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…?