Living in Holiness: Empowered by the Spirit
Notes
Transcript
26 In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans.
27 The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will.
28 We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 We know this because God knew them in advance, and he decided in advance that they would be conformed to the image of his Son. That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters.
30 Those who God decided in advance would be conformed to his Son, he also called. Those whom he called, he also made righteous. Those whom he made righteous, he also glorified.
31 So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
32 He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. Won’t he also freely give us all things with him?
33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect people? It is God who acquits them.
34 Who is going to convict them? It is Christ Jesus who died, even more, who was raised, and who also is at God’s right side. It is Christ Jesus who also pleads our case for us.
35 Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written, We are being put to death all day long for your sake. We are treated like sheep for slaughter.
37 But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us.
38 I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers
39 or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.
Living in Holiness: Empowered by the Spirit
Living in Holiness: Empowered by the Spirit
As we gather today, we are reminded of our rich legacy, which is strongly rooted in the 1800s holiness movement. Our theological ancestors can be traced back to John Wesley, who founded the Methodist movement inside the Church of England. Our denomination's purpose and identity are found in this tapestry of holiness and the pursuit of God's sanctifying grace.
The Church of the Nazarene derives its spiritual life from the profound principles of Wesleyan theology, much as towering oaks draw power from their deep-rooted foundation. The concept of holiness, as well as the transformative experience of entire sanctification, course through our spiritual veins, transforming our beliefs and behaviors. The intense desire to be sanctified vessels, set apart for God's divine purposes, is at the heart of this worldview.
Accepting our Wesleyan ancestry involves recognizing the constant call to pursue holiness in our daily lives. As successors of the holiness movement, we aim for a sanctified existence that reflects the character of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, rather than a shallow or superficial faith. Holiness is not an unreachable goal held for a chosen few; rather, it is an invitation issued to all of us to follow in Christ's footsteps and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our dedication to holiness and entire sanctification extends beyond doctrinal commitment. It is a living, breathing representation of our devotion to God, a sanctification journey that manifests itself in every thought, word, and deed. God works persistently within us, moulding us into vessels that radiate His love and justice, just as a great craftsman meticulously refines his masterpiece.
The founder of the Church of the Nazarene, Phineas F. Bresee, was adamant about the necessity of holiness in the life of a Christian. He believed that holiness was a practical, accessible, and transformative experience that every Christian should strive for, rather than a theological abstraction or a remote ideal. Bresee's beliefs and writings highlighted holiness as an essential part of Christian living.
Bresee emphasized that holiness was not acquired solely via human effort. Instead, he highlighted the work of God's grace in a believer's life. According to Bresee, holiness is a transformative experience in which the Holy Spirit works within a person to cleanse them from sin and empower them to live a life consecrated to God.
As we read God's Word today, let us be reminded of the profound truths inherent in our Wesleyan theological tradition. Let us seek the Holy Spirit's enablement together in order to live out the divine calling to be holy as God is holy. Allow the fire of holiness to burn brightly within our hearts, illuminating our way and leading us closer to our loving Creator's heart.
Let us learn, with hearts open to the wisdom of Bresee’s words, how holiness, far from being an abstract concept, is a transformed experience through God's love. Let us delve into the heart of holiness, where we will find a life committed to God's sanctifying work. With this perspective, we begin our investigation into the significance of holiness, hoping that the insights we discover may motivate us to seek the very heart of Christ.
I. The Spirit's Help in Our Weakness (Romans 8:26-27)
Romans 8:26-27 “26 In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. 27 The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will.”
I would hope that you would agree with me that prayer is essential in the Christian walk but that we often struggle with it.
Verse 26 starts with the words “In the same way.” Paul has just written about the hope we have for the future. We need hope as we think about the future. That phrase is a transition in his thought because he writes “We don’t know what we should pray.”
There are times when it seems that I don’t know how to pray or what to pray for. Have you ever experienced that?
We often face moments of weakness in our Christian journey, times when we feel inadequate, uncertain, or burdened by the challenges of life. The Holy Spirit, our heavenly Helper, is ready to come beside us during these difficult times. The Spirit approaches near to bring strength and guidance, assuring us that we are not alone, much as a loving friend does in times of need.
The work of the Holy Spirit as our Helper extends beyond simply emotional comfort. He is actively involved in our lives, acting on our behalf in accordance with God's perfect will. When our words fail us and we are unable to convey our innermost longings and petitions, the Holy Spirit acts as the divine Intercessor. He speaks with God in ways that human language cannot, bringing our wants, desires, and concerns to the Heavenly Father with the intimacy and understanding that only the Spirit can provide.
