Years ago we recognized that the Church was sadly lacking in an understanding of God’s expectation for holiness. In an effort to teach others of the need to be holy as God is holy, we wrote New Life Series, Lesson 2, Holy God-Holy People. Here are some highlights from the lesson’s answer key:
Intro: Many believe they may do anything they wish…. They do not understand that we were made by a holy God who cannot have anything to do with unholiness or unrighteousness. He calls us to holy living… The word holy could be understood as being sacred. ….separated from all that is sinful, impure, or morally imperfect.
God is holy. This verse asks a question. Exodus 15:11. “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, GLORIOUS in HOLINESS, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” In Psalm 99:9 we are told, “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for THE LORD OUR GOD IS HOLY.” …We lift him up as the one who is all holy. We worship a holy God.
God’s name is holy .… Isaiah 57:15 Says “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, WHOSE NAME is HOLY ; I dwell in the high and HOLY PLACE …”
God is called holy and he is praised for being holy. …In Revelation 6:10 the souls of them that were killed for the Word of God and their testimony cried out with a loud voice “…How long, O Lord, HOLY and TRUE…”
God dwells in holiness and all that he does is holy. Read Exodus 3:1-6. Even the GROUND was holy because God was there. Psalm 145:17 says, “The Lord is RIGHTEOUS in ALL his WAYS , and HOLY in ALL his WORKS.”
Holy living for the Christian is not…to keep our salvation. It is the way to please God and… fellowship. God wants His people to be holy. Finish the following verses to see just how important our holiness is to God. Leviticus 20:7 Sanctify yourselves… BE YE HOLY: FOR I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD. (The word sanctify means set apart to holiness.) … I Thessalonians 4:7 says, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but UNTO HOLINESS .” … I Peter 1: 15&16 …“But as He which hath called you is Holy, SO BE YE HOLY in all manner of conversation (in all you do, your behavior); …
God chose the saved to be holy before Him. Ephesians 1:4 … chosen that we should be HOLY and WITHOUT BLAME before Him in love… Read Colossians 1:21 & 22… Ephesians 2:21 & 22 compare Christians to a HOLY TEMPLE in the Lord.
