Young People's Group

THE QUEST FOR HOLINESS

by Pastor Mitch
February 20, 2005

The Definition Of Holiness

What is holiness? Sometimes, it is easy for us to take for granted that we understand it.

Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church of how it was important to perfect “holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). The Greek word for holiness means that one would be morally pure and blameless in the sight of God. It is also a condition of being separated for God’s use.

“Come out from among them 
And be separate, says the Lord.” 
2 Corinthians 6:17

Being separated means to set a boundary between that which is unclean and that which is pure. God wants His people to come out from their sinful ways and to be set apart for His use. It is vital that we seek to be holy that we can be of service to the Lord.

The Driving Force For Holiness – The Promises Of God

Why is it important for us to quest for holiness? One main reason is that it is directly in correspondence to the fulfilment of God’s promises in our lives. Paul appealed to these promises of God.

“Having these promises…” 
2 Corinthians 7:1

The driving force for us to go towards holiness is the Lord’s fulfilment of His promises in our lives.

1. The Promise Of The Lord’s Presence In Our Lives

“For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 
‘I will dwell in them 
And walk among them. 
I will be their God, 
And they shall be My people.'” 
2 Corinthians 6:16

If we walk in God’s commandments and honour Him, then His presence will be in our midst. We are considered as the temple of the living God. He will walk among us and bless us in all that we do. There will be the obvious presence of the Lord in our lives. He will be our God and we will stand out as His people.

2. The Promise Of The Lord’s Approval When His People Are Set Apart For Ministry

“Come out from among them 
And be separate, says the Lord. 
Do not touch what is unclean, 
And I will receive you.” 
2 Corinthians 6:17

This verse was quoted from the text of Isaiah 52:11-12:

“Touch no unclean thing; 
Go out from the midst of her, 
Be clean, 
You who bear the vessels of the Lord…
For the Lord will go before you, 
And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” 
Isaiah 52:11-12

The people who bore the vessels of God were the priests and the Levites. They were the ones who served the Lord. God’s servants must depart from sin and not touch that which is unclean. When they do this, God’s power will be available to them. The Lord will protect them as a sign of His approval. When we are set apart for His work, the Lord’s approval will be upon on us.

Young people, let’s be driven to quest for holiness.

“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 
2 Corinthians 7:1

Let’s be strongly motivated to perfect holiness that God’s promises may be fulfilled in our lives.

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