Sermon: Our Holy Pursuit

[The following is a summary of Pastor Sean's sermon]

"Be killing sin, or it will be killing you." John Owen

The word "sin" has taken a backseat in our post-modern culture. But contrary to our culture, Apostle Paul's attitude towards sin was for it to be put to death. For him, there was no putting off sin, or middle ground to sin. We are either ruthless with sin, or reckless; serious, or foolish.

Why? Because sin is like a lion on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). We may close our eyes, but the lion will still be there.

How to pursue Holiness:

You have to be Christian (Colossians 3:1-4; 2:11-14). This is not a moral issue, it is a cross issue. We are not fixed on the morality of Christianity, we are consumed by the grace of Jesus, "who is the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

You cannot be a quietist. This is the view that: since God is in control of our faith we don't need to do anything. The pursuit of Holiness, however, is active and participatory, even if it is completely dependant on the work of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).

How do you know you are pursuing Holiness? (A) Prayer; (B) Scripture. Are you praying to actively pursue Christ in complete dependance? Are you praying for God's strength to empower you to actively overcome, while giving all praise and credit to God? Is the word (scripture) sanctifying you? Are you eating the word of God?

Dealing with sin:

1. Slay sexual immorality (Colossians 3:5).
2. Slay idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
3. Strip hate (Colossians 3:8).
4. Strip deception (Colossians 3:9).

Why pursue Holiness?

1. So that your joy may be complete (John 15:10-11; Philippians 1:25-26).
2. So that God may be glorified (John 15:8; Philippians 1:9-11).

The pursuit of Holiness is not about you!