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Take Time to be Holy
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Introduction
1. Our songs in worship are designed to instruct as well as praise
a. For in them we teach and admonish one another
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
b. By them the Word of Christ can dwell in us richly – Colossians 3:16
2. A familiar song with an important message is “Take Time To Be Holy”
a. Words written by W.D. Longstaff
b. Music composed by GeorgeC. Stebbins
3. Certainly the children of God are to be holy
a. We are to be holy in our conduct
1 Peter 1:15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
b. Even as our Father who calls us is holy
1 Peter 1:16 because it is written, “BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”
4. Indeed, holiness is to be pursued, for without it one will not see the Lord
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord
5. In this lesson, we will let the words of this song serve as the basis for our study. Note first that the song assumes…
Body
I. THE NEED TO TAKE TIME
A. THE WORLD RUSHES ON
1. As expressed in the beginning of the second verse
2. Our lives are certainly hectic and fast-paced
3. Filled with activities that consume our time
4. And our lives are but a vapor
James 4:13-14 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
5. Before we know it, time will have slipped by
B. IT TAKES TIME TO BE HOLY
1. The key presumption upon which this song is based
2. Holiness must be pursued
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord
3. Holiness is the fruit of service to God
Romans 6:22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
4. Holiness must be perfected
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
5. If we are not careful, time to develop holiness will be gone
a. So we must “Take Time To Be Holy.”
b. It needs to be a priority in our lives.
c. How does one take time?
II. THE WAY TO TAKE TIME
A. SPEND TIME WITH THE LORD
1. The song encourages us to:
a. “Abide in Him always”
b. “Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone”
2. The means to do so involve:
a. Prayer, as suggested by the song
1) “Speak oft with thy Lord”
2) “Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek”
b. The Word of God (“Feed on His Word”)
3. Do we take time to be with the Lord?
a. Through prayer, where the Lord is ready to intercede?
Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
b. Through the Word, which testifies of our gracious Lord?
John 5:39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
1 Peter 2:2-3 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4. We cannot overestimate the importance of finding time to be with the Lord alone through prayer and the Word!
B. SPEND TIME WITH OTHERS
1. This includes fellowship with other Christians (“Make friends of God’s children”)
a. Which the early Christians continued in steadfastly
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
b. Which helps to ensure faithfulness and steadfastness
Hebrews 3:12-14 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “TODAY,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end
c. Which includes the idea of frequent assembling
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
2. This includes service to our fellowman (“Help those who are weak”)
a. A duty enjoined upon Christians
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
Acts 20:35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “
b. Service toward all, but especially our brethren
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
c. Ministering our abilities to one another
1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
d. We must not be so busy that we don’t have time to be with brethren and to help others as we have opportunity!
[As one takes time to be with the Lord, His people, and in service to them and others, a transformation slowly takes place…]
III. THE BENEFITS OF TAKING TIME
A. YOU WILL BE BLESSED
1. With inner peace and happiness (“Be calm in thy soul”)
a. Through frequent prayer
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
b. Through frequent meditation upon the Word
Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
2. With renewed strength (“Each thought and each motive beneath His control”)
a. Through your relationship with Christ
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
b. Through the indwelling of the Spirit
Romans 8:12-13 Therefore, brethren, we are debtorsnot to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
3. With increasing realization of God’s love (“Led by His Spirit to fountains of love”)
a. A manifestation of the Spirit in our lives
Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
b. Whose fruit produces love
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
4. Is this not sufficient motivation to “take time to be holy”?
B. YOU WILL BE MORE CHRIST-LIKE…
1. The ultimate goal of discipleship (“Like Him thou shalt be”)
a. As explained by Jesus
Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
b. As foreordained by God
Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
2. A transformation noticed by others (“Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see”)
a. The result of spending time with Jesus – e.g., Peter and John
Acts 3:12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
b. The result of giving yourself to such things – e.g.,Timothy,
1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
3. Prepared for greater service (“Thou soon shall be fitted for service above”)
a. For we will serve God in heaven, and in the new Jerusalem
Revelation 22:3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
b. Indeed, we will reign with Christ and God forever!
Revelation 22:5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
4. Is this not even more motivation to “take time to be holy”?
Conclusion
1. Remember the need to take time
a. The world rushes on, and would carry us along with it
b. Our time in this life is short, we must have our priorities straight
2. Are you taking time, indeed, making time?
a. To spend time alone with God, in prayer and the Word?
b. To spend time with others, in fellowship and service?
3. We must take time, if we desire to
a. Experience the blessed life Jesus offers
b. Become more Christ-like in our conduct
4. May this song (“Take Time To Be Holy”) always remind us of the need to slow down, and to do those things so crucial to our spiritual growth and happiness!
