At Redeemer Community Church we’ve identified seven practices of a disciple of Jesus that we hope to be true of each one of us in increasing measure. These are not practices we pursue for God’s love (we cannot earn nor deserve the love of God), but rather from God’s love poured out on us through the gospel of Jesus.

The first, Seek God. The second, Love Others. Now third, Pursue Holiness.

Holiness is a life, inside and out, marked by “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Gal 5:22-23) It’s a lifestyle of righteousness, not sin. Peter wrote, “like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior…” (1 Pt 1:15). Paul said, “God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.” (1 Th 4:7). The author of Hebrews, “Strive for… holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Heb 12:14)

• Realize the pursuit of holiness is a good and necessary pursuit. Some might say, “Because I’m forgiven in Christ, I don’t have to pursue holiness.” No! God chose you to be His and to walk in holiness. (Eph 1:4; 4:17-32; 2 Tim 1:9) Recognize the call to obedience is good, noble, and right.
• Don’t forget that we pursue holiness FROM the security of God’s love in the Gospel, not FOR His love earned by our obedience. Holiness is a child, secure in her Father’s love, seeking to obey Him.
• Don’t be surprised at the opposition you face. Followers of Jesus face the three-fold opposition of the alluring world, our intense flesh, and a busy devil. The Christian life is rightly called a fight. Holiness is a noble pursuit, but not an easy one.
• Consider APTAT. When faced with a temptation to resist or a righteous act to perform, and when feeling the heat of the world, the flesh, and the devil, (1) Admit you can’t do it without Jesus, (2) Pray for His strength, (3) Trust His ways are best, (4) Act: you must trust and obey, and finally (5) Thank God for the desire and grace to obey. Do this again and again and again and again… until Jesus takes you home. Learn more about APTAT here.
• Don’t wage this battle alone. Get in a group at your church (Community Group, Small Group, Life Group, etc.) engaged in the same fight. You’re struggling? We do too! The encouragement of being with others in this fight of faith will help. You’ll realize you’re not alone and make some new friendships and deepen others. You’ll be empowered to keep waging the war.
• Don’t ever quit! The fight of faith against sin and for holiness is a long and arduous battle. You will struggle. You may well fall. A lot! But, don’t believe the lie of our enemy, “God is finished with you.” No, He’s not! Get up, turn to God in repentance and faith. Keep going. The issue is not perfection (you’ll never reach it in this life), but direction. Keep heading in the right direction—Christ!

“Fight the good fight of faith.” (1 Tim 6:12a)