Holy, Part 3: We Need Help to Be Holy
July 14, 2024

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Message Review

To live a holy life, we must actively choose to pursue it. However, while pursuing holiness, we cannot do what God must do, and God will not do what we must do. This week, we focused on the second aspect of living a holy life: choosing relationships that will help us be holy.

Main Point: Choosing holiness requires choosing relationships that will help us be holy.

Scripture References: 1 Peter 1:14-16; Hebrews 12:14; Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 1 Peter 5:8

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the following Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

·      Context: Discuss the context of this passage (Use the Bible Overview to learn the context)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage? What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was the author’s original intent in this passage? What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you want to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon, and why?

  • John said, “While we might be uncomfortable with the idea of holiness, we are all too comfortable with our sin.” Do you agree with this? Why do you think we are quick to downplay or dismiss our sins? 

  • If we choose to downplay our sin and shrug off a life of holiness, it will negatively affect—not our salvation or God's love for us—but our intimacy with and experience of God. Why does disregarding a life of holiness impact our relationship and closeness with God?

  • When we pursue holiness, we must choose relationships that will help us be holy. Why do you think choosing these types of relationships is vital in pursuing holiness?

  • Who we choose to surround ourselves with will determine our path. How does this statement hold true regarding your pursuit of holiness?

  • Relationships that help us to be holy (1) sharpen and challenge us, (2) pick us up when we fall, (3) comfort us when we're struggling, and (4) protect us from temptation and attack. Have you had or do you have a relationship like this in your life? If so, how has it helped you in your pursuit of holiness?

  • John outlined three steps to help identify and cultivate these relationships: Identify your people, be intentional with your people, and be authentic with your people. Which of these steps do you need to focus on?

  • Who in your life is helping you be holy?

  • How can our T-Life Group create and maintain relationships supporting our pursuit of a holy life?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.