The Pursuit of Holiness

"Human, tell the people of Israel about the Temple so they will be ashamed of their sins. Let them think about the plan of the Temple. If they are ashamed of all they have done, let them know the design of the Temple and how it is built. Show them the exits and entrances, all its designs, and also all its rules and teachings. Write the rules as they watch so they will obey all the teachings about the Temple. " Ezekiel 43:10-11 NCV

"The Pursuit of Holiness"

by Jerry Bridges

SITUATION God's glory had been present in Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 2-7), but it departed before Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians.

OBSERVATION God requires his people to be holy (v.12). Therefore, as believers, we should be completely devoted to him and separated from sin.


INSPIRATION It is possible to establish convictions regarding a life of holiness, and even make a definite commitment to that end, yet fail to achieve the goal. . . This is what we must do if we pursue holiness. We must correct, mold, and train our moral character.


Discipline toward holiness begins with the Word of God.

. . . Discipline toward holiness begins then with the Scriptures -- with a discipline plan for regular intake of the Scriptures and a discipline plan for applying them to our daily lives. . . Every Christian who makes progress in holiness is a person who has discipline his life so that he spends regular time in the Bible. There is simply no other way.


Satan will always battle us at this point . . . A discipline intake of the Word of God not only involves a planned time, it also involves a planned method . . . But if we are to pursue holiness with discipline, we must do more than hear, read, study, or memorize Scripture. We must meditate on it . . . simply thinking about it and it application to life --is a practice we develop through discipline . . . . The most important part of this process. So it is necessary ingredient of discipline is perseverance. . . . If we would succeed in our pursuit of holiness we must persevere in spite of failure. (From The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges)


APPLICATION Are you completely dedicated to God? Is there areas of life you have not committed to him? What sin still stays with you? Lust, gossip, selfishness, or unrepentant or unforgiving heart? Talk to you minister about how you can overcome these sins.

EXPLORATION Glory of God --Exodus 15:11; 40:34-35; Deuteronomy 5:34; Psalm 8:1; Luke 2:9; 14; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 21:23.

The Devotional Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus; Max Lucado General Editor, Thomas Nelson Publishers, New Century Version.

Beautiful song by Kari Jobe