1. 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!”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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…

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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?

13. 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?

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