5. Have you taken the time to respond to the gospel of Christ…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 01:15-16 Take Time to be Holy
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Text: 1 Peter 1:15-16
Introduction
1. Our songs in worship are designed to instruct as well as praise
a. For in them we teach and admonish one another – Colossians 3:16
b. By them the Word of Christ can dwell in us richly – Colossians 3:16
2. A familiar song with an important message is “Take Time to be Holy”.
a. Words written by W.D. Longstaff
b. Music composed by GeorgeC. Stebbins
3. Certainly the children of God are to be holy
a. We are to be holy in our conduct – 1 Peter 1:15
b. Even as our Father who calls us is holy – 1 Peter 1:15-16
4. Indeed, holiness is to be pursued, for without it one will not see the Lord – Hebrews 12:14
Body
I. THE NEED TO TAKE TIME
A. THE WORLD RUSHES ON
1. As expressed in the beginning of the second verse
2. Our lives are certainly hectic and fast-paced
3. Filled with activities that consume our time
4. And our lives are but a vapor – James 4:13-14
5. Before we know it, time will have slipped by
B. IT TAKES TIME TO BE HOLY
1. The key presumption upon which this song is based
2. Holiness must be pursued – Hebrews 12:14
3. Holiness is the fruit of service to God – Romans 6:22
4. Holiness must be perfected – 2 Corinthians 7:1
5. If we are not careful, time to develop holiness will be gone
II. THE WAY TO TAKE TIME
A. SPEND TIME WITH THE LORD
1. The song encourages us to:
a. “Abide in Him always”
b. “Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone”
2. The means to do so involve:
a. Prayer, as suggested by the song
1) “Speak oft with thy Lord”
2) “Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek”
b. The Word of God (“Feed on His Word”)
3. Do we take time to be with the Lord?
a. Through prayer, where the Lord is ready to intercede? – Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25
b. Through the Word, which testifies of our gracious Lord? – John 5:39; 1 Peter 2:2-3
4. I cannot overestimate the importance of finding time to be with the Lord alone through prayer and the Word!
B. SPEND TIME WITH OTHERS
1. This includes fellowship with other Christians (“Make friends of God’s children”)
a. Which the early Christians continued in steadfastly – Acts 2:42
b. Which helps to ensure faithfulness and steadfastness – Hebrews 3:12-14
c. Which includes the idea of frequent assembling – Hebrews 10:24-25
2. This includes service to our fellowman (“Help those who are weak”)
a. A duty enjoined upon Christians – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; Acts 20:35
b. Service toward all, but especially our brethren – Galatians 6:10
c. Ministering our abilities to one another – 1 Peter 4:10-11
3. We must not be so busy that we don’t have time to be with brethren and to help others as we have opportunity!
III. THE BENEFITS OF TAKING TIME
A. YOU WILL BE BLESSED
1. With inner peace and happiness (“Be calm in thy soul”)
a. Through frequent prayer – Philippians 4:6-7
b. Through frequent meditation upon the Word – Psalms 1:1-3; 119:165
2. With renewed strength (“Each thought and each motive beneath His control”)
a. Through your relationship with Christ – Philippians 4:13
b. Through the indwelling of the Spirit – Romans 8:12-13 Ephesians 3:16, 20-21
3. With increasing realization of God’s love (“Led by His Spirit to fountains of love”)
a. A manifestation of the Spirit in our lives – Romans 5:5
b. Whose fruit produces love – Galatians 5:22
4. Is this not sufficient motivation to “take time to be holy”?
B. YOU WILL BE MORE CHRIST-LIKE
1. The ultimate goal of discipleship (“Like Him thou shalt be”)
a. As explained by Jesus – Luke 6:40
b. As foreordained by God – Romans 8:29
2. A transformation noticed by others (“Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see”)
a. The result of spending time with Jesus – e.g., Peter and John, Acts 4:13
b. The result of giving yourself to such things as Timothy did, 1 Timothy 4:15
3. Prepared for greater service (“Thou soon shall be fitted for service above”)
a. For we will serve God in heaven, and in the new Jerusalem – Revelation 7:15; 22:3
b. Indeed, we will reign with Christ and God forever! – Revelation 22:5; 2 Timothy 2:12
4. Is this not even more motivation to “take time to be holy”?
Conclusion
1. Remember the need to take time
a. The world rushes on, and would carry us along with it
b. Our time in this life is short, we must have our priorities straight
2. Are you taking time, indeed, making time?
a. To spend time alone with God, in prayer and the Word?
b. To spend time with others, in fellowship and service?
3. We must take time, if we desire to:
a. Experience the blessed life Jesus offers
b. Become more Christ-like in our conduct
4. May this song (“Take Time To Be Holy”) always remind us of the need to slow down, and to do those things so crucial to our spiritual growth and happiness!