Paul Achtemeier's commentary beautifully captures the essence of Romans 8:18-30, where the apostle Paul addresses the future hope and redemption that believers have through the work of the Holy Spirit. Acthemeier employs a vivid metaphor of a drought-parched land to illustrate the current state of believers, living in a fallen world with its struggles and challenges. The distant thunder of the approaching storm symbolizes the promise of God's future redemption and restoration.
The commentary emphasizes the already-present reality of God's Spirit among believers, represented by the freshening wind and the smell of rain. Just as the first few drops of moisture offer hope and anticipation for the imminent downpour, the Holy Spirit's presence in believers' lives provides a foretaste of God's ultimate healing love and the fullness of redemption that is yet to come.
As we recognize our dependence on the Holy Spirit in prayer, we can also trust in God's plan for our lives.
II. Conformed to Christ's Image (Romans 8:28-30)
Romans 8:28-30 “28 We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 We know this because God knew them in advance, and he decided in advance that they would be conformed to the image of his Son. That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters. 30 Those who God decided in advance would be conformed to his Son, he also called. Those whom he called, he also made righteous. Those whom he made righteous, he also glorified.”
A fundamental and awe-inspiring component of our Christian journey is God's purpose in our life. As Christians, we frequently ponder the age-old question, "Why am I here?" Understanding God's plan for us provides clarity, direction, and meaning to our lives. Let us delve deeper into this subject and find the relevance of adopting God's purpose in our life.
God created each of us with a specific purpose from the beginning of time. This reality is elegantly expressed in Psalm 139:13-16: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb... Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days planned for me were written in your book before one of them arrived." (NIV) God's plan for us began long before we breathed our first breath. We are not by chance or accident; we are purposefully formed by God for a specific purpose.
Living holy lives is an important purpose for every Christian. In the biblical context, holiness refers to being set apart for God's purposes and living in accordance with His character and will. It is a journey of transformation in which the Holy Spirit works within us to make us more like Christ.
Our lives as God's children mirror the character of our Heavenly Father. God is holy, just, and pure, and He invites us to emulate Him in our thoughts, acts, and attitudes. According to 1 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.'" (NIV) Living holy lives helps us to show the world God's characteristics and pull people closer to Him.
Our holiness is a tremendous witness to those around us. In a world filled with wickedness and evil, a life of holiness shines like a beacon. "In the same way," Matthew 5:16 says, "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (NIV) We reveal the transformative power of God's grace and urge others to experience His love when we live in holiness.
Holiness is a means to relationship with God, not a heavy demand. We grow more responsive to God's presence and voice as we purify our hearts and minds. "Draw near to God," James 4:8 says, "and he will draw near to you." (ESV) Living holy lifestyles fosters a more intimate and profound relationship with our Creator.
Holiness provides us with the ability to resist sin and temptation. We are prepared by the Holy Spirit's work to resist the attraction of earthly pleasures and live victoriously in Christ. According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, "no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind." And God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to bear. When you are tempted, however, he will provide a way out so that you may withstand it." (NIV)
Each of us has a distinct role to play in God's Kingdom. Living holy lifestyles allows us to walk in the good deeds that God has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). Holiness equips us to be powerful tools in God's hands, impacting the world with His love and truth.
Holiness is not an unattainable pedestal reserved for the select few; rather, it is a transformative experience accessible to every believer. When we speak of holiness, we must understand that it is not primarily about attaining perfection, but rather about being set apart for God's divine purposes and aligning our lives with His character and will.
At its core, holiness is a consecration to God, an intentional choice to submit our life to His lordship.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own possession. You have become this people so that you may speak of the wonderful acts of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light.
We are called to be vessels through which God's love, grace, and truth flow into the world as holy people.
Being molded into the image of Christ is a continual journey of holiness. This transformation is beautifully captured in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (NIV) We are being sculpted by the Holy Spirit to mirror the character of Christ in our life, reflecting His love, humility, compassion, and selflessness.
Holiness is not limited to abstract ideals; it manifests itself in concrete behaviors and attitudes that affect our relationships and daily lives. When we walk in holiness, it reveals itself in the following ways:
Holiness motivates us to unconditionally love others, just as Christ loves us. Love becomes the driving force behind our actions, influencing how we treat our neighbors, deal with enemies, and care for those who are disenfranchised.
Holiness gives us the ability to forgive as we have been forgiven. In a world filled with resentment and grudges, holiness frees us from the bonds of unforgiveness, enabling reconciliation and healing.
