Topical Encyclopedia Holiness is a fundamental attribute of God and a central theme throughout the Bible. It signifies purity, separation from sin, and dedication to God's service. For ministers, who are called to be shepherds of God's people, maintaining holiness is paramount. They are to exemplify a life set apart for God, avoiding anything that contradicts the sacred nature of their calling.Biblical Foundation of Holiness The call to holiness is rooted in the very nature of God. Leviticus 11:44 states, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This divine standard is reiterated in the New Testament, where believers are urged to pursue holiness in their conduct. 1 Peter 1:15-16 echoes this call: "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" Ministers as Examples of Holiness Ministers are called to be examples to the flock, embodying the holiness they preach. 1 Timothy 4:12 instructs, "Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." This charge underscores the importance of integrity and moral uprightness in every aspect of a minister's life. Avoiding Inconsistencies with Holiness To maintain holiness, ministers must avoid behaviors and attitudes that are inconsistent with their sacred calling. This includes: 1. Moral Purity: Ministers must abstain from sexual immorality and any form of impurity. Ephesians 5:3 warns, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed." 2. Truthfulness: Honesty and transparency are essential. Colossians 3:9 exhorts, "Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices." 3. Sobriety and Self-Control: Ministers should exercise self-control and avoid excesses. Titus 1:7-8 describes the qualifications of an overseer: "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." 4. Avoiding Worldliness: Ministers are to be distinct from worldly influences. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." 5. Guarding Speech: Words should edify and reflect holiness. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." The Role of Accountability and Community Ministers are encouraged to seek accountability and support within the Christian community to maintain their commitment to holiness. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement: "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." In summary, holiness is an essential aspect of a minister's life and calling. By avoiding anything inconsistent with holiness, ministers honor God and effectively lead His people in righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 21:6They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 52:11 Library Who is on the Lord's Side? Exodus 32:26. Measures to Promote Revivals. Evidences of Regeneration. How to Preach the Gospel. The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness ... On Perfection Laboring under Difficulties Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2. The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ... Second Sunday after Epiphany Resources What is the Holiness movement / church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the highway of holiness (Isaiah 35:8)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about holiness? What does it mean to be holy? | GotQuestions.org Holiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Holiness is the Result of God's Keeping Holiness is the Result of Subjection to God Holiness is the Result of The Manifestation of God's Grace Holiness is the Result of Union With Christ Holiness: Becoming to the Church Holiness: Behaviour of Aged Women should be As Becomes Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints Holiness: Christ: An Example of Holiness: Christ: Desires for his People Holiness: Christ: Effects, in his People Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Holiness: Ministers should Avoid Everything Inconsistent With Holiness: Ministers should be Examples of Holiness: Ministers should Exhort To Holiness: Ministers should Possess Holiness: Motives to The Dissolution of all Things Holiness: Motives to The Glory of God Holiness: Motives to The Love of Christ Holiness: Motives to The Mercies of God Holiness: Necessary to God's Worship Holiness: None Shall See God Without Holiness: Promise to Women Who Continue In Holiness: Promised to the Church Holiness: Saints: Have Their Fruit To Holiness: Saints: New Created In Holiness: Saints: Shall be Presented to God In Holiness: Saints: Shall Continue In, for Ever Holiness: Saints: should Continue In Holiness: Saints: should Follow After Holiness: Saints: should Have Their Conversation In Holiness: Saints: should Present Their Bodies to God In Holiness: Saints: should Seek Perfection In Holiness: Saints: should Serve God In Holiness: Saints: should Yield Their Members As Instruments of Holiness: should Lead to Separation from the Wicked Holiness: The Character of Christ, the Standard of Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of Holiness: The Church is the Beauty of Holiness: The Gospel the Way of Holiness: The Wicked are Without Holiness: The Word of God the Means of Producing The Holiness of God is Incomparable The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Judgments The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Promises The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Character The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Kingdom The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Name The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Words The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Works The Holiness of God: Heavenly Hosts Adore The Holiness of God: Requires Holy Service The Holiness of God: Saints are Commanded to Imitate The Holiness of God: Saints should Praise The Holiness of God: should be Magnified The Holiness of God: should Produce Reverential Fear Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences) |