Bulletin HOLY Acknowledging God as Holy Leviticus 19:2 (NIV) 2 "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. 1 Chronicles 16:29 (NIV) 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. I recently had the opportunity to go on a week-long ascent of a mountain in Africa. It was a great experience that included 3 hot-cooked meals a day with porters and guides to set up the tents and ensure safety and direction. What it did not include, however, was a hot shower – at any time. For seven days we were able to sort of scrub off with whatever cleansing wipes we brought with us, but at the end of the climb we were all thoroughly ready to let water clean away all the sweat and grime, to be clean and presentable again. There is something very desirable and functional when things are whole, unbroken and clean. For machinery to operate as designed for any period of time, it must be maintained with cleanliness. For governments, organizations, and homes to function successfully there is a requirement of moral rightness that is free from depravity. Where corruption of any kind is given access there is compromised ability to proceed in the best interests of those involved. It’s when the standard of wholeness is allowed adjustment by varying perspectives that this corruption gains access, bringing corrosive elements of destruction. This God that surrounds us continually is the unsurpassed standard of wholeness and righteousness. He IS holy/holiness. If there is to ever be a basis for determining what is morally correct as a course of action, it will never be greater than Him. For those who would acknowledge Him, there will be recognition, respect and response to His holiness that ultimately enables great functionality and use in the kingdom for His glory and praise. Notes HOLY Definition: The English word holy dates back to at least the 11th century with the Old English word hālig, an adjective derived from hāl (‘whole’), which was used to mean 'uninjured, sound, healthy, entire, complete'. The Scottish hale (‘health, happiness, wholeness’) is the most complete modern form of this Old English root. Biblical: exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness. sacred (ceremonially or morally) Purpose: Establishes a basis for functionality – no fault, no blemish – can operate without corruption. Acknowledging God as Holy · The simple acceptance of existence - Recognize · Gain knowledge - Respect · Influenced by - Respond Recognizing God’s Holiness An eternal occupation Isaiah 6:3 (NIV) 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” From His holiness - wonders Exodus 15:11 (NIV) 11 Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Though high - accessible Isaiah 57:15 (NIV) 15 For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. Proven Isaiah 5:16 (NIV) 16 But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts. Respecting God’s Holiness To observe holiness – positioned for purification Isaiah 6:3-7 (NIV) 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Where there is failure to honor His holiness Isaiah 1:4 (NIV) 4 Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. God is glorified in the worship of His holiness 1 Chronicles 16:29 (NIV) 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Responding to God’s Holiness With access – transformation into holiness Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV) 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. The Transformation 1. Take on an identity of holiness in Christ 1 Corinthians 1:30 (NIV) 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 2. Discover what that identity looks like John 17:17 (NIV) 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. Ephesians 5:25-27 (NIV) 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 3. Activate holiness by faith 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) 1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God., 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV) 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.