Holiness
Michael L. Brown emphasizes that true holiness is achieved primarily through the Word of God empowered by the Holy Spirit, calling believers to live a life set apart from sin in reverence and obedience to God's standards.
In this powerful teaching, Michael L. Brown explores the biblical foundation of holiness, emphasizing the indispensable role of God's Word and the Holy Spirit in sanctifying believers. He challenges the church to live lives set apart from sin, rooted in reverence for God as a consuming fire. Brown also addresses the urgent need for revival, highlighting the spiritual decline in the American church and calling believers to genuine transformation rather than superficial religious experiences.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Holiness is primarily achieved through God's Word and the Spirit
- Psalm 119 teaches purity through adherence to God's Word
- Jesus prays for sanctification through truth in John 17
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II
- Paul's instructions to the Thessalonians on holy living
- God calls us to abstain from impurity and live honorably
- Sanctification is a holy separation empowered by God
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III
- God is a consuming fire, holy and jealous
- The call to holiness spans both Old and New Testaments
- Believers are to imitate God's holiness in conduct
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IV
- The need for revival arises from spiritual decline
- The American church's current state reveals compromise and weakness
- True revival cannot be scheduled but must come from God
Key Quotes
“It is not just by a spiritual experience, by a touch of the Spirit of God that we are made holy or that we live a holy life; the principle way that God makes His people holy is through His Word.” —
“God has not called us for the purpose of impurity but to holiness.” —
“You can no more hold a revival than you can hold a hurricane.” —
Application Points
- Commit daily to reading and meditating on the Word of God as the foundation for holy living.
- Live with a reverent fear of God, recognizing His holiness and the call to separate from sin.
- Seek genuine revival through personal and corporate repentance rather than relying on scheduled events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary means by which God makes us holy?
God makes His people holy primarily through His Word in conjunction with the Holy Spirit's power.
Does the call to holiness apply only to the Old Testament?
No, the call to holiness is consistent throughout both the Old and New Testaments and is intensified in the New Testament.
Why is revival necessary according to the sermon?
Revival is necessary because of spiritual decline, compromise, and backsliding within the church.
Can revival be scheduled or planned by humans?
No, revival is a sovereign work of God and cannot be scheduled or manufactured by human efforts.
What is the state of the born-again church in America as described?
The born-again church in America is largely compromised, with many believers more focused on worldly things than on prayer, holiness, and evangelism.