Israel was no longer a holy nation. She worshipped idols; she oppressed the poor; she dishonored the Sabbath. In judgment, God sent his people into exile. He allowed the Babylonian army to conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Temple. Since God’s people were no longer holy, he no longer accepted their worship. Since God’s people were no longer separated from sin, he no longer accepted their worship.
However, God still had a purpose for his people. Ten years after the destruction of the Temple, God gave a vision to Ezekiel, a prophet living in captivity near Babylon. Ezekiel saw God’s plan for the future.
In Ezekiel’s vision, the exile is over; judgment is ended; God’s presence has returned. The Temple is filled with God’s glory. God has washed his people with water and cleansed them from outward unrighteousness. He has removed the heart of stone and given them a new heart and a new spirit. He has fulfilled his promise: “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statues and be careful to obey my rules” (Ezekiel 36:25-27). Israel is holy, inwardly and outwardly.
Ezekiel saw a temple that blessed all nations. Fresh water flowed from a restored temple to the Dead Sea. Trees provided fruit for food and leaves for healing. The beauty of Eden was restored.
The most glorious part of the vision is the last sentence: “And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The LORD Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35). God’s purpose for his people is fulfilled: a holy people live in the presence of a holy God!
► Discuss the external evidences that a person is holy. What outward actions should we expect from a person whose heart is holy?
The Problem of the Prophets: Israel Was Not Righteous
The prophets brought God’s charges against a nation that had broken the covenant. In the Prophetic Books, as in the Pentateuch, the word holy refers to something that belongs to God and is set apart to him. Jerusalem and the Temple were holy because they belonged to God.
God is Holy
Twenty-one times, Isaiah spoke of the “Holy One of Israel.” The seraphim sang: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3).
God is the God who shows himself holy in righteousness (Isaiah 5:16). Ezekiel saw a day when God will reveal his holiness to all nations. “I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 38:23).
God’s judgments show his holy nature. Micah warned that because of Israel’s sin, “the Lord is coming out of his place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth” (Micah 1:2-3). God judged Israel because a holy God cannot allow sin to go unpunished.
God’s redemption of Israel shows that he is holy. God redeemed Israel not because she deserved rescue, but for the sake of his holy name among the nations.
"Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them" (Ezekiel 36:22-23).
God would not allow his holy name to be shamed by Israel’s sin. He promised to return Israel to the land to show his holiness before other nations.
"Thus says the Lord God: When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and manifest my holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they shall dwell in their own land that I gave to my servant Jacob" (Ezekiel 28:25).
This is a remarkable promise. God promised to show his holiness by redeeming Israel and bringing her home. God promised to manifest his holiness in the very people he had sent into exile. Holiness belongs to God.
Israel Was Not Holy
Since holiness belongs to God, we are holy only when we live in relationship with a holy God. The prophets announced that Israel was no longer holy because she lived according to her sinful desires rather than living in an obedient and loving relationship with God.
In Isaiah, God said that he was separated from Judah because of her sin. God rejected Israel because she refused to live righteously.
"Their works are works of iniquity, and deeds of violence are in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways" (Isaiah 59:6-7).
God commanded Jeremiah to bury a linen loincloth. White linen was a symbol of purity. Jeremiah buried the loincloth until mud and dirt had ruined the cloth. This symbolized Judah’s impurity. God chose Judah to be a righteous people. Instead, God’s people lived sinful lives (Jeremiah 13:1-11).
In Ezekiel, God condemned Israel as a nation of stubborn rebels who had rebelled against him (Ezekiel 2:3). Rather than obeying a holy God, Israel lived like the pagan nations. “For you have not walked in my statutes, nor obeyed my rules, but have acted according to the rules of the nations that are around you” (Ezekiel 11:12). Israel was no longer righteous.
During the Exile, Daniel confessed that the people who had been chosen to honor God before the nations were worthy of open shame (Daniel 9:7). Why?
"All Israel has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out upon us, because we have sinned against him" (Daniel 9:11).
The minor prophets condemned Israel for her sin. Hosea accused Israel of swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery (Hosea 4:2). Micah preached to people who hated good and loved evil (Micah 3:2).
Zephaniah was a descendant of Hezekiah. He belonged to one of the most powerful families in Judah, but he did not hesitate to blame the leaders of Judah for her sin.
