Holiness is the requirement for God to work in your life and through you
Dr. Roberto Miranda(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY:
The author continues his series on holiness, emphasizing that holiness is not just about avoiding sin, but also about preparing oneself to serve God. He references previous sermons where he discussed the four stages of sanctification outlined in Colossians 3. The author reminds readers that as a people of priests, we are called to holiness, and that holiness is a requirement for service to God. The author highlights the example of the temple and its utensils, which were consecrated and set apart for the Lord's service. The author warns that those in positions of ministry should fear and tremble before the Lord, recognizing the great responsibility and danger that comes with representing the Lord.
Holiness is essential for the blessings of God, protection from the enemy, and the manifestation of God's power in our lives. Holiness is a process, not a state, and it requires sanctification and purification. Holiness is the best way to do spiritual warfare and protect ourselves from the attacks of the enemy. We should not be deceived by the facade of invincibility that pastors and other leaders often present, as everyone struggles with the battle of sin.
The passage in Romans 7:21-23 shows that holiness involves struggle, inner conflict, and a deliberate decision. Paul confesses that he is carnal and sold under sin, but also acknowledges that the law is good and necessary. He reminds us that holiness is a lifelong process and that there will be times when we fail the Lord, but we must stand up and move on. A moment of crisis is necessary to make a decision to consecrate ourselves and live a life of authenticity. The devil may tell us that we will become ugly and unpleasant, but Christ wants to give us life and abundance so that we can be beautiful and enjoy life.
Holiness requires a sincere and active recognition of our sinful condition. It must be pursued in peace and dependence on the Lord, not with anxiety or a sense of guilt. Our justification has already been given through Jesus, and holiness is a fruit of justice. It is the total surrender of one's being for the exclusive use and glory of God. We should consecrate everything to the Lord, including our profession, way of dressing, sexuality, friendships, and sense of humor. We must ask the Lord to circumcise our hearts, minds, bodies, and beings for purification.I want to continue with this series that is within a series on holiness, because I feel that the Lord has called us to meditate on this, reinforce those foundations, put them very solid in our lives, our minds as a church. I feel that this is a call from God in this year that we have called a defining year.
You will remember that message that God gave me to share with you on New Year's Eve, to define ourselves as a church, to define ourselves as individuals, to define ourselves in God's call on our lives, and to also define what we believe, what we are, and what we have been talking about. different things that distinguish our church, elements of our faith, our theology.