SALSF:DAILY DEVOTION 05-07-2019

BEING HOLY

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

As much as we are to grow in the understanding of God’s love for us, we must also be in pursuit of holiness. To be holy means to be set apart or separate from sin and evil. Holiness is not a message we hear often these days but it’s an essential part of our walk with God. Without holiness, we are unable to see God.

We are made holy through the finished work of Christ [His death, burial and resurrection] (Hebrews 10:10). However, we are also called to live a life that is holy. So, God calls us holy but still commands us to be holy. Our ability to be holy is not a way to earn salvation because salvation is a gift from God, which we receive by faith. (Ephesians 2:8)

Holiness has to be continuously followed, put on and lived out in our daily lives. It is a work of God in us through the Holy Spirit, that enables us to demonstrate holiness outwardly. "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." - Philippians 2:13

Ephesians 4:24 encourages us to put on our new self, this involves effort and choice. This new self is the recreated being in Christ Jesus after the order of righteousness (See 2 Corinthians 5:21). Now, understand that righteousness as the believer's new nature precedes holiness. This is because, without righteousness no one can live a holy life.

Yes, we are still vulnerable to sin, however we also have to choose and make an effort not to sin because of our new nature in Christ. The nature we have in Christ and with God requires us to bear the fruits of the spirit (See Galatians 5:22-23). When these fruits of the spirit is resident in the believer, he will not fall into the pangs of sin; thereby walking in holiness (Romans 6:22).

How much effort are you making to live a holy life?

Prayer Points:

• -Ask God to help you to live a life that is honourable to Him.
• -Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the areas in your relationships/character/conversations, that do not honour the Father. 
• -Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of sin and lead you into all truth. 
• -Ask God to work in you by way of His Spirit, so that you can bare fruit of His Spirit.

Pastor D. STANLEY-MARCUS

President