Today, we begin a new series titled “Holiness as a Lifestyle.”
Lifestyle means the way you live and the manner in which you live. Christianity, as we often say, is not a religion. It is about a life. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life.” He also said, “I am the way and the life.”
So Christianity is not about a set of rules to follow. It is not about belonging to a group where you are given instructions to obey. It is about a life, the natural expression of the life you have received in Christ.
You must understand this clearly. If you see Christianity as rules to keep, you will not make the most of it. You must see it as life.
Just like animals express their nature, cats behave like cats and dogs behave like dogs. Everything they do flows naturally from the life they have. In the same way, because we have the life of God, there is a lifestyle we are meant to express. One of those expressions is holiness.
Understanding Holiness
Let us carefully define holiness.
For many people, especially from older generations, the word “holiness” can feel scary. It can sound like an unreachable standard. Some even heard it as a warning, “Without holiness, no one shall see the Lord.” Because of this, many developed an incorrect view of holiness, and today some believers avoid the topic.
But holiness is very biblical, and we must understand it properly.
Our text is from 1 Peter 1:15–16:
“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’”
This is simple. The believer’s reference point is God. Because God is holy, and we come from Him, we are also called to be holy.
What Does Holiness Mean?
There are two key meanings:
1. Worthy of Reverence and Adoration
In Revelation 4:8, we see a picture of heaven where living beings continually say,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”
When you see God’s majesty and glory, the natural response is reverence. Holiness here means God is worthy of worship and adoration.
2. Set Apart
Holiness also means being set apart. God is in a class of His own, completely separate.
Anything set apart for God’s purpose is called holy:
- The Sabbath day in Genesis 2:3
- The ground before the burning bush in Exodus 3:5
- Items used in the temple
They are called holy because they are set apart for God.
So when the Bible speaks of holiness, it is not first about sinlessness. It is about being set apart for God.
Our Identity as Believers
As believers, we are holy because we are set apart by God for God.
1 Peter 2:9 says:
“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own possession.”
This means:
- We belong to God
- We are set apart
- We are different
Holiness begins with identity. When you understand that you are set apart, your lifestyle begins to reflect it.
Holiness as a Lifestyle
The Bible says we should be holy in everything we do, not in some things but in everything.
Holiness is not just avoiding certain sins. It is a complete lifestyle that reflects God in every area of life.
Why Believers Struggle with Holiness
Bad habits
Old patterns from before Christ can still influence us if we are not careful.
Lack of reverence for God
The fear of God means reverence. When we truly honour God, it affects how we live.
Not knowing who we are
When we forget we are new creations, we slip back into old ways.
Love of money
The Bible says the love of money is a root of many evils, and it often leads to compromise.
Practical Holiness
Holiness shows in everyday life:
1. In our whole life
Romans 12:1 says we should present our bodies as a living sacrifice. Everything about us belongs to God.
2. In our thinking
We think differently from the world.
3. In our desires
Our priorities and passions are different.
4. In our speech
Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace.”
We speak with kindness, encouragement, and wisdom.
5. In our service
We serve others. The world takes, but believers give.
6. In humility
We treat everyone with respect, regardless of their status.
7. In love for others
We help people, even strangers, just as God shows kindness to all.
8. In crisis
We respond differently in difficult times. We trust God instead of panicking.
Jesus slept in the storm, and Paul remained calm in danger. This is a picture of a life set apart.
Conclusion
Holiness is not only about avoiding sin. It is about living a life that reflects God daily.
It means:
- Thinking like God
- Acting like God
- Responding like God
We are a holy nation, set apart to show His light.
