Discover the Benefits and Challenges of Pursuing Holiness: Get The Pursuit of Holiness PDF Free 12 Now
The Pursuit of Holiness PDF Free 12: What Is It and Why You Need It
Have you ever wondered what it means to be holy? How can you grow in your likeness to Christ and obedience to His will? What are the benefits and challenges of pursuing holiness in this fallen world?
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If you are looking for answers to these questions, you might want to check out a book called The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. This book is a classic on the topic of Christian living that has helped millions of believers around the world.
In this article, we will give you an overview of what this book is about and why you need it. We will also provide you with a link to download The Pursuit of Holiness PDF Free 12, which is a special edition that includes 12 study guides for each chapter of the book.
So if you are ready to learn more about how to pursue holiness in your life, keep reading!
The Meaning of Holiness
Before we dive into the details of how to pursue holiness, we need to understand what holiness means.
Holiness is a word that describes the nature and character of God. It means that He is separate from sin and evil, and that He is pure and perfect in every way.
But holiness is not only an attribute of God; it is also a calling for His people. As believers in Christ, we are called to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). This means that we are set apart for God and His purposes.
There are two aspects of holiness that we need to consider: positional and practical.
Positional holiness refers to our status before God as His children. When we trust in Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are justified by His grace and declared righteous in His sight. We are also sanctified by His Spirit and made holy in His presence. This is a gift of God that we receive by faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Practical holiness refers to our conduct before God and others as His witnesses. As we grow in our knowledge and love of God, we are called to obey His commands and follow His example. We are also called to depend on His power and grace to overcome sin and temptation in our lives. This is a process of God that we cooperate with by obedience and not by legalism (Philippians 2:12-13).
Both aspects of holiness are important for believers. We cannot have one without the other. We cannot claim to be holy positionally if we do not pursue holiness practically. And we cannot pursue holiness practically if we do not rest in our holiness positionally.
The Motivation for Holiness
Now that we know what holiness means, we need to ask ourselves why we should pursue it.
There are many biblical reasons for pursuing holiness, but here are some of the most important ones:
God's command: God has clearly commanded us to be holy in His Word. He says, "Be holy, because I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16). He also says, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). These are not suggestions or options; they are imperatives and obligations. We pursue holiness because God tells us to.
God's character: God has also revealed Himself to us as a holy God. He says, "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44). He also says, "Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like youmajestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (Exodus 15:11). We pursue holiness because God shows us how.
God's glory: God has also created us for His glory. He says, "I created you for my glory" (Isaiah 43:7). He also says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). We pursue holiness because God deserves it.
God's blessing: God has also promised us His blessing when we pursue holiness. He says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8). He also says, "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). We pursue holiness because God rewards it.
These are some of the biblical motivations for pursuing holiness. They show us that holiness is not optional or trivial; it is essential and vital for our relationship with God and others.
However, there are also some common misconceptions and excuses that prevent us from pursuing holiness. Some of them are:
I'm not good enough: Some people think that they are too sinful or unworthy to pursue holiness. They feel like they have failed too many times or committed too many sins to be holy. They forget that holiness is not based on their performance but on God's grace. They also forget that God is able to forgive and cleanse them from all their sins if they confess and repent (1 John 1:9).
I'm already good enough: Some people think that they are already holy enough or righteous enough to please God. They feel like they have done enough good deeds or followed enough rules to be holy. They forget that holiness is not measured by their standards but by God's standards. They also forget that God is not impressed by their self-righteousness but by their faith in Christ (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20).
God is the one who gives them time and strength to do everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Philippians 4:13).
I don't need it: Some people think that they are fine without pursuing holiness. They feel like they are happy and satisfied with their current lifestyle and choices. They forget that holiness is not a burden or a restriction; it is a blessing and a freedom. They also forget that God is the only source of true happiness and satisfaction in life (Psalm 16:11; John 10:10).
These are some of the common misconceptions and excuses that hinder our pursuit of holiness. They show us that we need to examine our hearts and motives and align them with God's Word and will.
The Method of Holiness
After we understand what holiness means and why we should pursue it, we need to learn how to pursue it.
There are many ways to pursue holiness, but here are three basic steps that we can follow:
Know God: The first step to pursue holiness is to know God personally and intimately. We need to have a relationship with Him through faith in Christ, who died for our sins and rose again for our justification (Romans 4:25). We also need to study His Word, which reveals His character and will for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We also need to worship Him in spirit and truth, which expresses our love and reverence for Him (John 4:24).
Obey God: The second step to pursue holiness is to obey God faithfully and consistently. We need to submit to His authority and follow His commands, which reflect His holiness and wisdom for us (1 John 5:3). We also need to imitate His example and conform to His image, which demonstrate His grace and power in us (Ephesians 5:1; Romans 8:29). We also need to serve Him in love and humility, which show His glory and purpose through us (Galatians 5:13; Matthew 5:16).