"Her officials within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave nothing till the morning. Her prophets are fickle, treacherous men; her priests profane what is holy; they do violence to the law" (Zephaniah 3:3-4).
From her political officials to her religious leaders, Israel sinned against God’s law. What was the problem? Israel forgot that holiness is much deeper than religious rituals. Israel replaced true righteousness with empty ceremonies.
Holiness Is More than Rituals and Profession
One purpose of the Law was to teach Israel that she belonged to God. Unfortunately, Israel soon forgot the true meaning of the Law. The people followed the proper rituals, but their hearts were not holy. This nation that had been set apart by God to reflect His image was now impure. The Prophetic Books teach that to be holy means to be righteous both inwardly and outwardly.
Ezekiel was taken to Babylon in 597 B.C. When Ezekiel was 30 years old, God began to speak to the prophet through a series of visions. Ezekiel saw the elders of Judah worshipping idols in the Holy Place (Ezekiel 8). God commanded angels to bring judgment until the Temple courts were filled with dead bodies. God’s glory left the Temple (Ezekiel 10). The Temple and its rituals were meaningless because the people were not holy.
A Holy Life Is More Than Rituals
Israel claimed to be holy, but she was sinful and impure. The people followed the rituals of holiness, but they did not live righteous lives. “They have forsaken the LORD, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged” (Isaiah 1:4). The people followed the proper rituals, but they lived sinful lives. The prophets preached that rituals were meaningless if the people of Israel lived sinful lives. Holiness is more than festivals and sacrifices.
Isaiah said that God rejected Judah’s sacrifices because she did not live righteously.
"Bring no more vain offerings…. I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them" (Isaiah 1:13-14).
Standing in front of the Temple, Jeremiah announced, “Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the Temple of the LORD, the Temple of the LORD, the Temple of the LORD’” (Jeremiah 7:4). The Temple was no longer holy. Why? Because the worshippers did not live righteous lives. God warned, “Though they fast, I will not hear their cry, and though they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them” (Jeremiah 14:12). God requires more than empty rituals.
God said to Hosea, “I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). Israel offered sacrifices but broke her covenant with God. A burnt offering without a righteous life is meaningless. Despite Israel’s sacrifices, God will remember their iniquity and punish their sins (Hosea 8:13). Why?
"There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed" (Hosea 4:1-2).
Amos preached to the northern kingdom shortly before she was conquered by Assyria. Amos offered a last chance for repentance. Amos confronted Israel with her sin. The professed “people of God” were guilty of every sin from terrible social injustices to shameful sexual practices. Rich Israelites charged unjust fines and used the money to buy wine for religious celebrations (Exodus 22:26; Amos 2:8). Because their lives were sinful, their worship was empty. God said:
"I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen" (Amos 5:21-23).
Even after the exile, Judah tried to substitute ritual for full obedience. In 516 B.C., the people began to rebuild the Temple. Although they were doing religious work, their lives were not pure. Haggai reminded the people that a priest who touches a dead body is made unclean. In the same way, the uncleanness caused by the people’s sin made their work on the Temple unclean (Haggai 2:10-14). Rituals without righteousness are empty gestures; holiness is more than rituals.
Malachi warned that God rejected Judah’s worship. “I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand” (Malachi 1:10). God refused to accept Judah’s offerings because of the people’s sin.
The Prophetic Books speak clearly: Holiness is more than ritual. A person who does not live a righteous life is not holy. We cannot worship God with unclean hands.
A Holy Life Is More Than the Profession of God’s Name
God rejected the people who claimed his name because they refused to abandon their sins. In the New Testament, Jesus warned:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness'” (Matthew 7:21-23).
Holiness is more than professing God’s name. Holiness is inward righteousness seen in outward behavior. God requires a holy heart and holy hands.[1]
Today, as in the day of Jeremiah, God speaks to pastors who build elaborate mansions from the offerings of the poor. “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice” (Jeremiah 22:13).
Today, as in the day of Amos, God speaks to church musicians who live sinful lives. “Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen” (Amos 5:23).
Today, as in the day of Micah, God speaks to businessmen who claim the name of Jesus while cheating customers. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Holiness is more than ritual or profession. Today, as in the day of the prophets, God looks for righteous behavior.
[1]A Prayer for Holiness
“Most loving Lord,
Give me a steadfast heart;
Give me an unconquered heart;
Give me an upright heart.
