NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE:

Colossians 3:11-15

1. NICENE CREED: "ONE HOLY, CATHOLIC, APOSTOLIC CHURCH"
1. A most important characteristic, mark or note of the Church, is that it is Holy.
1. Interesting to note in our passage in Ephesians 4, just how much is devoted to this aspect of the Church, and therefore of the lives of the members who make up the Church, that is also described as one, Catholic and Apostolic.

Ephesians 4:1-25 (NIV)

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Living as Children of Light

v 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹ Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

2. PRAYER:

PURPOSE:

1. Take some time to examine this Holiness aspect of the church, particularly from our passage in Ephesians

 



BODY:

1. DEFINITION OF HOLINESS
1. HOLY
1. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, (R.L. Omanson)

To be holy is to be set apart from what is profane and to be dedicated to the service of God. It does not mean that the Christian is free of sin. The Apostle Paul said of himself: "Not that I have already obtained this of am already perfect" (Phil. 3:12a), and in the greetings to the Corinthian Christians he calls the "sanctified" and "saints." Christians are holy in that they are separated for God’s service and set apart by God. 1.

2. A number of verses in the NT that give us an insight into what being holy is all about for the Church and those who are its members;

I Peter 2:4-5 Holy Priesthood

4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— ⁵ you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:11-15

11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

3. There is a great deal in these passages instructing us in what Holiness is in practical terms for the Church and those who are its members.
1. Our definition again:

To be holy is to be set apart from what is profane and to be dedicated to the service of God.... Christians are holy in that they are separated for God’s service and set apart by God. 2.

2. Easy to see why this is one of the essential marks or characteristics of the Church, because the Church is the assembly of those who are separated from what is profane and dedicated to God’s service.

 



2. LESSONS FROM THE OT:
1. OT pictured the NEED FOR GOD’S PEOPLE TO BE HOLY, and POINTED TO THE HOLiness of the NT Church
1. Ceremonial cleanness
1. If you ate wrong food, touched a dead body, had certain diseases etc. you were classified as unclean, and therefore unable to participate in the community of Israel, the assembly of God’s people
1. WHY?
2. Taught that God’s people are to be spiritually clean, set apart, different, clean, holy, pure and dedicated to him.
2. SACRIFICES
1. Repeatedly says about the lambs and other sacrificial offerings, that they were to be "without blemish"
2. WHY?
1. Reminded them that God was without sin, holy and pure and righteous, and that his people were to be like him, to live his way of love and righteousness
3. What did the sacrifices signify?
1. That God demands holiness, and that when there is sin, it has to be paid for, removed, cleansed, forgiven
2. God cannot have a relationship with those who are blemished, who are sinful
3. The Old Covenant therefore reminds and reinforces the truth that the God’s people are to be Holy, that the Church is to be holy.
2. NEW COVENANT:
1. The Church is the new spiritual Israel, the people of God.
1. It fulfils the pattern or type that Ancient Israel served as.
2. As Israel was to be clean, holy, dedicated to God, living His ways, the Church is to be that way now.
1. Our passage in Ephesians spells out clearly, with some allusions to the Old Covenant, the holiness of the Church
1. Does so using another analogy from life that we are very familiar with
3. Let’s read through Ephesians 4: and take note of the large amount of information it gives regarding the Holiness of the Church

 



3. EPHESIANS 4 & 5:

1. The Topic of the Holiness of the Church
1. Found in detail through ch. 4 & 5
2. Read it through and see what we can learn about it

EPHESIANS 4:1-32

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

1. "worthy" means literally "bringing up the other beam of the scales" balanced with, or equivalence to.  3.

Paul is insisting there shall be a balance between profession and practice. 4.

3. Our lives are to be lived in accordance with our calling, with the grace and love we have received. We are not to just passively accept God’s grace, we are to dedicate ourselves to serve him in our daily lives.

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

4 There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

1. Effort at living this holy life is needed, if not then the unity we have, the ONENESS of the Church is threatened.
1. The Church’s oneness and holiness are clearly linked
2. In the light of our oneness that we have been given through God’s grace, through our sharing in the one salvation, the one Spirit and one Lord, we are to make every effort to live a holy life through the Spirit.
2. As we are going to see, there are ways God has set up for the Church to grow in that holiness and unity

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."

9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

3. Again we see holiness, that is dedication and service to God, tied in with unity, and it continues in the next section

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

2. We are called and set apart to be created to be like God by living an increasingly more righteous and holy life
1. Now given some more specific and practical examples

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

EPHESIANS 5:1-20

1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

2. The Church as the body of Christ, is to live as the head of the body lives
1. We too are to be holy, to give ourselves in dedicated service to God.
2. More practical examples follow;

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

3. See how this fits with our definition of holiness;

To be holy is to be set apart from what is profane and to be dedicated to the service of God. ^5.

1. Paul is emphasising this distinctive, "set apart" aspect of holiness; Separate, different from world

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

4. Allusion to the resurrection we have experienced, the new birth, the new life in Christ

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

5. Because of this transformation from our old dark ways to the new way of light, we are to "be very careful how we live"
1. Use our time, and make the most of our opportunities to be dedicated to God and serve him

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

2. To dedicate our selves to God in service, we need to know, to understand what God wants us to do

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

3. Instead of living for ourselves for our pleasures like the rest of humanity, we are to be filled with God’s Spirit and live the way that brings true fulfilment and joy

19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

4. Worshipping together, singing hymns and spiritual songs, singing to God from our heart is part of our dedicated service to God as is giving him thanks

20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

3. EPHESIANS 5:21-33 Without blemish
1. We now come to a section that I alluded to earlier
1. A section that at first glance doesn’t seem to be on our topic of the holiness of the Church
2. The initial topic seems to be relationships, specifically marriage
3. But having seen what we have already looked at in Ephesians, we should now be very much aware that the context is the Church, holiness, Christian service and Godly living
2. Read straight through first time:

 

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ²⁶That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. ²⁹For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: ³⁰For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. ³¹For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. ³²This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. ³³Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

3. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church
1. The topic, Paul tells us in v 32 is Christ and the Church
1. This isn’t just a side comment to reinforce his teaching on husbands relationship with their wives ... this is a continuance of the topic of the Church and its holiness that we have been reading all the way through these two chapters

32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. ³³Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

4. Paul is saying, even though the topic is really Christ and the church, the point is still there, and an important one, that husbands love their wives, and wives respect their husbands.
1. As members of the Church, everyone is to live a life set apart, dedicated to God in service.
1. Husbands are just one example
2. They are to live a holy life, including in their marriage
5. V 25-26

25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ²⁶That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

4. What is the point Paul is making here about Jesus and the church?
1. That Jesus love for the Church caused him to give himself for the church
1. What does it mean, Jesus "gave himself" for the church?
2. Why? What was the purpose?
3. 26"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word"
1. What does SANCTIFY mean?
1. To set apart, dedicate for a special purpose
2. Remember our definition of the word "holy"

To be holy is to be set apart from what is profane and to be dedicated to the service of God. 6.

4. 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

1. PRAYER

ENDNOTES:

3. A. Skevington Wood, Ephesians, The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Vol. 11, Frank Gaebelein, General Editor., 1984, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, p.54