5. Have you taken the time to respond to the gospel of Christ…? – Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Resolutions – Ephesians 3:16
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Text: Ephesians 3:16
(presented on 12/31)
If we’re the resolution-making type, what we’re really resolving to do is to have more self-discipline, right?
- We just apply it to different areas of life:
- Weight loss (avoid Krispy Kreme)
- Productivity (manage time better)
- Spirituality (stick to one-year Bible-reading plan)
It’s all about self-discipline.
Everything will work out if I do this or don’t do that.
If I do what I don’t want to and don’t do what I want do.
If I stick with it.
It’s all about me.
Except it’s not. Not really.
Especially when we’re talking about spirituality.
Growing in our relationship to Christ is about what God does in us.
Notice the common factor in these verses:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23).
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16).
Did you catch the common thread?
How can you can be more:
- loving
- joyful
- patient
… and have more self control?
Paul says it comes from the Spirit; it’s His fruit (not ours).
How do you grow spiritually?
- Is it by trying harder?
- Is it by praying harder?
- Is it by serving harder?
No.
It is God who strengthens you.
Too often we get frustrated spiritually because we think it’s all up to us.
We’ll reach our spiritual goals if we can just get the formula right: incorporate the spiritual disciplines in the right way, and conformity to Christ follows.
But it doesn’t work that way.
We need to realize that holiness, growing more and more into Christ’s image, is God’s work, not ours.
So much of our striving and stretching and reaching ends up putting the focus where it doesn’t need to be. On us.
And history shows that our efforts at attaining holiness fail miserably.
This year, focus on trusting God, not yourself.
- Talk to Him
- Love Him
- Worship Him
- Ask Him to mold you and shape you
Yes, read your Bible! But not so you can claim sainthood as a Daily Bible Reader. Do it to know God better.
Pray to God, not to shape His will to yours, but to cultivate your relationship with Jesus and shape your will to His.
Worship Him weekly, not for what you get out of it, but to love and adore Him openly.
When everything we do is God-focused, we might be amazed at the incredible things He will do.
He doesn’t really need our help.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 12:12-17 Pursuit of Peace and Holiness – audio
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Text: Hebrews 12:12-17
Introduction (Mother’s Day)
1. Hebrews 12:1-3: we saw the need to run a race:
a. Lay aside things that would hinder us, especially the sin of unbelief
b. Have endurance, even as Jesus endured hostility and the cross
c. Focus our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, whose own example should encourage us not to become weary and discouraged
2. After reminding us of the value of the Lord’s chastening in verses Hebrews 12:4-11, the author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:12 returns to the metaphor of running:
a. With a call to run with style – Hebrews 12:12-13
b. With instructions to pursue peace and holiness – Hebrews 12:14
c. With a word of caution, appealing to the example of Esau – Hebrews 12:15-17
3. One way to describe the Christian race, then, is the pursuit of peace and holiness
a. How well are we doing in our pursuit?
b. Do we know what it is we are to be running after?
c. Are we aware of the possible pitfalls that can hinder us?
Body
I. MAKING PREPARATION FOR OUR PURSUIT (Hebrews 12:12-13)
A. A CALL TO RUN WITH STYLE
1. We are to strengthen
a. the hands which hang down
b. the feeble knees
c. A common figure of speech (Job 4:3-4; Isaiah 35:3), calling us to shake off all weariness, to be firm and strong
2. We are to make straight paths for our feet, so that:
a. what is lame may not be dislocated
b. but rather be healed
c. Another common expression (Isa 40:3-4: Proverbs 4:23-27), encouraging us to remove all that would hinder our progress (especially if we are weak)
B. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS CALL
1. First, we must respond to this call to action
a. This is something we are being called to do
b. We can’t expect God to do it all!
c. While God will certainly help us, we must make the effort – Philippians 2:12-13
2. This call to action is not limited to strengthening just oneself
a. Certainly there is the personal application
b. But as concerned Christians, we should seek to:
1) Strengthen the hands and feeble knees of others
2) make straight paths for others – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
c. Just as those who are spiritual should be concerned for others – Galatians 6:1
