HOLINESS AS A LIFESTYLE

DATE: 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2024

TOPIC: HOLINESS AS A LIFESTYLE

TEXT:   EPHESIANS 4:20-24

But ye have not so learned Christ;  if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Aim: TO DISCUSS PRACTICAL WAYS BY WHICH THE CHURCH CAN LIVE HOLY (IN AREAS OF SLANDER, GOSSIP, FALSE WITNESS)

Introduction: Living a life of holiness is a command to every believer. We have been called to be set apart and this should reflect in all our conducts and in all areas of our lives. Holiness is a mind-set that produces holy lifestyle. It comes with the intense, determined desire to honour God with every fibre of our being.

In this study, we are going to look at how destructive, acts such as slander, gossip and false witness can be, and why it should not be found among us.

Study Questions:

1.What is Holiness?

1. Romans 12 : 1
2. 1 Corinthians 11 : 1
3. 2 Timothy 2 : 22,
4. 1 Peter 1 :15 – 16

2.Define and explain the terms Slander, gossip and false witness 

3.What practical ways can we avoid slander, gossip and false witness:

1. 2 Corinth 6 : 14, Psa 1 : 1
2. Eph4 : 29, Philip 4 : 8
3. Matt 22 : 39
4. Colos4 : 6, Prov18 : 2.
5. 2Corinths 13:1
6. James1:19, Prov10:19, Eccl 5:2, 6
7. Prov20:19
8. 1 Tim5:13
9. Col3:8, Eph4:31
10. Matt 18:15-17, Matt 5:37.

4.Discuss the Dangers of involving in Slander, Gossip, False Witness

1. Psa 101:5
2. Proverbs 11:13, Proverbs 16:28
3. Heb 12:14, Matt 5:8

Conclusion: We must be mindful of the words that proceeds out of our mouth, they can either make or mar. The Lord expects us to be set apart from every form of ungodly conversation as evil communication corrupts good manner.

Food thoughts:Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt.

Memory Verse: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

1 Peter 1:15 (KJV) But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.