Revival is transformational. As people get honest, the blood of Christ cleanses, and life—real life, the abundant life of Christ—is restored. Revival is for the reviving of the body of Christ, and for turning sinners to Christ so that they too can become saints. But our prayers for revival will be a mockery if we are not living holy lives. With an enhanced standard of conduct, people pursuing holiness gets noticed. The moral effects of revival cannot be overlooked, and this is the aspect which most impresses the world—changed lives and behavior is evidence for all to see. We need to remove the ordinary things, purging ourselves from worldliness to create more space to be consecrated by God. 

 

Day 1      Colossians 1:21-23 

Reflect: In your own words, how do we stand before God and why? Is there anything that can change this position? Do your thoughts and behaviors reflect this truth? Why or why not?

Apply:   How confidently do you believe verse 22? How holy and blameless are you? Do you still hear accusing voices? What is the value of remembering your pre-Christian past?    

Pray:     Heavenly Father, thank You that my salvation, sanctification, and glorification does not depend on what I do, but on what Christ has done for me, clothing me in His righteousness.

 

Day 2      1 Peter 1:13-25 

Reflect: What does biblical holiness mean? What should be our motivation for being holy? What is the relationship of obedience to holiness? 

Apply:   Why and how should Christ’s redemption affect your life and behavior? With what evil desires do you still struggle? What does holiness have to do with loving others? 

Pray:     Father, I want to be holy and have a life that honors You in thought, word and deed.  Develop Christ’s sacrificial love in me, so Your love flows through me,

 

Day 3      1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Reflect: What is God’s role in our holiness? What is our role? What would the Lord say about the sexual immorality of our day? How are we calling evil good and good evil?    

Apply:   How pleasing would God say your life is to Him? Why? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you review all areas of your life—is there any impurity that needs to go. Lean on Him for help. 

Pray:    Jesus, empower me to live in purity of heart, to grow in grace and to mature in faith. Help me to avoid all that is immoral and impure, and to live in holiness and righteousness all of my days.

 

Day 4      2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 

Reflect: What does Paul’s illustration of a yoke convey? What does it mean to be unequally yoked with unbelievers? What are other examples of being unequally yoked and the impact?

Apply:   How would you be different if you truly saw yourself as a temple for God? How have you fallen into temptation or sin because of being influenced by an unbeliever? Vice versa?

Pray:     Help me to choose my friends and acquaintances wisely. Direct me in the choices I make in my personal relationships. Help us to help each other live for You.

 

Day 5      2 Peter 3:1-15 

Reflect: How does knowing that the earth and everything we see is temporary affect how we live today? How may our commitment to live or not live a holy life impact others for eternity?

Apply:   What is your primary motivation for living a holy life? Does God’s coming judgement impact you? Why or why not? How is the Holy Spirit helping you to pursue a life of holiness?

Pray:     God, help me to hold lightly the things of this world. Increase my faith to rely on Your unfailing promises and to trust the wisdom, guidance and counsel of Your Holy Spirit.

 

 Put It Into Practice!

Week 3: To be holy is to be dedicated, set apart, or consecrated to God; to be morally and spiritually excellent. This week, spend time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal where you are mixing the ways of the world with the things of God, and ask for power to overcome these ways. Read Ephesians 5:1-20 about how God’s holy people are and are not to live. Ask the Lord to reveal what you can do to please Him and pursue spiritual maturity.