The Pursuit of Holiness – Holiness in Spirit

A Structural view of Holiness

Holiness is a three legged stool

2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV – Spirit
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV – Body
But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Philippians 2:13 ESV – Soul
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Hebrews 12:14 - Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Lesson Summary
Holiness is manifest in our lives through each facet of our being (Spirit, Soul and Body). GOD continues to transform us into the image of His Son, Jesus, through the process of sanctification (John 17:17; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 5:26 ESV).

A Culinary View of Holiness

What’s wrong with this?
In your refrigerator there is an uncovered bowl of chopped onions, garlic and ginger along side a uncovered bowl of whipped cream.

What happens to whipped cream when it is left in the fridge with garlic, ginger and onion?

The strong scent and flavor of the garlic, ginger and onion result in an undesired infusion of flavor into the cream. The cream is corrupted! This is similar to how we can be come corrupted by this world if we are not insulated (protected) by the WORD and Spirit of GOD.

How about this scenario?
Take those same bowls of onion, garlic and ginger. Add some soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil and some chicken… a little while later and you have some tasty chicken to cook.

The garlic, ginger, onion and other flavors have combined with the chicken to create an appealing meal. That looks yummy!

By design the strong aromatic flavors of the garlic, ginger, onion and other flavors were infused into the chicken to make it far more appealing then it was previously. In the process of making us holy GOD infuses us with his desires, plans and purposes.

Philippians 4:7-9 ESV – Contain and Marinate
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Lesson Summary
In order for holiness to have its effect in our lives; we must be contained. There must be barrier that insulate us from the influences of our environment, particularly those things that are unlike GOD. In Philippians 4:7 Paul talks about the “peace of GOD” guarding our heart and mind. IF we allow Him, GOD will place a sentinel that will keep out the things that will corrupt us and prevent the enemy from stealing the treasure (Word of God) that will bless us. Paul goes on in verses 8-9 to talk about the things that we should meditate. These are GOD marinade for our soul. He desires that when others encounter us it is an enjoyable experience. It is His plan that through us people would “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8)!

A Parental view

Hebrews 12:7-11 – discipline the path to holiness
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed [comply with the standards (by force)] to this world, but be transformed [through change of appearance or character] by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Lesson Summary

Man’s Nature

1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

This image was copied from Rightly Dividing the Word by Clarence Larkin (page 86)

Body = the physical container in which we exist
Soul = the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions, our heart
Spirit = the vital principal by which the body is animated; the part of man that is most like GOD and communes with Him

We are affected by our exposures.

Our Body – interacts with this physical world via our various sensory gates:

• Eyes
• Nose
• Ears
• Mouth
• Touch (feel)

Our Soul – is expressed via our mind, emotions and will

• Imagination –
• Conscience
• Reason
• Affections

Our Spirit – communicates with GOD

• Faith
• Hope
• Reverence
• Prayer
• Worship

Negative Influences
1 John 2:16 ESV
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Galatians 5:17 ESV
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Positive Influences
Matthew 6:22
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,

Proverbs 4:23 ESV
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Romans 10:17
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Why is holiness so important?

Hebrews 12:14 ESV
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

1 Peter 1:16 ESV
but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct

This illustration was copied from Rightly Dividing The Word by Clarence Larkin (page 307)