A Bible Study on Holiness – What is a Holy Life?

Holiness, I’ve discovered, isn’t a checklist but a reflection of God’s character in our lives—a journey shaped by transformation through His guidance, rooted in His truth, and upheld by promises of closeness to Him. It’s about embracing the presence of the Holy Spirit, evident in the fruits of love, joy, peace, and other qualities mirroring God’s holiness.

Fulfilling our divine purpose and embracing responsibility is key; our habits and routines mold a life of holiness. Faith in God propels sanctification despite doubts or struggles. Walking this path might feel solitary, but it’s a journey with God, discovering His presence even in loneliness. Being set apart means our lives reflect Christ, a process where grace outshines shame, allowing growth without condemnation and embracing God’s mercies each new day.

Now let’s begin our bible study on holiness.

All scripture quoted below has been taken from the World English Bible unless otherwise noted.

Bible Study on Holiness: Primary Scripture Reference

but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy; for I am holy

1 Peter 1:15-16

Definition of Holiness

Holiness refers to being set apart or consecrated for God’s purposes. It embodies purity, moral uprightness, and dedication to living a life that reflects God’s character. In our bible study on holiness, we will learn more about holiness and similar terms.

Similar Terms with Their Meanings

• Sanctification: The process of becoming holy or set apart for God’s use.
• Righteousness: Living by God’s standards and moral principles.
• Purity: Being free from sin or moral defilement.

What Does God’s Word Reveal About Holiness

Instructions

“Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord.”

Hebrews 12:14

This verse underscores the importance of pursuing peace and holiness. It highlights that holiness is crucial for one’s relationship with God, emphasizing that without it, no one can truly see or experience the presence of the Lord. It encourages believers to actively seek both peace among people and personal sanctification in their lives.

Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

Romans 12:1

In this verse, Paul urges believers to offer themselves wholly to God as a living sacrifice, motivated by the incredible mercies they’ve received from God. It’s a plea to dedicate their entire beings—body, mind, and spirit—to God, living in a manner that is pleasing and acceptable to Him. This surrender is seen as a form of worship, a way of serving God wholeheartedly.

Truth

“For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.”

1 Thessalonians 4:7

This verse emphasizes the divine purpose behind God’s call to believers. It highlights that God’s calling isn’t toward impurity or moral uncleanness but instead toward sanctification. It underlines the idea that God intends for His people to live set-apart lives, dedicated to growing in holiness and purity rather than being swayed by impure desires or behaviors.

Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:1

This verse in Hebrews encourages believers to persevere and remain steadfast in their faith journey, drawing upon the example of those who have gone before them as witnesses. It urges them to cast off anything that might hinder their spiritual growth or weigh them down, especially sins that entangle and obstruct progress. The analogy of running a race illustrates the need for endurance and determination in following the path set before them.

Promises

“Who may ascend to Yahweh’s hill? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully.”

Psalm 24:3-4

These verses vividly describe the qualities of someone worthy to come into God’s presence. They speak of moral integrity and spiritual purity, highlighting the importance of having clean hands (symbolic of righteous actions) and a pure heart (representing sincerity and genuine devotion). They emphasize honesty and truthfulness in thoughts and actions, indicating that those who approach God should do so with integrity and sincerity.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

James 4:8

This verse in James emphasizes the reciprocal nature of our relationship with God. It encourages believers to take the initiative to draw closer to God, assuring them that as they do so with sincerity and repentance, God will also draw near to them. It calls for both external and internal purification—cleansing actions and sincere heart changes—asking individuals to address their sins and aim for singleness of mind in their devotion to God.

7 Things I’ve Learned During My Bible Study on Holiness:

1. Pursuit of Holiness is not merely about adhering to a set of rules but embracing a life that reflects God’s character and nature. It involves a continuous process of transformation guided by God’s instructions, rooted in the truth of His Word, and sustained by the promises of blessings and closeness to God.
   
   
2. We need God’s presence to live a holy life The power of the Holy Spirit is what allows us to live fruitful lives. The fruit in our lives will always be Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which all reflect the holiness of God in our lives.
   
   
3. Living a holy life requires us to fulfill our divine calling. Obedience to God’s purpose in our lives will always lead to a more fulfilling life. Turning to God and waiting on the Holy Spirit’s answer will allow us to know what specific action we must take in our daily lives.
   