C. Shall we heed the call to be strong and very courageous?
II. THE GOAL OF OUR PURSUIT (Hebrews 12:14)
A. PEACE WITH ALL MEN
1. We should not be surprised to read that we are to pursue peace
a. Jesus is The Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6
b. He died to make peace possible: with God, and with man – Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:13-17
c. He taught that peacemakers will be called the children of God – Matthew 5:9
d. A key element of the kingdom of God is peace – Romans 14:17-18
e. Therefore, we are to pursue peace with all men – Romans 14:19; 12:18
2. How does one pursue peace with all men?
a. By seeking peace with God first – Proverbs 16:7
1) We must first make our relationship with God what it ought to be
2) Through Jesus, we can be at peace with God – Romans 5:1
b. Letting the peace of God rule in our hearts – Colossians 3:15
1) The Lord is able to give you peace always in every way – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
2) How the Lord imparts peace:
a) Through His Word – Psalm 119:165
b) Through prayer – Philippians 4:6-7
3) If one is not at peace with himself, it is unlikely he can be at peace with others
c. By doing things that make for peace – Romans 14:19
1) Such as being considerate of their conscience – Romans 14:13-21
2) Seeking unity with compassion, love, tenderness, and courtesy; willing to respond to evil or reviling with a blessing – 1 Peter 3:8-11
B. HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD
1. As God is holy, so His children must be holy – 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:7
2. How can we pursue holiness?
a. True holiness (sanctification) comes through:
1) Faith in Jesus – Acts 26:18; cf. Hebrews 10:10-14
2) The work of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Titus 3:5
3) The Word of God – John 17:17-19
b. We cooperate with God in pursuing holiness by:
1) Offering ourselves as slaves of righteousness – Romans 6:19-22
2) Perfecting holiness in the fear of God – 2 Corinthians 7:1
a) Which includes cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh – 2 Corinthians 7:1
b) Also putting on the new man in true righteousness and holiness – Ephesians 4:24
3. In many respects, this is what the Christian life is all about pursuing peace and holiness! How successful we are will depend on how diligently we avoid the pitfalls
III. PITFALLS THAT HINDER OUR PURSUIT (Hebrews 12:15-17)
A. FALLING SHORT OF THE GRACE OF GOD
1. Without God’s grace, none can be saved, pursue peace, or have the holiness necessary to see God!
2. But do Christians need to concern themselves with falling from grace? Consider:
a. The warning not to neglect our great salvation – Hebrews 2:1-3
b. The warning not to be hardened by sin – Hebrews 3:12-14
c. The warning to be diligent – Hebrews 4:1, 11; 2 Peter 1:10
d. The warning against willful sin – Hebrews 10:26-31
e. The warning not receive God’s grace in vain – 2 Corinthians 6:1
f. The warning not to fall from grace – Galatians 5:4
g. The warning to look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for – 2 John 8
3. For the Christian, however, God’s grace can be just a prayer away! – Hebrews 4:16
B. LETTING A ROOT OF BITTERNESS TO SPRING UP
1. Bitterness can be a stumbling block in our pursuit of peace
a. It destroys the peace within the person who harbors it (modern medicine has shown that emotions like bitterness and anger can cause problems such as headaches, backaches, allergic disorders, ulcers, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, etc.)
b. It can destroy the peace in the congregation where it becomes manifest
2. It also becomes a stumbling block in our pursuit of holiness, for the problems it creates cause many to become defiled (unholy)
3. If we are going to make straight paths for your feet, then we need to clip any root of bitterness in the bud!
C. BECOMING A FORNICATOR OR PROFANE PERSON
1. Fornication is certainly a pitfall to avoid
a. Fornication is a generic term for any sort of sexual immorality (including pre-marital sex, adultery, homosexuality, etc.)
Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 1 Timothy 1:8-10
b. It is contrary to God’s will regarding our sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
1) Later, we will read in Hebrews where God will judge fornicators – Hebrews 13:4
2) It will keep one out of the kingdom of heaven – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21
c. Therefore, let us flee fornication! – 1 Corinthians 6:18
2. We must also not become a profane person
a. A worldly person who profanes holy privileges by placing on them a worldly estimate.
b. One does not have to overtly wicked; they can displease God by simply devaluing that which is important to Him with contempt, mockery, or scorn!
c. Such was the case with Esau – Genesis 25:29-34
1) There is no indication that he was a fornicator
2) But he was a profane person because he did not proper estimate the value of his birthright
3) Though he later wanted the blessings of the birthright, it was too late; despite his tears, it was too late to change his father’s mind he found no place for repentance
d. We can become profane by devaluing our spiritual blessings
1) In Christ, we have a spiritual birthright (redemption, fellowship with God, the hope of eternal life)
2) But we can let careers, hobbies, friends, even families, come between us and the things of God
3) Are we willing to sell our birthright for one morsel of food?
Conclusion
1. As we run the race of faith, our goal should be peace and holiness before God
2. To run the race, we need to:
a. Get in the proper form (lift the hands, strengthen the knees)
b. Watch out for the pitfalls that can hinder us in our pursuit, such as:
1) Not utilizing God’s grace to help you in our race
2) Allowing bitterness to become a stumbling block
3) Becoming a fornicator or profane person
3. As we run this race, the words of the apostle Paul are appropriate:
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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