It is the work of the Holy Spirit to set us apart to God, which is what the word holy really means. He works in us to set us apart from sin and everything that is in opposition to the will of God. But He also works to set us apart to all that pleases God and conforms us to the character of Christ. God’s goal is that we should become more like Christ every day. He gives our hearts a hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness and brings transformation to our lives. The Holy Spirit does not work on us; He lives in us and transforms us to make our lives holy. The presence of the Holy Spirit makes our hearts clean, our minds pure, and our senses work at full capacity, thereby making our lives fruitful to the glory of God. Willingly surrender the work of holiness to the Spirit!

Day 1 Romans 6:19-23     

Reflect: To be a slave means you have a master. Describe the two masters in this text and what each wants from and for their “slaves.” 

Apply:   Think of “righteous-ness” as being in right relationship with God and others. How does this change how you read this text? What benefit do we gain from sin? From holiness? 

Pray: God, as I once yielded to impurity and greater sin, so now I yield to You for righteousness and sanctification. May I be a servant of righteousness that honors You in thought, word and deed.                                      

Day 2 Acts 4:36-5:10

Reflect: How would you describe the heart of Barnabas? What sinful attitudes caused the couple to do what they did? Why were their sins judged so severely? 

Apply:   From this account, what do you learn about your own thoughts, habits, practices and motives? When have you seen the “appearance” of holiness backfire?

Pray: Lord, search my heart. Examine the motives behind my actions and attitudes and root out anything that is displeasing to You. I desire to live in godly holiness all of my days. 

Day 3 Romans 8:9-13      

Reflect: What do you learn about the Spirit based on how He is referred? What is His role in the pursuit of holiness? 

Apply: Currently, how Spirit-controlled is your life? Is your flesh more often in charge? When has the Holy Spirit clearly convicted you of sin? What resulted? 

Pray: Father, may I never become complacent or lukewarm about the same Spirit living in me who raised Jesus from the dead. Help me to be willing to submit to Your Holy Spirit and to choose to live my life in spirit and truth.

Day 4 Ephesians 4:17-24 

Reflect: Based on this text, describe the ramifications of the influences on our thought life? What are the transforming steps that should take place in every Christian’s life? 

Apply:   What are the major differences between your “old self” and your “new self”? What  do you need to turn over to the Holy Spirit in order to become more and more like Jesus? 

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You that, by believing in Christ, my new life has been created in Your likeness of righteousness and holiness. Help me to put off all of my former ways of life, so as to not quench Your Spirit working within me.

Day 5    1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Reflect: Why do you think Paul uses the image of a temple to describe the Holy Spirit dwelling in us? How does knowing that Jesus paid a high price for you impact your lifestyle?

Apply:   How does being holy in God’s sight change the way you live and think about yourself? In what ways does “honoring God with your body” challenge you? 

Pray: Father, forgive me for the times that I lose sight of the wonder of the gift of Your presence within me. With deeper reverence and appreciation, help me be a better steward of my body and my life. I offer both as a living sacrifice to please and honor You.

Put it into Practice

Read and meditate on one Scripture per day this week and let God, the Refiner, do His work in your life: Psalm 12:6; Zechariah 13:9; Proverbs 25:4; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 Corinthians 3:13 

BONUS! Watch (and pray) this song video on YouTube: Purify My Heart by Jeremy Riddle.