
• II Corinthians 4:7-8
• Psalms 42:35; 109:21-30 – It’s natural to be upset, but we must not lose our faith.
• Martha keeps things in the right perspective.
  • For those who follow Christ, death is not permanent.

Jesus cares deeply

• Lazarus’ death caused Jesus to be deeply moved.
  • John 11:32-40
• Even though He let it happen … He still had so much compassion for His children.
  • Luke 2:12
  • Matthew 20:34
  • Mark 8:2; 1:41
• God still has compassion on us today.
  • John 11:40-44

How is holy living possible? (continued)

The process of sanctification

The work of the Holy Spirit

• Romans 15:16 – Gentile offering … sanctified by the Holy Spirit
• Romans 15:18-19 – by word/deed, by miracles (signs/wonders), by power of the Spirit of God
• I Corinthians 6:11 – washed/sanctified/justified … by the Spirit
• II Thessalonians 2:13 – sanctification by the Spirit
• I Peter 1:1-2 – the sanctifying work of the Spirit
• Holy Spirit – what do we know?
  • He is a He, not an “it” – John 14:16-17
  • He spoke – I Timothy 4:1; Acts 8:29; 10:19-20; Acts 13:1-4; John 14:26
  • He intercedes – Romans 8:26
  • He has a mind/knowledge – Romans 8:27; I Corinthians 2:11
  • He has love – Romans 15:30
  • He can be hurt by us – Ephesians 4:30; Matthew 12:31-32; Hebrews 10:29; Acts 5:3
  • Gift of the Holy Spirit received at baptism – Acts 2:38-39; 11:7; I Corinthians 12:13
• Location of the Holy Spirit
  • Titus 3:5-6 – He is instrumental in our spiritual regeneration when we become Christians.
  • I Corinthians 6:19-20 – Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
  • Ephesians 3:14-16 – strengthens our inner man
  • John 14:17
  • Romans 8:9-11
  • Galatians 4:6
  • Ephesians 3:20

The work of the Word of God

• Ephesians 6:17 – word=sword of the Spirit
• John 17:17 – sanctified by truth=word
• Ephesians 5:25-26 – sanctify … by the word

Sanctification:

• … is received through Christ
• … takes place at baptism upon obedience (death of the old man)
• … is ongoing (as we walk in the light)
• … is work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God (Bible)