1. Because of Who He Is!
The Christ of God, the Savior of the World!
2. Because of What He Did!
He died for our sins on the Cross!
3. Because of What He Is Doing!
He lives to make intercession for us!
4. Because of What He Is Going To Do!
He is coming again to take us home!
“And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18; NKJV)
Jason
1. Holiness in the absolute can only be gained through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ – not just the cleansing that takes place at baptism (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4), but which continues on a daily basis as one repents and turns to Him for forgiveness (1 John 1:7-10).
2. This cleansing comes only to those who are devoting themselves to living a holy life (1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 John 1:7; 2:6).
3. We must rise above this world to see ourselves as heavenly citizens, sitting together with Christ in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6; Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:9-12).
4. We must look away from our present weaknesses and envision what we can become in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Psalm 103:10; Matthew 26:41; Romans 7:23-25; Philippians 3:12-14).
Conclusion: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)
Jason
1. Perfecting holiness is “not a sudden attainment of complete holiness, but a continuous process” (A.T. Robertson)
2. Perfecting holiness is a process that takes time (Hebrews 12:14).
3. Many are busy perfecting their: careers, appearance, houses, lawns, golf swing, etc. (1 Corinthians 7:33).
4. The cares of the world leave little time for perfecting holiness (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14; 21:34).
Jason
Our God and Father’s Instruments
In bringing a Christian to perfected holiness our God and Father uses instruments just as a potter, artist and/or doctor uses instruments (Jeremiah 18:1-6).
1. The Word (2 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17)
2. Promises (2 Corinthians 7:1)
3. Protective Restraints (1 Corinthians 10:13)
4. Discipline (Hebrews 12:10)
5. His People (“One Another” Relationships – Hebrews 10:24-25)
“Perfected holiness is the result of God’s working within the Christian, but let us not think the Christian can be passive throughout.” (Albert Barnes)
We must give our lives to our God and Father, practically applying our God and Father’s instructions (Ephesians 2:10)!
The Promise of Our God and Father
“…He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6)
Jason
How is This Possible?
By the grace, mercy and love of our God and Father (Ephesians 2:4-10)!
Christ in us, strengthening our inner man through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-20)!
Our Challenge: Internalize the Truth of Ephesians 3:20!
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”
Jason