Give me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, and faithfulness to embrace you.”
- Adapted from Thomas Aquinas
Holiness Is Righteousness
A holy heart is seen in righteous behavior. A holy heart will be seen in holy hands. Israel could not claim to be a holy people while living unrighteous lives.
Because God is a righteous God, his people must be righteous. God’s people must have the character of their God. Those who worship idols take on the moral nature of their idols; those who worship Jehovah must take on the moral nature of Jehovah. God’s purpose is to create a righteous and holy people.
Isaiah described God’s nature. “The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness” (Isaiah 33:5). In the same message, Isaiah described the righteous person who can live in God’s presence.
"…Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings? He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil" (Isaiah 33:14-15).
Only a person who has the righteous and just character of God can live in God’s presence. Holy people act as God acts; they reflect the nature of a holy God.
Holiness Is Inward Righteousness: The Heart
True righteousness begins in the heart. The prophets knew well that the rituals of the Law were not enough in themselves. Outward obedience without inner righteousness is hypocrisy. Righteousness begins in the heart.
Israel rejected the Law because she rejected God who gave the Law. Disobedience begins in the heart. Israel broke God’s commands because their heart went after their idols (Ezekiel 20:16). God saw that their heart was false (Hosea 10:2).
Disobedience begins in the heart; righteousness begins in the heart. God spoke through Isaiah, “Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law” (Isaiah 51:7). Those who know righteousness are those who have God’s law in their heart.
Jeremiah and Ezekiel looked to a day when God’s law would be planted in the hearts of God’s people.
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: 'I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people'" (Jeremiah 31:33).
"And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Ezekiel 11:19-20).
Righteousness begins in the heart. Joel called on the people to repent not with outward displays alone. Fasting and weeping must come from a repentant heart.
"'Yet even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster" (Joel 2:12-13).
Outward displays are not enough. Righteousness must begin in the heart.
Holiness Is Outward Righteousness: The Hands
In the Prophetic Books, moral behavior is the measuring stick for holiness. Holiness requires righteous character and conduct. One of the simplest Old Testament descriptions of a righteous life comes from Micah. Micah defined God’s expectations for his people.
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness (mercy), and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8).
This is what it means to live a righteous life: justice and mercy towards other people, and humility towards God. In the Prophetic Books, justice, mercy, and humility define a righteous life.
Righteousness Is Justice and Mercy Toward Other People
Some people want to separate the heart and the hands. They say, “My heart is holy, but my hands are sinful. I love God in my heart, but I do not live a righteous life.” The Prophetic Books do not allow this separation. A holy heart will be seen in outward righteousness. A pure heart will result in right behavior. Holy people have holy hands.
Zechariah defined righteousness as right behavior towards others.
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart'” (Zechariah 7:9-10).
Amos preached to a nation that had forgotten righteousness. Israel turned “justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth.” What was the solution to Israel’s apostasy? “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:7, 24).
Isaiah shared Amos’ passion for righteousness. Isaiah’s first message called Judah to a righteous life:
"Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause" (Isaiah 1:16-17).
God spoke through Jeremiah to call Judah to justice and righteousness.
"Thus says the LORD: 'Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place'” (Jeremiah 22:3).
God’s standard for his people was justice, righteousness, and mercy. God required his people to live righteously, to act as God acts.
Righteousness Is Humility Towards God
God looks for people who treat others with justice and mercy; this must be our attitude towards our neighbor. God looks for people who walk before him in humility; this must be our attitude towards God.
Judah worshipped idols on a high and lofty mountain. God responded by reminding Judah that he is the only One who truly dwells in a high place.
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite'” (Isaiah 57:7, 15).
We reach the high and lofty God through a contrite and humble spirit. Righteousness includes humility towards God. This is true holiness.
Hosea preached to an apostate nation. The prophet knew that the nation would reject his message. But even though the nation refused to repent, Hosea ended with an invitation to individual Israelites who sought God. Though the nation may reject God, the righteous person can still walk in the ways of God. God will honor the person who honors him. God blesses the person who walks in righteousness.
"Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them" (Hosea 14:9).
Holiness in Practice: The Ethics of a Holy Life
Holiness begins in the heart, but it is seen in outward behavior. At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon challenged the people, “Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day” (1 Kings 8:61). Inward holiness results in outward holiness; if you are holy on the inside, you will live righteously on the outside.
