LIVING A HOLY LIFE – 2PETER 1:3; 3:11, 14
INTRODUCTION
Christians are called to live a life of holiness in an ungodly society. This is a big task because a godly life is always an object of attack from the enemies of the cross (2Timothy 3:12).
KEYS TO LIVING A LIFE OF HOLINESS
1 .Ask For The Power To Live a Holy Life (2Peter 1:3).
Christians are not living by their power but by the power of God through their union with Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20).
▪︎ This divine power has given everything needed to live a godly life in an ungodly society (2Peter 1:3).
▪︎ The word “given” in 2Peter 1:3 means that the divine enablement is a gift from God. It must therefore be received (through the knowledge of Christ- Hosea 4:6) before it can become useful for believers.
God’s Power Enables Christians With:
▪︎ Ability to walk according to His calling (Ephesians 3:20-21; 4:1; Philippians 2:13).
▪︎ Ability to live a godly life (1Thessalonians 4:7).
▪︎ Ability to fulfil their God-given assignment (Philippians 4:13).
▪︎ Ability to go through life without being corrupted by the world (John 17:15).
▪︎ Ability to overcome sin and all forms of temptation (1John 3:6).
2. Live The Right Lifestyle of a Believer (2Peter 3:11)
Life on earth will not continue forever, it is destined to come to an end.
▪︎ The second coming of Jesus Christ will terminate the worldly system and all the activities on earth suddenly (2Peter 3:10).
▪︎ Peter used the certainty of Christ’s second coming and the looming judgment upon the earth to admonish and motivate his readers to be cautious of the way they live.
Reflection: Discuss some of the practices and doctrines of different denominational churches today. Are they pointing to the kind of Church Jesus Christ is coming for upon His return?
3. Live a Holy Living
Holy living is a life that is set apart from the world and reserved for service and glory of God. A life offered to God as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1-2).
▪︎ Christians are in the world but not of the world. They must not conform to the pattern of the world.
Reflection: Mention some of the things Christians do today that are in conformity with the pattern of the world.
4. Be Motivated For Holy Living
Believers must be motivated to live a holy life because:
▪︎ It is the nature of God (Revelation 4:8).
▪︎ It is a life that pleases and honours God (1Peter 1:16).
▪︎ It qualifies Christians for fellowship with God and empowers them for service (Psalm 24:3; Hebrews12:14; Romans 12:18).
▪︎ It prepares Christians for heaven (Romans 21:27).
▪︎ It keeps Christians away from the pollution of the world (Romans 14:1,4).
▪︎ It enlarges the dominion of God and the impacts of believers (Matthew 5:13-14).
5. Stay in Godly Living
Godliness refers to a life that is rooted in the Word of God and conforms to the mind of God. A godly person is one whose life is devoted to pleasing God in whatever situation. Consider Paul’s admonition to Timothy in 1Tim 4:16.
Christians can Cultivate and Remain in Godly living through:
(i) Intimacy with Christ
▪︎ True godliness springs from Jesus Christ. Intimacy with Christ demands self-denial, cross-carrying, and daily walk with Him (Mark 8:34; 1Timothy 3:16).
(ii) Spiritual Training and Exercise
▪︎ Christians must engage in spiritual exercises/disciplines such as Bible reading and meditation, fasting, and prayer. These should not be taken as godliness but as a path or means to godliness (1Timothy 4:7-8).
(iii) Knowledge of The the Truth – Jesus Christ.
▪︎ The truth concerns Jesus Christ- who He is as Christ (Titus 1:1; John 8:31-32).
▪︎ The knowledge of Christ and growth in that knowledge empowers Christians for godly living (John 14:6).
(iv) Making effort to be spotless and blameless (2Peter 3.13-14)
▪︎ Spotlessness is often about moral cleanliness while blamelessness is of those who cannot be accused of wrongdoing before people or God. Jesus is the perfect example (1Peter 1:19).
▪︎ Animals with defects are unfit and unacceptable for sacrifice (Malachi 1:8). Compare Romans 12:1-2.
Reflection: What practical steps can be taken by Christians to be free of stain, especially those working in offices where ungodly polices and practices are the norms?
CONCLUSION
God promised not to leave us alone nor forsake us, and all things are possible with Him. With the presence of God and the help of the Holy Spirit, a life of holiness is possible for all Christians. It guides and helps us to be free from all the schemes of false teachers.