In II Timothy 2:20-21, Paul tells us that in a “big house”, which could be referring to this big world we live in-he said that in that house, there are vessels of gold, of silver, of wood, and of earth. Some are noble and good, while others are of little, or no value. Then he writes, “therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the things that are dishonorable, of no value, or useless, he will be a vessel of honor, sanctified and set apart, fit for the Master’s use.” Philippians 2:12-13 tells us how we truly grasp what holiness is. Paul said for all of us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Then in Verse 13, he writes, “For it is Christ which worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” The phrase “work out your own salvation” is not referring to any type of deal, or bargain, that one makes with God. This is not speaking of a private interpretation. There is no such thing as “me and Jesus got our own thing going.” This does not mean that one can say “I know the Bible says it’s a sin, but me and God, we made a deal.” No, the words “work out” there means to cultivate, to bring to fruition, or to pursue spiritual maturity–actively, passionately, daily in every area of your life; with total reverential fear and trebling at the very thought of failing God. One version says to use serious caution and critical self evaluation, refusing to be involved in any thing that would offend or discredit the Holy Name by which you were saved, and obtained your eternal salvation. Work out means to run after, with fanaticism, with emotionalism, and one can even throw in a little legalism (see part 1). This, my friend, is holiness defined, laid out plainly. It is abstaining from anything that would offend the Savior.
Now, how do we do that? The next verse says, “For it is Christ that works in you.” It is certainly not accomplished by your strength, or self-will. No, it is Christ working in you, and holiness occurs when you work out what He is working in. And, if He has not worked it in, you certainly cannot work it out. Verse 13 again, says, “For it is not your strength, but it is Christ who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work, that is, it is Christ who is strengthening you, energizing you, and creating in you the hunger for holiness, plus the ability to fulfill the purpose for which He saved you. Holiness moved in when you was born again, but it don’t stay “in”, it works its way out, so others can see it, feel it, and be blessed by it. It is Jesus on the inside working on the outside. If holiness is residing within, it will work outwardly.
I Thessalonians 5:23 “And the very God of peace.” He is not the author of confusion, He is a God of peace. That is why our text for this message says “follow peace with all men ” (Hebrews 12:14). Pursue peace. Avoid discord, war, arguing, bickering, temper tantrums and such like. No matter how holy one may claim to be or look on the outside, peace is the defining mark of holiness. Without peace, one cannot measure up to God’s standard of holiness, no matter how hard they try. Paul said, May the very God of peace sanctify you wholly–completely. The amplified version says through and through. Another version says in thought, word, and deed. Then Paul writes, “And I pray God your whole spirit, your whole soul, and your whole body, be preserved blameless (separated from unholy and profane things, places, and people.”) For how long? “unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 3:13. This is what He wants to do for every born again believer. He wants to establish your heart, unblameable in Holiness before God at the coming of Jesus Christ for all his saints. And if He doesn’t, it’s because you wont let Him. If you allow Him to work it in, He will give you the power to work it out. I Corinthians 1:8 says that He will confirm you, own you and seal you. He will identify you, and stamp you as blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you from falling from holiness if you will allow Him to do so. Jude 1:24 says that He is able to keep you from falling and present you faultless before Him at His coming. If He was able to save you, He is able to keep you.
What is holiness? Romans 6:22, it is the fruit of a dedicated life. II Corinthians 7:1, Holiness can, and must be, perfected, as we walk before Him in reverential fear. Ephesians 4:24, holiness is the new man that appears after the old man is buried. I Thessalonians 4:7, Holiness is the opposite of uncleanness, and holiness is a calling. Titus 2:3, holiness is a behavior, a lifestyle, and yes that includes every facet of the person, the inside and the outside; how we dress, the music we listen to, the company we keep, and the places we allow ourselves to go. Hebrews 12:10, Holiness is God, and He lets us partake of it. Malachi 2:11 says that God loves Holiness, and if I am truly born of His Spirit, I will love what He loves. Psalm 93:5, you are God’s house and when holiness is in you, it adorns, and decorates that house, and it is becoming on you, and in you. Holiness looks good on anyone. Hebrews 12:14, Holiness is a prerequisite for heaven and without it one cannot see God as a Savior, but they will see Him as a judge. A holy life is commanded, not suggested. I Peter 1:15 declares, “As He which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in every aspect of life.” The total man must be holy, for He was holy in all things. Luke 1:74, Zechariah stated our purpose. He said that God delivered us from the hand of our enemy to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Yes, Holiness is NOT a lot of things, but Holiness IS a lot of things too. Holiness is my quest, my goal. I am forever seeking for ways in which I can improve upon living holy. Holiness is not just rules, it is a relationship, and if I have the relationship, the rules will be easy to walk in. By my lifestyle, I announce to the world around me whether I believe in holiness or not. Holiness is Jesus, and if He is Lord of my life, I will desire to walk even as He walked. No, holiness is not just rules, it is a relationship, but if my relationship is right, I’ll keep His commandments. No, holiness is not an outfit, but if I am truly bone of His bone, and flesh of His flesh, I will dress holy, modestly, and in ways that please the Holy God that I serve. My outfits define my lifestyle. If I want to be declared holy when He comes, I will do all within my power to renounce the world’s standards, and live holy before Him, in church and out. Holiness involves the thought processes, the mind, and the inner being. How can one stay holy in thought while watching filthy, pornographic material in magazines, or movies. The Psalmist said that he wanted no wicked thing set before his eyes. Why? because the eye is the gateway to the mind. So what I watch, listen to, or allow into my thoughts, includes the definition of holiness. Be Holy! God loves it!