The prophets opposed those in ancient Israel who taught that God’s people did not have to obey God’s law. The prophets oppose those in today’s church who teach that the Christian cannot meet God’s demands for holy living.
Many preachers today teach, “God’s law says to live righteously, but he knows that you cannot fulfill his law.” That is not the message of the prophets. The prophets said, “God’s law says to live righteously; this is what God requires. God’s people will obey God’s law.”
An example from the Law of Moses will show how a holy heart affects our daily actions. God said, “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning” (Leviticus 19:13). In the ancient world, a worker was paid at the end of each day. There were no checking accounts or credit cards. Monday’s pay bought food for Tuesday’s meals. Refusing to pay a worker each day made it difficult for them to buy food. The Law said, “Pay your workers at the end of each day. A righteous businessman will treat his workers with justice.”
We have seen the emphasis on righteousness, justice, and mercy in the Prophets. The New Testament General Epistles share this same message. This is seen most clearly in the epistle of James. James wrote to those who claimed to be God’s people, but who did not live righteous lives. He shows that true holiness is seen in righteous living.
Holy people do more than profess godliness; they live godly lives. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
Holy people show compassion to orphans and widows. “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27).
Holy people are impartial towards both the rich and the poor. “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:9).
Holy people control their speech. “And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body” (James 3:2).
Holy businessmen treat their workers with justice. “Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts” (James 5:4).
Holiness changes how we live in every area of our life, including our business and career. A holy person lives righteously. If we are holy before God, we will act properly towards others. The message of the prophets and the apostles is clear: a holy heart changes our actions. Holy people will live righteously in all areas of life. God’s purpose is to form a people who are righteous both in their hearts and in their daily lives.[1]
How will righteousness look in daily life? What does holiness look like in our day to day interactions with the world around us? Let’s look at some real-life examples. All these come from people who claim to be holy. The names have been changed. Sadly, the stories are true.
Pastor Thomas is a builder. His work as a builder supports his ministry as a pastor of an evangelical church. Thomas bought a tool for $100. He used it for building a house and then did not need the tool any longer. When he was ready to sell the tool, he told the buyer, “When it was new, I paid $200 for this tool. I will sell it to you for $150.”
Pastor Thomas says, “That is good business. I made a profit by exaggerating the original price I paid. No one needs to know. Anyway, I will use the money for God’s work.” God says, “Holy people are honest in their business dealing.” Paul wrote:
"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self" (Colossians 3:9-10).
Elizabeth is the secretary for a business. When her pastor visited her home, she said, “If you need any office supplies, I can give them to you. I bring pencils, stationery, and office items home from work. No one ever notices.”
Elizabeth says, “It’s just a little thing.” God says, “Holy people are honest even in the small things.” Paul wrote that those who have been “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” will live in a new way:
"Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need" (Ephesians 4:24, 28).
Joshua runs a business. He must keep records and pay taxes at the end of the year. Last year, Joshua made a profit of $50,000 on his business, but when he filled out his taxes, he reported a profit of only $40,000. Sometimes he pays a bribe to a government official to get a good contract.
Joshua says, “I know how business works in my country. I have to ‘grease the wheels’ for my company. Besides, I pay tithe and use my money for good purposes.” God says, “Holy people are honest in their dealing with the government.” Paul wrote to citizens of the Roman Empire: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1).
Abigail doesn’t enjoy her job. She wants to spend her time working for the church. Instead, she has a job cleaning houses for rich people. She is paid to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but she often comes late and leaves early. Abigail told her pastor, “I would rather spend time praying in the morning and go to work late. I would rather leave work early and come to church at night. I don’t care about working the full time I am paid to work.”
Abigail says, “My boss will never know if I don’t work the full time.” God says, “Holy people are honest in their work ethic. They give their best in every place where God puts them.” Paul wrote:
"Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:22-24).
John is a missionary. He loves God and works hard, but his tongue is sharp! Many times, the people around him have been hurt by his harsh words.
John says, “I just say what I think! You need to accept me the way I am.” God says, “Holy people control their tongue.” James wrote:
"And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness….With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so" (James 3:6-10).
► In your culture, what are the areas of ethical temptation for Christians? Where are Christians most tempted to show dishonesty in their daily life? How does the message of a holy life address this area of temptation?
