What is Holiness? Sermon

Summary

The speaker introduces a sermon from Ephesians 4, focusing on the concept of holiness. He begins by reflecting on personal goals and motivations, and shares a story about a cherished shotgun, illustrating the importance of valuing what is special. The core message revolves around the question, 'Am I holy?' and emphasizes that holiness begins in the mind, not just through outward actions. He encourages listeners to set their lives apart for God, committing to serve Him, which leads to true holiness. The sermon concludes with a prayer and an invitation to reflect on personal motivations and commitment to holiness.

Takeaways

• 📖 The sermon is based on Ephesians 4, focusing on living a holy life as God is holy.
• 🎯 The pastor encourages the audience to think about their goals and motivations in life.
• 🔫 A personal story about the pastor's shotgun serves as a metaphor for the idea of cherishing what is valuable and special, much like how holiness is set apart and treasured.
• 🙏 Holiness, in the biblical sense, means being set apart for God’s purposes, not for common use.
• 🧠 Holiness starts with how we think, not just with our outward actions. It's about transforming the mind.
• ❤️ The connection between holiness and purity is rooted in the heart and mind, and God sees the inward thoughts of people.
• ⚖️ The sermon emphasizes that living a holy life involves a change in mindset, moving from selfishness to godliness.
• 👼 Holiness is attainable through commitment to God and making Him the priority in our thoughts and lives.
• 🌱 Spiritual maturity and growth take time, but the process of becoming holy begins with a decision to serve God.
• 🛐 The pastor invites the congregation to reflect on their motivations and make a commitment to live a holy life, set apart for God’s purposes.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the sermon based on Ephesians chapter 4?

The main focus of the sermon is on holiness, specifically the transformation of our minds and actions to align with God's holiness as instructed in Ephesians 4:17-24.

Why does the pastor share a personal story about his shotgun?

The pastor shares the story about his shotgun to illustrate the concept of something being sacred, set apart, or 'holy' in a personal context, highlighting how he treats the shotgun as special due to its sentimental value, which mirrors how we should view holiness in our lives.

How does the pastor define holiness?

The pastor defines holiness as being set apart or sacred, not for common use, and aligning one's life and thoughts with God’s purpose rather than self-centered desires.

What is the significance of 'holy' in relation to holidays, as mentioned in the sermon?

The pastor explains that 'holy' is connected to 'holiday,' where holidays are special days set apart for specific purposes. Similarly, holiness in life means being set apart for God's purpose.

According to the pastor, what are the two key aspects of holiness?

The two key aspects of holiness, according to the pastor, are the way we think (our mindset) and the way we act (our behavior). The sermon focuses on how holiness begins in the mind.

What biblical example does the pastor use to explain the beginning of holiness?

The pastor refers to the Ten Commandments, particularly the first commandment, 'I am the Lord your God; you shall have no other gods before me,' which emphasizes holiness starting in the mind with the recognition of God’s supremacy.

How does the pastor address the struggle of maintaining holiness?

The pastor acknowledges that while actions may be imperfect and people may stumble, holiness begins with the desire and commitment in the mind to follow God, which provides hope for growth and improvement.

What does the pastor say about the transformation to holiness?

The pastor says that becoming holy in God's eyes happens in an instant when we commit to setting our lives apart for God’s purpose, even though outward habits and actions may still need work.

How does the pastor relate the concept of holiness to everyday life?

The pastor explains that while we still live common lives (working, grocery shopping), holiness is about using what God has given us to honor Him and serve others, which sets us apart from worldly concerns.

What is the conclusion of the sermon regarding the path to holiness?

The conclusion of the sermon is that holiness is a commitment to serve God with our entire lives, beginning with our minds. It is not a matter of perfection in actions but rather a mindset and goal to honor God.