Holiness compels us to seek righteousness, to live in accordance with God's truth and moral norms. We strive to respect God in our decisions, words, and actions.
Holiness humbles our hearts and prevents us from being proud or self-centered. We acknowledge our need for God's kindness and mercy, and we rely on Him for strength and wisdom.
Being holy develops integrity in our interactions with others. We grow into people who are honest, consistent, and transparent, displaying Christ-like integrity in all parts of life.
The transformative power of holiness is found in our readiness to yield to God's work in us, not in our efforts to be perfect. Holiness manifests in practical ways as we devote ourselves to God's purposes and enable the Holy Spirit to shape us into the image of Christ, effecting our relationships, attitudes, and deeds. We become instruments of God's compassion and grace through holiness, revealing Christ's character to a world in need of His transformative power.
God's purpose and holiness are connected, but living a holy life is not without challenges.
III. Victory Through God's Love (Romans 8:31-39)
Romans 8:31-39 “31 So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. Won’t he also freely give us all things with him? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect people? It is God who acquits them. 34 Who is going to convict them? It is Christ Jesus who died, even more, who was raised, and who also is at God’s right side. It is Christ Jesus who also pleads our case for us. 35 Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, We are being put to death all day long for your sake. We are treated like sheep for slaughter. 37 But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. 38 I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers 39 or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.”
The apostle Paul reveals the unshakeable basis of victory that believers have in God's infinite love in Romans 8:31-39. It is critical to underline God's love's incomprehensible nature, which beyond human comprehension. His love is based completely on His grace and unchanging nature, not on our performance or worthiness. It is a love that transcends our failings, mistakes, and limitations, providing hope and salvation to those who turn to Him in trust.
The immense love of God is demonstrated by several biblical passages, such as the parable of the prodigal son, in which the father's love remained unwavering despite the son's misbehavior. It is also shown in Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, when God proved His love by offering His Son as the ultimate atonement for our sins (John 3:16).
Living a holy life is not without its difficulties. Because of our resolve to walk in righteousness, we may endure opposition, temptation, and even suffering as Christ's disciples. Recognizing these challenges is critical because it reminds us that the Christian road is not always simple.
In the face of adversity, though, we can find comfort in God's unwavering love. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" proclaims Romans 8:35-37. Will there be struggle, suffering, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword?... No, through him who loved us, we are more than conquerors in all these things." (NIV) This great truth reassures us that nothing can separate us from God's love.
God's love remains constant even when we stumble or confront challenges in living a holy life. The enemy may try to accuse and condemn us, but God's love serves as our shield, shielding us from the enemy's attacks and empowering us to endure. Through Christ's love, which supports us in our pursuit of holiness, we are more than conquerors.
The apostle Paul asks us to stand in awe at God's unwavering love, which assures our victory in every condition, in the last verses of Romans 8.
38 I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers
39 or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.
We are humbled by the thought that we have done nothing to earn such love as we ponder on God's great love that has no bounds. God's love is a gift of grace, freely and unconditionally given to us.
Accepting God's love changes our perspective on holiness. It is no longer a hard set of rules to obey, but rather a response to our Heavenly Father's overwhelming love. His love draws us deeper into a relationship with Him, where we seek to live in accordance with His will out of love and thanks.
The confidence of God's love serves as an anchor for our souls in the midst of life's storms. When we confront difficulties, temptations, or hardships, we can take consolation in knowing that nothing can separate us from Christ's love. His love is not fickle or transient; it endures all trials and tribulations.
We are encouraged to persist in holiness as a result of this certainty. The pursuit of holiness is a journey we pursue with the energizing presence of the Holy Spirit, not a solitary attempt. We become more than conquerors as we walk in holiness, conquering obstacles, resisting the temptation of sin, and growing in Christ-likeness.
Let us remember that we are God's beloved children. His love inspires our quest for holiness and pulls us ahead on the road to righteousness. May we live in the truth of His love, giving it to others and shining His light in a world in desperate need of hope.
Let us walk forth with assurance, knowing that God's love precedes us and that nothing can separate us from His embrace. We welcome the victory won for us by God's great love, our hearts overflowing with thanks. May we be transformed as we walk in the assurance of His love, living out the purpose for which we were created—to love God, love others, and shine as beacons of His love and holiness to a world in need. Let us cling to the fact that we are more than conquerors through Christ's love, and that in Him we find the strength to live holy lives, guided by His Spirit, until the day when we are united with Him in eternal glory.