Practical Holiness
Introduction
A. The Bible continually reminds us that God has made an adequate provision for
the believer’s daily life. We have been blessed with all spiritual, blessings
and the Holy Spirit Himself has come to be our Helper (Eph. l:3; John l4:16-20).
God has designed the Christian life so we may make a success of it.
B. If we are to honor God with our daily life and understand practical holiness we
must learn how to walk with God and obey the Scripture - for the glory of God.
Success, in the Christian life, as in other realms, is not the result of "luck"
but is due to a Biblical knowledge, the setting of correct goals and
priorities, and the implementing of all of this by faith and love.
C. The old English word "conversation” is often used in the New Testament to
translate the Greek word which refers to "behavior" or "manner of life."
A better translation would be "daily life."
I. The Basis for the Biblical Exhortations Regarding Practical Holiness.
A. Our past life was once patterned by sinful goals, Ephesians 2:2,3.
Wherein in time past ye walked (lived) according to the course of this
world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit
that now worketh in the children of disobedience* Among whom also we all
had our conversation (daily life) in times past in the lusts of our flesh,
fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature
the children of wrath, even as others.
Observation: Due to the Fall of Man all of us are born into the world lost
and with a sinful nature. How we live, the pattern for our
attitudes and actions, and our daily goals, are all structured
by this sinful nature. The very roots of our thoughts and values
have their origin in that which is contrary to the person and will
of God. We are basically self-centered.
B. The believer has been redeemed from this sinful manner of life, I Peter 1:18,19
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as
silver and gold, from your vain conversation (daily life) received by tradition
from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot.
Observation: When Jesus Christ died on the Cross He dealt with our sinful
past life. He broke the power and patterns of sin and made it
possible for the believer to be free. The Christian is one
who has been delivered from sin. In order for this to be a
practical mattes in our lives we must understand the old
patterns of sin, the new patterns of holiness and make the
necessary choices. When we practice the truth we can be
delivered (John 8:32).
II. The Biblical Exhortations Regarding Practical Holiness.
A. We are to refuse to live according to our old life, Ephesians 4:22,23.
That ye put off concerning the former conversation (daily life) the old man,
which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of
your mind.
Observation: The term "oldman” in these verses refers to the sinful nature we
possessed before salvation. This has been dealt with and now the
believer possesses a new nature. We still have, however the sinful
patterns of behavior which have come from our past. These patterns
we must choose to break and repudiate.
B. We are to live according to the pattern of the Gospel, Philippians 1:27.
Only let your conversation (daily life) be as it becometh the gospel of
Christ, that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of
your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving
together for the faith of the gospel.
Observation: The Gospel, according to Romans 1:1-4 and I Cor. l4:l-4, is the
message related to the Lord Jesus Christ, His work and His Word.
To live accordingly means to give Jesus Christ His rightful place
in our life; to live according to the Crucifixion Resurrection,
Ascension, and Pentecost; and to pattern our life after the
Scripture. The result of this will be practical holiness and the
unity Paul speaks of in this passage.
C. We are to refuse covetousness, be content, and trust God, Hebrews 13:5.
Let your conversation (daily life) be without covetousness and be content
with such things as ye have, for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor
forsake thee.
Observation: One of the most serious sinful patterns of life is that of
covetousness. God has promised to be with us and to supply our
needs. We must believe Him, obey this exhortation and live for
His glory - not for ourselves.
D. We are to be holy in all manner of daily life, I Peter l:l4,15.
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts
in your ignorance, but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in
all manner of conversation (daily life).
Observation: These verses clearly sum up how we are to be through with our past
life and sinful patterns of behavior. As we choose by faith to do
this God works in us and produces the holiness of daily practice.
In simplicity this means living in harmony with the attributes of
truth, love, and holiness.
Conclusion: Practical holiness is a daily responsibility which cannot be avoided.
God’s promise is clear - when we obey His Word - He works with us and
in us to glorify Himself. (Romans 6:16-18; Phil. 2:12,13)
Victor M. Matthews
