Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness The Unholy Church

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness Holiness is the characteristic of God most mentioned in the Word of God. Therefore, it should also be a characteristic of the Church. We are to be a Holy people – 1 Peter 2:9-10.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (NASB) 9  But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10  for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness Holiness is the characteristic of God most mentioned in the Word of God. Therefore, it should also be a characteristic of the Church. We are to be a Holy people – 1 Peter 2:9-10. We are to follow after holiness – Heb. 12:14.

Hebrews 12:14 (NASB) 14  Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness Holiness is the characteristic of God most mentioned in the Word of God. Therefore, it should also be a characteristic of the Church. We are to be a Holy people – 1 Peter 2:9-10. We are to follow after holiness – Heb. 12:14. Jesus connects holiness with Truth.

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness So, what is holiness? Some identify it with a culturally determined behavioral pattern. But this only leads to legalism and hypocrisy. Paul said that this was true of Israel in his own day – Romans 10:3.

Romans 10:3 (NASB) 3  For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness So, what is holiness? Some identify it with a culturally determined behavioral pattern. But this only leads to legalism and hypocrisy. Paul said that this was true of Israel in his own day – Romans 10:3. The biblical idea of holiness comes from words like “saint” and “sanctify.” A “saint” is one who is set apart by God! Separated (consecrated) for God’s use.

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness If holiness has to do with separation and believers are already holy by virtue of being separated out by God, then why does Jesus pray for our sanctification? Because, even though we have been set apart, we often give in to the flesh and follow this world’s system!

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness The Church has become worldly in the sense that the world’s values often remain our values and the world’s priorities remain our priorities. How does this happen?

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness The world’s wisdom creeps into the Church by replacing Scripture with man’s understanding. Rejection of Scripture results in: Inferior human authority replacing God’s authority. The church becoming irrelevant to life.

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness The Church uses the world’s theology and redefines life. Man is basically good! No one is really lost! Belief in Jesus is not really necessary! Theological terms get redefined! Jesus becomes an example and not the Savior! The Church becomes preoccupied with the world’s agenda!

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Second Mark of the Church: Holiness The Church begins to use the world’s methods. God’s methods are prayer and the power of the Gospel through which the Holy Spirit moves. The world would have change come through politics, money, and social movements. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NASB) 1  But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3  unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4  treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5  holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Unholy Church There are several characteristics of the Evangelical Church adopting this world system. Materialism – not philosophical materialism but practical materialism Personal peace Affluence

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Unholy Church Fads Whatever the world is doing the Church is doing. Fads in theology – psychology Liturgics – worship Universalism – all men will somehow be saved Marriage and the family unit

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Unholy Church Commercialism – seen in programs, marketing, plans Indifference – to practically everything State of the lost Suffering of the world’s poor Needs of our fellow believers Leadership vacuum in the church

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Unholy Church If these things are true of us, what should be done? Answer: Revelation 3:17-19

Revelation 3:17-19 (NASB) 17  Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18  I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

Holy, Holy, Unholy John 17:14-17 The Unholy Church If these things are true of us, what should be done? Answer: Revelation 3:17-19 “to buy from Me gold refined by fire” – “buy” means effort on our part and “gold” means the Word of God. “white garments” – clothed with acts of personal holiness “salve” – healing of the Holy Spirit