HOLINESS
                                                        2 Cor. 6:17-7:1
INTRODUCTION:
1. A Christian is someone who is different/special by virtue of the new relationship he          has entered - 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:3-4; Isa. 35:8; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Rom. 12:1-2
2. “Holy” means that which is separate, different for God.
    a. To be like God - Lk. 1:49; 1 Pet. 1:15-16
    b. To be holy is not an option, but a necessity if we are to please God and go to                  heaven - Heb. 12:14

I.   THE VIRTURE - PURITY IN FlESH & SPIRIT: 1 Cor. 7:34; 2 Cor. 7:1
    A.  Purity of our thoughts, motives, dispositions - 2 Cor. 10:5; Col. 3:2; 1 Pet. 1:13
        1. Concerns vigorous mental activity, a transformation of mind.
        2. Contrast to emotionalism - temporary & unstable

    B.   Such purity in heart will manifest a holy life - cf. Gal. 5:l9ff.
        1. 1 Thess. 4:3-7
        2. Malachi 2:11

II. THE EFFORT -  “PERFECTING", CONTINUOUS EFFORT: 1 Tim. 4:8
    A.  Suggests a starting place - 1 Cor. 1:2 (sanctified in Christ Jesus); by hearing,                  believing, and being baptized - Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 6:9-11

    B.  Suggests a firm resolve, strong determination throughout life - Rom. 12:1-2; Heb.           10:22-23,39; Phil. 3:14-16; Heb. 12:10 (even when the going gets tough).
          1. Study - 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Psm 119:105; a lack of study will dry up the roots of                     holiness - Hos. 4:6; Psm 119:104
          2. Prayer - Matt. 6:13; Lk. 18:1
          3. Meditation - Psm. 1:lff.
             * Take time to be holy!

    C.  Suggests the approaching of Judgment - 1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Pet. 3:11-13

    D.  Suggests a living, saving hope - 1 Pet. 1:3-5

III. THE MOTIVATION - "FEAR OF GOD”:  1 Pet. 1:17-21
     A. We fear God because He judges without partiality (v 17) Is this not why there is a             lack of fear with criminals?

    B. We fear God also because of the great cost paid for our sins (v 18-21).  The cross          displays how much God hates sin and loves us.

                                                                                                     - Dan Richardson