[1]“Holiness means unsullied walking with the feet, unsullied talking with the tongue, unsullied thinking with the mind – every detail of life under the scrutiny of God.”
- Oswald Chambers
He Found the Secret - Chiune Sugihara
Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese Christian who worked for the Foreign Ministry in Manchuria. In 1939, he was sent to Lithuania to serve as the Japanese consul. There he met a Jewish lady and heard how the German Nazi government was treating the Jewish people.
Sugihara contacted his government asking for permission to give visas to Jewish refugees fleeing Germany and Poland. The Japanese government refused Sugihara’s request.
By the summer of 1940, Sugihara knew that he must show justice and mercy. He told his wife, “I do not want to disobey my government. But I cannot disobey God. I must follow my conscience.”
Sugihara began handwriting exit visas for refugees. It is estimated that he saved the lives of nearly 10,000 Jews who would have been killed by Hitler. Later, Sugihara was captured by the Russian army and spent 18 months in a Russian prison. When he was released from prison and sent back to Japan, the Foreign Ministry fired him because he had disobeyed their orders.[1]
After he was fired, Sugihara had no way to make a living. He struggled even to buy food for his family. When descendants of the Jews he saved later looked for him, the Japanese government denied that he had ever worked for them. Finally, in 1968, a Jewish survivor found Sugihara and brought him to Israel.
Sugihara received little earthly recognition for his sacrifices, but he obeyed God because he was righteous. Sugihara knew that a child of God must live righteously. He could not ignore the suffering of those around him. He knew that to be righteous is to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. Chiune Sugihara lived a holy life.
[1]“All of God’s people are ordinary people who are made extraordinary by the purpose he has given them.”
- Oswald Chambers
A Charge to Keep I Have - Charles Wesley
A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill:
O may it all my powers engage to do my Master’s will!
Arm me with jealous care, as in Thy sight to live;
And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray, and on Thyself rely,
Assured, if I my trust betray, I shall forever die.
Lesson 6 in Review
(1) To be holy means to be righteous, both inwardly and outwardly.
(2) Israel allowed outward ritual and profession to replace true righteousness.
(3) Without righteous lives, religious rituals and profession are meaningless.
(4) Righteousness must be inward – it must be obedience from the heart.
(5) Righteousness must be outward – it must affect how we treat those around us.
(6) The prophets taught that God requires three things of a righteous person:
Justice towards other people
Mercy towards other people
Humility towards God
(7) The New Testament epistles repeat the message of righteous living. A holy person must live an ethical and righteous life.
Lesson Assignments
(1) Write a 2-3 page (800-1200 word) essay on “Righteousness in Today’s World.” Take one area in which ethical sin is commonly accepted and show what the Bible teaches about this area of sin. Give practical instruction for the people to whom you minister.
(2) Begin the next class session by quoting Micah 6:8.
(3) Remember to work on the final project that will be due at the end of this course.
Final Project
You will preach three sermons or teach three Bible studies on the doctrine and practice of holiness. You should record these sermons to submit to the class leader for your final project. You will prepare one sermon or Bible study on each of the following topics:
(1) A sermon or Bible study on one theological aspect of holiness. Choose one:
Holiness as Relationship
Holiness as the Image of God in His People
Holiness as a Separated Life
Holiness as an Undivided Heart
Holiness as a Righteous Life
Holiness as Perfect Love
Holiness as the Fullness of the Spirit
Holiness as Christlikeness
(2) A sermon or Bible study on a practical aspect of holiness. You may choose a topic discussed in this course, or you may select your own topic. Possible topics include:
Spending Time with God
Holiness and Personality
What Does It Mean to be Separate from the World?
Holiness and Business
Holiness and Family Life
Maintaining Victory Over Willful Sin
Holiness and the Life of the Church
(3) A sermon or Bible study on a biblical character who demonstrates holiness.
SGC exists to equip rising Christian leaders around the world by providing free, high-quality theological resources. We gladly grant permission for you to print and distribute our courses under these simple guidelines:
No Changes – Course content must not be altered in any way.
No Profit Sales – Printed copies may not be sold for profit.
Free Use for Ministry – Churches, schools, and other training ministries may freely print and distribute copies—even if they charge tuition.
No Unauthorized Translations – Please contact us before translating any course into another language.
All materials remain the copyrighted property of Shepherds Global Classroom. We simply ask that you honor the integrity of the content and mission.