Depend on God: The third step to pursue holiness is to depend on God completely and constantly. We need to acknowledge our weakness and inability to be holy apart from Him, and rely on His strength and sufficiency to enable us (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). We also need to confess our sins and repent of them regularly, and receive His forgiveness and cleansing for them (1 John 1:9). We also need to pray for His help and guidance in every situation, and trust His promises and provision for us (Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 13:5-6).
These are some of the basic steps to pursue holiness. They show us that pursuing holiness involves both our responsibility and God's provision. We cannot pursue holiness without God's grace, but we also cannot receive God's grace without our obedience.
Here are some practical tips and suggestions for applying these steps in our daily lives:
Know God: To know God better, we can read the Bible daily, meditate on its truths, memorize its verses, apply its principles, share its message, join a Bible study group, listen to sermons or podcasts, read Christian books or blogs, etc.
Obey God: To obey God more, we can examine our lives regularly, identify areas of sin or disobedience, seek accountability or counsel, make specific plans or goals, take action or steps, monitor our progress or results, celebrate our achievements or improvements, etc.
Depend on God: To depend on God more, we can pray without ceasing, thank Him for everything, praise Him for anything, ask Him for anything, tell Him everything, listen to Him attentively, wait on Him patiently, follow Him willingly, etc.
The Challenges of Holiness
Pursuing holiness is not easy or comfortable. It is hard and costly. It requires sacrifice and discipline. It involves struggle and warfare.
There are many challenges and difficulties that we face as we pursue holiness. Some of them are:
Sin: Sin is the root cause of all our problems and the main enemy of our holiness. Sin is anything that goes against God's holy nature and will. Sin affects our thoughts, words, actions, attitudes, motives, desires, and relationships. Sin separates us from God and others, and brings guilt, shame, pain, and death. Sin is powerful and deceptive, and we cannot overcome it by ourselves (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 7:15-25).
Temptation: Temptation is the lure or attraction of sin. Temptation comes from various sources, such as the world, the flesh, and the devil. Temptation appeals to our natural or sinful desires, and tries to entice us to disobey God or doubt His goodness. Temptation is common and inevitable, and we cannot avoid it completely (James 1:13-15; 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 4:1-11).
The world: The world is the system or culture that opposes God and His values. The world influences our minds and hearts through its media, entertainment, education, politics, business, etc. The world offers us false promises and pleasures, and tries to conform us to its patterns or standards. The world is hostile and corrupt, and we cannot love it or belong to it (John 15:18-19; 17:14-16; Romans 12:2).
The flesh: The flesh is the old or sinful nature that remains in us even after we are saved. The flesh produces sinful desires and deeds that are contrary to God's Spirit and will. The flesh wars against our new or spiritual nature, and tries to dominate or control us. The flesh is weak and wicked, and we cannot trust it or follow it (Galatians 5:16-21; Romans 8:5-8; 13:14).
The devil: The devil is the leader or ruler of the evil forces that oppose God and His people. The devil schemes against us and attacks us in various ways, such as accusing, deceiving, tempting, oppressing, etc. The devil hates us and seeks to destroy us, and tries to hinder or harm our holiness. The devil is powerful and cunning, and we cannot underestimate him or resist him in our own strength (Ephesians 6:10-12; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 12:10).
These are some of the common challenges and difficulties that we face as we pursue holiness. They show us that pursuing holiness is a battle that we need to fight with courage and vigilance.
But we are not alone or helpless in this battle. God has given us His resources and weapons to overcome these challenges. Some of them are:
Confession: Confession is admitting or acknowledging our sins before God and others. Confession helps us to be honest and humble about our condition and need. Confession also helps us to receive God's forgiveness and cleansing for our sins. Confession restores our fellowship with God and others, and frees us from guilt and shame (1 John 1:9; James 5:16; Psalm 32:5).
and our commitment to God (Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Luke 15:18-19).
Accountability: Accountability is being responsible or answerable to God and others for our actions and choices. Accountability helps us to be faithful and consistent in our pursuit of holiness. Accountability also helps us to receive support and encouragement from others who share our goals and values. Accountability strengthens our relationships with God and others, and protects us from isolation and deception (Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
Prayer: Prayer is communicating or conversing with God. Prayer helps us to express our needs and desires to God, and to listen to His voice and guidance. Prayer also helps us to depend on His power and grace, and to receive His help and provision. Prayer deepens our intimacy with God, and enables us to do His will (Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 7:7-11; John 15:7).
