Discussion 1 – What Is Holiness?

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Review

Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Read

For each section of verse below: One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.

Re-read

Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc.

Retell

One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…

As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build knowledge towards understanding and wisdom. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Reasons to Be Holy

Hebrews 12:14 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• Can someone be born again and not continue in holiness?
• Why might holiness be essential for us to enter heaven?
• Why might Paul have equated being peaceful with others with holiness?

1 Peter 1:15-16 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• Why would it be important that holiness touches everything we do?
• How does God’s nature of holiness lend to our ability to be holy like him?

1 Peter 2:9 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• In what way does us being a “chosen people” reveal our expectation to be holy?
• In what ways might our holiness “declare the praises of God”?
• How does our holiness demonstrate the work that God is doing in our lives?

Holiness Involves Sacrifice

Romans 12:1-2 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• What responsibility do we have in the growth of holiness in our lives?
• What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? In what ways can we do this?
• Why might Paul have said to present our “bodies” a living sacrifice, apart from our mind or spirit?
• What makes us acceptable to God?
• What does Paul mean when he says “be not conformed to this world?” In what ways is this a sacrifice?
• What would the difference be between being “conformed” and “transformed”?
• How would the sacrifice of “renewing our mind” help us to be holy?

Personal Convictions

Romans 14:2-6 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• We know that disobedience to God’s command is sin, but what liberty does a Christian have in areas that are not commanded by God?
• In what ways can a Christian hold themselves to a higher standard than others?
• What does God expect from a Christian regarding personal liberties?
• What should our response be when someone doesn’t hold a personal conviction that we do?
• What should our response be when someone holds a personal conviction that we do not?
• What is the value of being fully persuaded about a personal conviction?
• What would be the downside of not being fully persuaded?
• What should we assume about the intention of someone whose conviction is different from ours?

Holiness and Sin in the Christian Life

1 John 1:8-9 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• After we have been born again, how likely is it that we would still sin? Why?
• What would be the importance of examining ourselves for sin?
• How does a born-again Christian receive forgiveness of sin?
• What role does confession play in our holiness?

Galatians 5:16-18 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• In what ways can we walk in the Spirit?
• What does Paul mean when he says, “the flesh lusteth against the Spirit…”?

Perfection’s Role in Holiness

Philippians 3:13-15 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• Did Paul claim to be perfect? Explain this.
• What is the difference between perfection and maturity?
• In what ways have you held yourself to an unhealthy standard of perfection?
• How might we be “perfect” while still pursuing perfection?
• Can we be holy and not be perfect? Explain.
• What ways have you seen the process of maturity in nature? 
• How have you seen maturity in your Christian life?

Hebrews 6:1 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• How can we “leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ” AND “go on unto perfection”? Is this a contradiction?
• In what ways do faith and repentance “lay a foundation”?
• In what ways are foundations typically used?
• How might this concept help us understand what Paul meant by going “unto perfection”?

Ephesians 4:11-12 (Read, Re-read, Retell)

• What is the role of Christian leadership in our own spiritual maturity?
• What is the practical purpose of our “perfecting”?
• How does edifying the body of Christ influence holiness in the life of a believer?

Next Week: Pursuing Holiness – Discussion 2 – The Work of the Holy Spirit in holiness