Pursuit of Holiness or righteousness

The Pursuit of Holiness (Chap. 1)

Being a farmer would be very difficult because we would need to rely on God to provide sunshine and rain. Being a Real Christian requires us to do the same. That means that there will be hard times- But God will provide for all of needs in His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).

Heb 12:14- “Pursue holiness for without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

Meaning: Diligence of effort; Long-term-lifelong process.

Note: I want to add the hypothesis that “Righteousness” is a synonym to Holiness.

Ps 11:7- For the Lord is righteous. He loves righteousness: his countenance beholds the upright.  Ps 111:3 righteousness endures forever;  Prov 11:19-righteousness leads to life;  Rom 9:31 pursue the law of righteousness.

Chap.1- Holiness is For You- “For sin shall not be your master; because you are not under law, but under grace.” Rom 6:14

Besetting sins that dog- anger, fear

Promise good and bad news: Holiness expected and promised birthright of every Christian.

Holiness- image- goodie 2 shoes, holier than though- Misconception: it’s about prohibitions- sing, dance chew or go with girls who do, self-righteous, perfection

Holy 600x in bible- Leviticus on holiness (Command be holy for I am holy)11:44

1Th 4:3-7- God’s will to be Sanctified- avoid sexual immorality- God called us to purity no impurity.

1Pe 1:14-16- obedient- not evil desires, but holy

Rev 22:11- Do right, for I am coming soon

Eph 4:22,24-put off old self- corrupted, put on new self – attitude created by God to be righteous. Daily

Problem #1- Sin- self-centered not God centered

God wants us to walk in obedience (submission)- about God, victory about self.

God will be victorious in us.

Problem #2- misunderstand living by faith (Gal 2:20- to live is Christ to die is gain.  Faith vs. flesh.- personal responsibility to follow Christ