THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS

 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1^st John 2:15

Previously, in these articles, I have examined the choice between “Separation or Compromise” which highlighted the continued need for ecclesiastical distance between the Free Presbyterian Church and other denominations which have entertained and tolerated liberal and ecumenical thinking.  This article will focus upon the need that exists for individual Christians to live godly lives in a way that sets them apart from the worldliness endemic in our society.  These two aspects of separation are needful.  To be orthodox in theology and to be bold in denunciating apostasy is good.  If that testimony is not accompanied by evidence of holiness, however, we will very quickly be denounced ourselves as being hypocrites and with justification.  Therefore, if our witness is to have substance, looking into the future, it is most needful that Free Presbyterians conscientiously resist worldliness and strive after holiness in every department of their lives.

 Worldliness Repudiated

 In the Bible the word world may refer to the physical planet in which we live.[1]  The world also refers to the people who populate the planet (John 3:16).  In addition to these instances the word world is also employed to describe the ungodly spirit that imbibes the hearts of unregenerate men and women.  Therefore, the devil is called the “god of this world” because of his grip upon the unsaved heart.[2]  On this account people without the Lord walk “according to the course of this world” possessing the spirit of those who are “the children of disobedience” that renders them “children of wrath”.[3]  The latter is obviously the sense in which we use the word worldliness when referring to the need for personal separation.

 The Apostle John gives us a three-fold definition of worldliness:

 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.[4]

 The lust of the flesh refers to the temptations that arise from the within the heart of man.  Therefore, the primary ingredient of worldliness is within the heart of man with all the evil desires that arise from original sin.  The second aspect of worldliness is the lust of eyes, which identify the temptations from without.  The final part of this three-fold definition is the pride of life, referring to man’s ego-centric spirit to please and elevate himself above, not others, but God himself. 

 Using this definition of worldliness, the Christian therefore, according to the language of Scripture, must beware of the world and the dangers that it poses for the following reasons.

 1:         We are either being transformed by the Holy Ghost or we are being conformed to the world (Romans 12:1), there is no middle ground.

 2:         When we grow to love the world we are backsliding, as was the tragic case of Demas.[5]

 3:         Friendship with the world is enmity with God.[6]

 4:         The world is spiritual and moral pollution.[7]

Holiness Commended

 The Bible teaches that the pursuit of holiness is the great goal of the Christian.  This is the constant desire to mould and shape our lives according to God’s ultimate plan.  We either pursue holiness or we don’t.  We either resist worldliness or we capitulate.  As light and darkness do not mix so holiness and worldliness cannot co-exist.

 Paul supplies us with a three-fold definition of holiness:

 Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live, soberly, righteously and godly in this present evil world.[8]

 Paul teaches us here that holiness is living “soberly” which involves the practice of self-control; the curbing of the wicked desires which arise from the sinful nature. 

 There must also be the practise of righteousness, which is the outworking of God’s Spirit in our everyday lives. Righteousness is holiness worked out in our everyday lives; something which people around us will recognise. 

 But Paul also teaches that added to sobriety and righteousness there must be godliness. Godliness is being devoted to God in our hearts being absolutely conformed to His plan.

 This three-fold definition parallels John’s definition of worldliness.  Sobriety conquers the lusts of the flesh, righteousness looks out on the world not to embrace its temptations but to change others and godliness is unconcerned with self and is motivated only by an ambition to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.    

 This spirit of holiness is all encompassing. When Paul applied Christian theology to the Ephesians he covered all areas of life; worship, marriage, parenting, children and the workplace. At this beginning of this section, however, he exhorted God’s people to be filled with the Spirit and not with wine.[9]  Therefore the Holy Ghost is the power for holiness, which Peter also taught when he described all Christians all being in possession of the divine nature, which enables us to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.[10] Ultimately, however, this power for holiness, is a redemptive blessing, because Christ died that we might be delivered from this present evil world (Galatians 1:4).  He continues to be our great example, as His mind should be our mind.[11]  Our calling is to be conformed to Christ[12], because He is our great example as we endeavour to walk in His steps[13].  Therefore Christ, His person and His will, ought to inform every decision, every reaction, every word, every deed and every practise as we live in the fear of God.  Holiness, is not an academic or philosophical query, it is a real life battleground for everyday Christians and is one which we must take seriously because the Apostle Peter taught, inspired by the Holy Ghost, “”As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation, because it is written, Be ye holy for I am holy”.[14]

 Practical Considerations

 The scriptures, as we have observed, lay a clear framework of principles which we must apply carefully to our lives in this 21^st century. The question which we must address is straightforward; How do we practice these principles in everyday conduct?

1. We apply the law of God.  We do not merely make the law a rule for life but we endeavour to make it an attitude of heart and soul.[15]  Therefore we must be careful about what we read, see or hear because when sinful thoughts arise we are becoming worldly.
2. While we may agree to differ on certain areas of life and conduct and while we must make allowances for Christian Liberty yet there are lines drawn that we must never cross. Our Presbytery asks all its ministers and elders to vow that they will resist alcohol, dancing and gambling.  Gambling is an expression of covetousness, devalues money, is destructively addictive and has led to recklessness and terrible losses, dancing in the modern context appeals to sensuality and alcohol is said to be a mocker in the scriptures.[16]
3. Worldliness cannot be avoided using a list.  Again, the ordination vows recognise this requiring ministers and elders to “publicly expose and oppose the immorality and social vices of this present evil world” and “to live righteously, soberly and godly before all men”.  We must be constantly vigilant and watchful knowing that every generation has its peculiar temptations and must therefore fight its own battles.[17]
4. Loving one another within the church.[18]  Being intolerant and unforgiving of others is a most potent form of worldliness and expression of self and is a sign that the love of the Father is not in us.[19]. The Scriptures teach that love is greatest of the gifts surpassing faith and hope. Therefore we are required to go the brother who offends us rather than publicly accuse him or hold bitter thoughts concerning him (Matthew 18). We must constantly remember that the one with whom we have a difference is a member also of Christ’s flock. The world must see the Christlike spirit which refuses to break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax.
5. Even when dealing with grave sin, that may involve without the Church we are commanded to speak the truth in love. We must learn to season our words with the salt of grace.
6. Avoiding causing offence to others who may have different opinions on individual matters, which not fundamental to our faith, and always showing the respect to the alternative point of view.[20]
7. Avoiding the appearance of evil.[21]
8. In areas of life what may be worldly to one man or woman may not be worldly to another.  For example, sport is legitimate but if it becomes an idol then suddenly it may be sinful and must be dealt with.  The same is true of other aspects of life.

Therefore, we are all called upon to carefully take stock and examine our hearts individually, praying earnestly that the Holy Spirit would empower us in spiritual growth and maturity as we strive after “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus[22].”

---

[1] Psalm 24:1

[2] 2nd Corinthians 4:4

[3] Ephesians 2:2-3

[4] 1^st John 2:15-16

[5] 2^nd Timothy 4:10

[6] James 4:4

[7] 2^nd Peter 2:20

[8] Titus 2:12

[9] Ephesians 5:18

[10] 2^nd Peter 1:4

[11] Philippians 2:5

[12] Romans 8:29

[13] 1^st Peter 2:21

[14] 1^st Peter 2:15-16

[15] Romans 6:1, Matthew 5:28

[16] Proverbs 20:1

[17] 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthians 2:11

[18] John 13:15

[19] 1^st John 4:20-21

[20] Romans 14:13

[21] 1Thessalonians 5:22

[22] Philippians 3:14

Other Articles in this Series

https://cloghervalleyfpc.wordpress.com/category/fpc-75/