Scripture: Scripture is the Word of God written in the Bible. Scripture helps us to know God's character and will, and to learn His truth and wisdom. Scripture also helps us to obey God's commands and follow His example, and to resist sin and temptation. Scripture nourishes our souls, and equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; Matthew 4:4).
These are some of the resources and weapons that God has given us to overcome the challenges of pursuing holiness. They show us that pursuing holiness is a victory that we can achieve with God's help and grace.
But we also need to remember that pursuing holiness is not a one-time event or a short-term project. It is a lifelong journey and a long-term process. We need to persevere and not give up in our pursuit of holiness, even when we face setbacks or failures. We need to remember that God is faithful and He will complete the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:1-2).
The Benefits of Holiness
Pursuing holiness is not only a duty or a challenge; it is also a privilege and a joy. It is not only a requirement or a struggle; it is also a reward and a delight.
There are many benefits and rewards that we enjoy as we pursue holiness. Some of them are:
Peace: Peace is the state of harmony or tranquility that we experience with God and others. Peace comes from being reconciled with God through Christ, who made peace by His blood on the cross (Colossians 1:20). Peace also comes from being at peace with ourselves, knowing that we are accepted and loved by God (Romans 5:1). Peace also comes from being at peace with others, living in unity and forgiveness (Romans 12:18).
Joy: Joy is the emotion or feeling of happiness that we experience in God's presence and service. Joy comes from knowing God personally and intimately, who fills us with His joy by His Spirit (Psalm 16:11). Joy also comes from obeying God faithfully and consistently, who rewards us with His joy for our obedience (John 15:10-11). Joy also comes from serving God in love and humility, who honors us with His joy for our service (Matthew 25:21).
and make all things new (Revelation 21:4).
Fruitfulness: Fruitfulness is the result or outcome of being productive or useful for God and His kingdom. Fruitfulness comes from being connected to Christ, who is the vine and we are the branches, and who enables us to bear much fruit by His life (John 15:5). Fruitfulness also comes from being filled with the Spirit, who is the source and agent of all spiritual fruit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Fruitfulness also comes from being faithful with the gifts and talents that God has given us, and using them for His glory and service (Matthew 25:14-30).
Assurance: Assurance is the confidence or certainty that we have of our salvation and eternal destiny. Assurance comes from being justified by faith in Christ, who died for our sins and rose again for our justification, and who guarantees our salvation by His grace (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9). Assurance also comes from being sanctified by the Spirit, who testifies with our spirit that we are God's children, and who seals us for the day of redemption (Romans 8:16; Ephesians 1:13-14). Assurance also comes from being glorified by God, who predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son, and who will bring us to His presence with joy (Romans 8:29-30; Jude 24-25).
Intimacy: Intimacy is the closeness or depth that we have in our relationship with God. Intimacy comes from being adopted by God as His children, who calls us by name and loves us with an everlasting love (John 1:12; Jeremiah 31:3). Intimacy also comes from being indwelt by Christ as our Lord, who abides in us and invites us to abide in Him (John 14:23; 15:4). Intimacy also comes from being led by the Spirit as our Helper, who guides us into all truth and reveals to us the things of God (John 16:13-15).
These are some of the benefits and rewards that we enjoy as we pursue holiness. They show us that pursuing holiness is not only a duty or a challenge; it is also a privilege and a joy. It is not only a requirement or a struggle; it is also a reward and a delight.
But we also need to remember that pursuing holiness is not only for our own benefit or reward; it is also for God's glory and honor. We pursue holiness because we love God and want to please Him. We pursue holiness because we want to reflect His image and reveal His grace. We pursue holiness because we want to worship Him in spirit and truth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing holiness is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of our Christian life. It is what God has called us to do and what He has enabled us to do.
Pursuing holiness means being set apart for God and His purposes. It involves both our positional and practical holiness.
Pursuing holiness requires knowing God's character and will, obeying God's commands and example, and depending on God's power and grace.
Pursuing holiness involves overcoming sin, temptation, the world, the flesh, and the devil. It also involves using confession, repentance, accountability, prayer, and Scripture.
Pursuing holiness results in peace, joy, freedom, fruitfulness, assurance, and intimacy with God. It also results in God's glory and honor.
If you want to learn more about how to pursue holiness in your life, we recommend you to read The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. This book will help you understand what holiness means and why you need it. It will also help you apply biblical principles and practical tips to grow in your likeness to Christ.
To download The Pursuit of Holiness PDF Free 12, which is a special edition that includes 12 study guides for each chapter of the book, click on this link:
The Pursuit of Holiness PDF Free 12
We hope that this article has inspired and challenged you to pursue holiness in your life. Remember that holiness is not only a duty or a challenge; it is also a privilege and a joy. It is not only a requirement or a struggle; it is also a reward and a delight.
May God bless you as you pursue holiness for His glory and honor!
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