{Be Holy because I am Holy}

This week's study is found on page 86.
This is really a week learning all about sanctification.
So much to learn and soak in!  There's more to this study than initially meets the eye. This will bless your life - for reals:)

Key excerpt from study:

God expects us to be holy, to be set apart from the rest of the world. When compared with God’s character of holiness, this seems impossible; however, if we are God’s representatives, it makes sense that He wants us to accurately reflect His character.

The beauty of this aspect of our makeover is when we come to Christ, He immediately sees us as holy through His son. We are His holy people, but becoming holy is also a process of conforming to the image of Jesus. This process is called sanctification. 

It might be helpful at this point to think about the difference between justification and sanctification:

Justification vs Sanctification

legal standing vs internal condition

once for all time vs continuous throughout life

entirely God's work vs we co-operate

perfect in this life vs not perfect in this life

This interview with the legendary John Piper will really help you get to grips with the idea of sanctification:

{click}

Key Scripture

Leviticus 19:2

New International Version (NIV)

2 “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

New International Version (NIV)

Be Holy

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a]

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.[b] 23 For you have been born again,not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.24 For,

“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”[c]

And this is the word that was preached to you.

2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Next.....

I'd highly recommend you spend time thinking on the issue of change as discussed on pages 87 - 88.

Shannon writing here is straight to the truth of the matter and it is equally confronting as it is comforting.  I love that!  {Just download from the link at the tab at the top which says "Current Study"}

Can't wait to catch up with you guys in person and thrash this out.  I've found this to be a really amazing week of study.  Hope this blesses you too.

Much love,

Meredy xo

p.s. SOOOOOO glad we've decided to take a week to do each study!