The Highway of Holiness

Main Thought

Most people prefer to take faster, more efficient roads as opposed to slower ones filled with obstacles. We like highways. Did you know that holiness is like a highway? God’s highway of holiness provides blessing and fulfillment. We experience joy when we journey on it. It’s a highway that provides clarity and safety too. God guides us when we follow Him. If the highway of holiness is so great, then why don’t we all take it? The highway of holiness is exclusive. Only those who know God through Jesus, and follow Jesus into greater personal holiness, can access this incredible path to life. God wants everyone to take His highway. Jesus made the way. Will you hop on the highway to holiness?

Main Passages

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; 2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.

- Isaiah 35:1-2

8 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

- Isaiah 35:8-10

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. What do you think it means to be on the “highway of holiness?” How is life different for those who travel it?

3. Are there any obstacles, questions, or hesitations that make it hard for you to travel on the highway to holiness? How might God want to help you address that challenge?

The Possibility of Holiness: Bible Study

Read Hebrews 7

Reflect on these questions

• What stood out to you most after reading this chapter in the Bible?

• Hebrews 7 has a lot to say about a mysterious man named Melchizadek. Melchizadek, whose name means “King of Righteousness,” appears to bless Abraham in Genesis 14 - and then is never seen or heard from again. It has been proposed by theologians that Melchizadek was actually Jesus, appearing in a “Christophany” - a bodily appearance of Christ prior to His birth. He may have also simply been a mysterious man who was used and annointed by God. Who do you think Melchizadek was, and why?

• Hebrews 7:22 summarizes the scriptures that precede it, and calls Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. In what way is the New Covenant that we have in Jesus better than the Old Covenant, given through Moses?

Respond with faith in action

• Hebrews 7:25 invites us to draw near to God through Jesus Christ. Given the incredible grace we’ve received through Jesus, and the unprecedented access we have to God, how will you draw near to God this week?

Holiness - God’s Character, Our Calling

Main Thought

Holiness is a quality that describes the very character of God. How does His holiness impact us? We’re meant to become holy, like Him. Our mindset toward holiness must be intentional. We are meant to think about it as a goal, and endure in our efforts to grow towards holiness. Of course, that’s easier said than done. As God’s children, we can be motivated toward holiness because it brings us closer to our Heavenly Father. The character and conduct that Jesus displayed on His way to the serves as an incredible model for us to emulate. We are called to mirror God’s holy character in us, so that we can be a light to the world.

Main Passages

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;

- 1 Peter 1:13-16

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

- 1 Peter 3:13-16

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

- 1 Peter 4:12-13

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. What, if anything, motivates you to be holy?

3. What do you think it means to “grow in holiness”? How might that look in your life?

What Makes God Holy?

Main Thought

We’re all familiar with the word holy, but how would we describe it or define it? The idea of being “set apart” can help us understand what it means to be holy. Yet holiness doesn’t start with us; it all begins with God. Personal holiness is grounded in the holiness of God. So what makes God holy? God is holy because He is completely set apart (or unique) in His power, as our Source of Life, and in His goodness. Psalm 96 exhorts us to worship God in the beauty of His holiness. We can do that when we sing, declare His goodness to others, and ascribe (or credit) glory and honor to Him. These things allow us to perceive and understanding God’s holiness more clearly. Then, we’re inspired to grow in personal holiness as we come to know God’s holiness in a greater way.

Main Passage

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

- Psalm 96:1-5

6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!

- Psalm 96:6-9

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.

- Psalm 96:10-13

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. What stands out to you most regarding the three things that make God holy, and why?

3. Psalm 96 gives us three things we can do to worship God. Which one(s) will you try to do this week?