   
4. Holiness is about embracing the responsibilities we have in our lives. What we do with our time, money, and energy significantly impacts our future and developing the new self. Forming healthy habits, daily routines, and rhythms is the same as creating a holy life. Human flesh wants to do what is fun and fantastic and feels good every moment. Nobody wants to be in pain, discomfort, or even bored. But practical holiness is found in the daily routines that help us to stick to a life of holiness.
   
   
5. When we have faith in our holy God, we walk the road of sanctification. Everyone has struggles, and the children of God are no different; we are all working towards living a better life than the previous day. We all have areas that need improvement. But when we cannot put off the old self through sheer willpower, we must have deep, abiding faith. Faith that will not waiver. Sometimes, your belief will be a choice you might be unsure of, but it is incredible what God can do even with that. Choice is powerful; it was given to us by God to move either closer to Him or further away from Him. So, when you believe, trust, and have faith in God, even when you are doubtful, that is true holiness.
   
   
6. The beauty of the pursuit of holiness is you get to walk this life with God. I won’t sugarcoat anything; walking the narrow path is often lonely. I recently started implementing walking every afternoon into my daily routine, and there is nothing fun about it, and I don’t have anyone standing next to me cheering me on. Of course, we need to be planted in a community where we can share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. However, the process of living out a holy and sanctified life will be one where you will need to find the motivation and purpose within yourself and not from anyone else. Through this process, you will discover that God is with you – and even though you may feel lonely, you will know you are not alone.
   
   
7. The meaning of holiness is to be set apart. Our lives need to look different. Those around you need to realize you are a Christian and you are living your life for God. This is definitely a process, and there is no expectation for anyone to have the perfect life. However, it will require sacrifice and falling into the arms of God when life is just not helping you to leave behind your old self. But as children of God, we have been given instructions on living out our faith and pursuing personal holiness. We need to focus on the attributes of God, be in His word, rely on the help of the Holy Spirit, focus on holy things, do good deeds, and know that God’s mercies are new every morning. Shame is the last thing anyone needs when it comes to holiness. This might be the most challenging point for us to understand because we want to condemn and convict those around us and shame ourselves for living in sin and making mistakes. But all of that is just not helpful in the believer’s walk.

Biblical Verses on the Pursuit of Holiness for Further Study on the Topic of Living a Holy Christian Life

These verses will help you during your bible study on holiness. They emphasize the call to holy living and sanctification as essential for living a Christian life set apart for God.

“You shall be holy to me; for I, Yahweh, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that you should be mine.”

Leviticus 20:26

In this verse, God lovingly instructs His people to lead lives that reflect His holiness. He wants them to stand out among other nations as a shining example of what it means to be set apart for His purposes.

“For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.”

1 Thessalonians 4:7

God’s intention for us is not to live in mediocrity or impurity but rather to be distinct and unique, created for His specific intentions.

“To the assembly of God which is at Corinth, those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours.”

1 Corinthians 1:2

Paul is writing to the Corinthians, reminding them that because they’re connected to Jesus, they’re considered holy and set apart. It’s like being part of a fantastic team and getting that special jersey that shows you’re part of something bigger and unique.

“And put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.”

Ephesians 4:24

This verse is about putting on this new, fantastic identity that aligns with God’s righteousness and truth. It’s like being given this incredible outfit that perfectly represents who you are now—someone who reflects God’s holiness in every action and decision.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, the excellence in God’s likeness of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

1 Peter 2:9

Peter wants believers to understand just how special they are.

“Put on, therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance.”

Colossians 3:12

Paul reminds believers to exemplify qualities that mirror their unique position, as God has chosen them. It can be likened to being a member of an exceptional team, where one demonstrates to the world the essence of possessing kindness, humility, and perseverance in one’s nature.

“By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Hebrews 10:10

The author emphasizes the immense importance of Jesus’ sacrifice in sanctifying believers. It can be likened to acknowledging that we are permanently made holy due to Jesus’ actions—His sacrifice distinguishes and elevates us in God’s eyes.

Conclusion

God is like a caring parent, encouraging His beloved children to live in a way that mirrors His own purity and holiness. Digging into our bible study on holiness has been eye-opening, uncovering richer layers of what God wants for us.

The pursuit of holiness is like finding a treasure chest of wisdom! What’s amazing is that holiness isn’t this rigid rulebook; it’s more like a thrilling adventure, a life journey where we mirror God in all we do. It’s about weaving God’s goodness, love, and kindness into our everyday actions, making life this beautiful canvas reflecting His character. This exploration makes holiness feel alive, not like a boring list of do’s and don’ts, but an exciting quest to live like God in our own unique ways.

FAQ About Holiness

Printable Bible Study on Holiness PDF

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