August 26, 2025 -- I Peter 1:15 -- Growing in holiness

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People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

…as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct
I Peter 1:15 ESV
 
Holy means to be set apart, completely dedicated to God. Holy means that there is no hint of impure thoughts, actions, motivations or desires within you. Holy means one rejoices in what is excellent, good and from God. Holy, that is the only characteristic of God that is repeated three times in a row (Isaiah 6:3 & Revelation 4:8).
 
I don’t know about you, but when I read this, I realize I am not holy. Not at all. I was listening to a podcast from CCEF (Christian Counseling and Education Foundation) and the topic was progressive sanctification. Three panel members talked about progressive sanctification: that is, the work of the Holy Spirit, living in us, Who leads us in life and godliness (that last phrase comes from II Peter 1:3). The Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ in the believer so that he is made to be more like Jesus, holy. One of the panel members spoke how he often felt his life is like a yo-yo. Up and down with no real progress. Then be recalled the words of David Powlison, the former director of CCEF, who said something like this: my life may be a yo-yo, going up and down so that I don’t feel any progress in holiness, but I am in the hand of the Master, Jesus, and as I go up and down, He is climbing the stairs. What a hopeful illustration that is. How Jesus-focused it is.
 
While you may not see great strides in your growing in holiness, consider these important evidences that there is indeed progress.

  • The old sin you struggled against instead of being inviting, is becoming distasteful to you. That is progress in holiness.

  • Maybe you are desiring to see the victory of Jesus applied in an area of your life that before this had not been yielded to Him—that is growing in holiness Maybe have started praying for someone who you used to consider an enemy, that is progress in holiness.

  • Maybe you find yourself longing for more of God, that is growing in holiness.

  • Maybe you are prepared to find a mentor or a teacher, who can help you understand the Bible and life as a Christian, that is progress in holiness.

  • Maybe your find yourself genuinely caring for the people God has placed in your life, so instead of being purely self-focused, you are thinking about others. That is progress in holiness.

 
Holiness grows in the fires of trials and hardships. If everything is going along fine in your life, there is little opportunity for seeking God, earnestly pouring out your heart to Him and longing for change. Pray for greater holiness; it is promised in II Peter 1:3.
 
Father in heaven, blessed be Your Name. You sent Jesus to rescue us from Your just anger against our sin. You and our Savior Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to lead us in Your holy ways. Triune God, help me to grow in holiness. Where there is progress in this, help me to see it, or when others see it in me, help me to give You the thanks and praise and let that be a motivation for me to keep growing in and longing for holiness. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/2D4gg03f0DM?si=SiyLn-h98G1DXimO Holy, Holy, Holy
 

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