PURSUIT OF HOLINESS

"Pursue holiness , for without holiness no one will see the Lord" hebrews 12:14.The word "pursue" suggests two thoughts namely(a) diligence/effort required (b) lifelong task. Holiness is a process, something which we never completely attain in this life but rather as we conform to will of God in one area, he reveals to us needs in another area.

Holiness is for me
"For sin shall not be my master because you are not under law but under grace"Romans 6:14
To be holy is to be morally blameless and be separated from sin and therefore, consecrated to God. The word "holy" signifies "separation to God and conduct befitting those so separated.
"To live a holy life is to live a life in conformity to the moral precepts of the bible and in contrast to the sinful ways of the world.1 thess 4:3-7
Paul used the term in contrast to life of immorality and impurity
1 peter 1:14-16Peter used it in contrast to living according to evil desires we had when we lived outside of Christ
Revelation 22:11John contrasted one who is holy with those who do wrong and are vile.

To live a holy life is to "put off old self which is being corrupted by deceitful desires... And putting on new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness " ephesians 4:22-24.

Why do we not experience holiness in daily living?

A. Our attitude towards sin is more self centred than god centred. We are more concerned about our own victory over sin than about fact that our sins grieve God.Contrast pharoah, balaam, saul, judas and david.God wants us to walk in obedience not victory. Victory is a byproduct of obedience.

Second problem : we have misunderstood "living by faith" galatians 2:20. We have personal responsibility for our walk of holiness.I can put away sinful habits that plague me if I accept personal responsibility for them.Third issue : we do not take some sin seriously.The holiness of God1 peter 1:15-16"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."Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.

A W Pink said " Holiness ... Consists of that internal change or renovation of our souls whereby our minds, affections and wills are brought into harmony with God" ( The doctrine of Sanctification)
God is light and in Him, there is no darkness at all 1 John 1:5
Acknowledging his holiness is one of the ways we are to praise Him.Revelation 4:8Isaiah 6:3Exodus 15:11Habbakuk 1:13"Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong."We need to cultivate in our own hearts the same hatred of sin God has.
See attitude of Joseph in Genesis 39:9God judges each man impartially 1 Peter 1:17.
The more we grow in holiness, the more we hate sin.Psalm 119:104:"I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path".
HOLINESS IS NOT AN OPTION

God did not call us to be impure but to live a holy life 1 thessalonians 4:7
1 corinthians 1:2Whole purpose of our salvation is to be holy and blameless in his sight . Ephesians 1:4Holiness is not a condition of salvation but part of it.
Noone can trust in Jesus for true salvation unless he trusts in Him for holiness.Grace empowers us to be holy Titus 2:11-12.
Without holiness, we cannot fellowship with God. If we cherish sin in my heart, Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18God requires that we be serious about holiness, that we grieve over sin in our lives and earnestly pursue holiness.

Holiness necessary for effective service to God . 2 timothy 2:21Holiness necessary for assurance of salvation. 2 corinthians 5:17Holiness of ChristChrist's moral purity magnifies our impurity. Isaiah 6:7 " see.. Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."The more we grow in holiness, the more we need this assurance that the perfect righteousness of Christ is credited to us.Holy spirit makes us more aware of our lack of holiness to stimulate us to deeper yearning and striving for holiness but satan will use this to discourage us.Solution is to flee to the rock of our salvation. I flee there not to be saved again but to confirm in my heart that I am saved thru righteousness alone.

"Just as I am without one pleaBut that thy blood was shed for meAnd that thou bidst me come to theeO lamb of God, I come."

Christ's life is meant to be an example of holiness for us. 1 peter 2:21

Change of kingdoms

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless , that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been freed from sinRomans 6:6-7
God has made provision for us to live holy life but we also have responsibilities.Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Romans 6:12We must reckon ourselves dead to sin. Through our union with christ, we have died to sin and set free from sin .Though delivered from reign of sin, sinful natures still reside and are in conflict. Galatians 5:17.