From Hollowness to Holiness Part 2

In my last post I started the sermon outline and shared a few charateristics of hollowness.
This post will be a presentation of the characteristics of holiness.

Characteristics of Holiness

Holiness:

Is about a lifestyle

When we are serious about holiness, we will focus on God regardless of the place we are at.
(John 4:23) The true worshipper, worships God in Spirit and in truth.
When our worship is a lifestyle, our focus will be on God continually.
Genesis 5 - Enoch walked with God or had a lifestyle of Godliness.

Is about SERVING God

It is sad that people use God and ministry in order to bring glory to themselves.
We must make the decision whether our service is meant to bring Glory to God or to ourselves.
The way we serve will determine if we are headed toward hollowness or toward holiness.
John the Baptist took all the attention off himself and put it on Jesus.
Jonn 3:30. "He must become greater; I must become less."
John was willing to become unpopular and invisible in order for Jesus' ministry to be most effective.
-Are we willing to step out of the spotlight if we knew such action would bring more effectivness to God's work? Are we willing to work behind the scenes?

Is About Falling in Love with God's Commands

Luke 19- Rich young man was devoted to rules but was not devoted to the one who gave those commands.
John 14: If you love me, you will do what I command.
-People that love God's commands are head over heels in love with Jesus Christ.
Test of love: Are you willing to give up everything and follow Jesus? The rich young man from Luke 19 was not willing to make the sacrifice.

This is a great way for us to regularly evaluate our love for God and His commands.