Mark 1:21-24(NKJV) 21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

Perfecting Holiness We are looking for application of the command Paul gave here in II Corinthians 7:1 We seek to direct our minds this morning to the two-fold idea of example An example is a helpful and necessary part of the learning process

Perfecting Holiness Various school subjects had lessons that came with examples When we buy something that requires assembly or work, we receive instructions with examples of how to do it (ex. crafts) Companies do training with new employees showing examples of how to do the job

Perfecting Holiness Certainly God, knowing how we operate, thought it best to give us an example of holiness We can look to His example of holiness to help with our own quest We also need to be aware that we serve as an example of holiness as well

Jesus – Example of Holiness Jesus served as a perfect example of holiness In the sense of being set aside or separated, Jesus was set aside to do some specific things as He came to earth “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 19:10)

Jesus – Example of Holiness Jesus’ life was set aside for a special purpose He did not fail to do what He came to do, which is why He serves as a perfect example of holiness Think of the focus and determination that was necessary for Him to accomplish this…

Jesus – Example of Holiness He was tempted in all points just like us, yet was without blemish (Heb. 4:15) He was perfectly holy He withstood the distractions of this world that could have drawn Him away from His mission (Lk. 2:49)

Jesus – Example of Holiness We also think of holiness as being separate…separate from sin Jesus was completely pure and sinless He did remain unspotted from the world, and left us a perfect example as someone who never mixed himself up with sin

Jesus – Example of Holiness The Bible references the obedience of Jesus (Phil. 2:8) He was willing to follow the will of God and keep Himself pure and free from sin Others recognized this holiness found in Him (Mk. 1:24; Lk. 5:8)

Jesus – Example of Holiness I Peter 3:18-25 Jesus served as the supreme example, and left this example for us to see and follow His holiness should be noticed and studied, so that we might learn how to “perfect holiness” in our own lives

Our Example of Holiness Perhaps we sometimes forget that we too serve as an example of holiness If we are called to be holy (I Pet. 1:15-16), then that is who we are to be when we let our lights shine before others (Matt. 5:16) What do people see when they see our example?

Our Example of Holiness Do they see a life that is separated from sin? Do they see purity in all that we say, think or do? Do they see someone who has seemed to separate themselves from the worldly things that can cause us to be ungodly?

Our Example of Holiness Some verses to consider: Ephesians 4:25-32 Colossians 3:1-10 Romans 12:1-2 II Peter 3:11