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Sermon Notes of Rev.Dr.I.J.W.Oakley (29-4-1979
Strandtown Baptist Church)
Additional Reading: Psalm 40:1-11
The opening verses of this chapter described the Christian life as a race, with an aim and purpose. The course of the race is a God-appointed path, and is surrounded by encouraging witnesses. We must put aside anything that hinders us in our progress along this course, and look away to Jesus for the strength to run the course.
Then come a number or practical counsels – not to grow weary or faint-hearted (Hebrews 12:3), to accept the discipline of the Lord, which is proof of sonship (Hebrews 12:5-11), to not be slack (Hebrews 12:12), to live at peace with all men Hebrews 12:14), and to not allow bitterness to spoil life (Hebrews 12:15). In the midst of all these exhortations is mention of holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Like a brilliant jewel, this command sums up all the others.
The writer urges the readers to realize they are called to belong to God and to be separated unto Him. Therefore their standards are not the world’s, nor is their conduct. Their aim and ideals are very different. Holiness will be a priority, because it is essential if they want to have present enjoyment of Christ. Two cannot walk together except they be agreed.
Seeking to be holy is the only way to prepare selves for presence of God in heaven. Could be no happiness in His presence unless we have sought holiness here. Going to use this passage to see what true holiness is, and the reason why it is so important. Then, going to consider the only way in which holiness may be attained.
What sort of people does God call holy? Not the
Pharisees, with their outward ceremonies and outward acts of moral behaviour
(c.f. rich young ruler), which leaves thoughts, aims and motives unchallenged,
not correct theology.
The holy man will be of one mind
with God, as we have that mind in Scripture. Loving what He loves, hating what
He hates, measuring everything by the standards of His word. He will have a
desire to do God’s will, a fear of displeasing God more than displeasing the
world, anxious to shun every sin. He will also be concerned to be like Christ
and be conformed to His image. He will forgive others, walk in love, be lowly
minded and humble – like Christ who made Himself of no reputation, unselfish
– as Christ pleased not Himself, was meek and long-suffering, had a love for
sinners, but was uncompromising about sin, went about doing good, instant in
prayer.
Good idea to ask, “What would
Jesus do if He were in my place?” Concern with purity of heart. Steer clear of
the sparks of temptation – our hearts are like tinder, easily set alight. Have
humility, lowliness of mind. Esteem others better than ones-self. We should have
the attitude of Paul, who described himself a “chief of all sinners”.
Grimshaw, on his deathbed, said, “Here goes an unprofitable servant”.
Holiness means faithfulness in
duties and responsibilities of life. Aim to do everything well – be a good
husband, wife, parent, child, master, servant, neighbour, friend, subject, in
private and in public. “What do ye more than others?”
It demands spiritual mindedness. Being conscientious
about earthly duties, but remembering you are a pilgrim and stranger, communing
with God, and prizing fellowship with His people. We will still feel the power
of indwelling sin and fierce temptation, but we will not be at peace with it, as
others are. Our own sin will be great burden, sorrow and trouble. We will mourn
over it, and long to be free of it. We will not be perfect, but it will be a
work in progress, though not completed in this life.
“They who fair would serve thee best
Are
conscious most of wrong within.”
Our hearts desire will be to have the character described. We will press towards it, even though we will not be perfectly conformed. Yet allowing for these things, holiness is a great reality. It can be seen, known and felt by others.
Why strive for holiness? Can
holiness ever serve us? Never. C.f. whole teaching in Hebrews about Christ’s
death, in comparison our best works are filthy rags. We are bound to be
defective in motive and performance. Holiness is important because God, in
Scripture, requires it. Be perfect. Be holy for I am. This is the purpose
for which we are saved. He gave himself for us, that he might redeem
us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works (Titus 2:14). Chosen to be holy. Predestined to be conformed
to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
Only proof we are in a right relationship with Christ. Faith works by love. “Saved by faith alone, but not by faith which remains alone.” If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). Samuel Rutherford put it this way, “Believing and doing are blood friends”. We cannot cling to sins, which caused the death of Christ. We must show the family likeness. If we do not bear the fruits of holiness, sonship is an empty name.
Holiness is the best way to do
good to others. Cannot fail to make impression. Good or bad influence. Either
commend Christ, or not. Holy living challenges men to think. Holy life is a
great argument for the Gospel. None can escape it. Unholy living is a
never-ending excuse to escape the challenge of the Gospel.
Holiness is a present comfort. There is a close connection between sin and sorrow, between holiness and happiness. Essential in order to enjoy heaven. Heaven is a holy place, so are its inhabitants and its king. Nothing that defiles can enter in. No one will be happy in heaven if he has no love of holiness now. We rise with the same character as we die. Without holiness we would be a fish out of water, no enjoyment, whose company would we seek? It would be like wearing the wrong cloths for an important occasion. If we prefer the company of worldly people now, there will be none in heaven. If we avoid God’s people now – heaven will be full of them! If spiritual exercises of prayer and praise are a chore now, heaven will be a never-ending chore. How uncomfortable to be face to face with Christ who died for us, and still be cleaving to the sins which cause His death, loving His enemies, and despising His friends. Heaven will be a miserable place for the unholy. Hearts must be in tune with holiness here to enjoy heaven hereafter.
Are you concerned about holiness? Not about church
attendance. Not whether we approve of it in others, read books on it, talk of
it, or one day intend to take it seriously. Augustine, in early life, said,
“Lord, make me holy, but not yet.” Our concern must be about our present
state. Without holiness now, we will not see the Lord. These are searching
words. The world is indifferent, even within the church there is a casualness
sometimes about holy living. But the writer to the Hebrews does not sound
indifferent or casual about it.
We need to consider our ways.
Are we unlike others? Because we ought to be. The Bible demands the people of
God to be more spiritual, single-eyed, whole-hearted, pilgrim spirit, decided,
walking closely. Where is the unmistakable tone which distinguished the saints
of old, and shook the world?
Do you feel the importance of
the subject, and want to know what to do? Begin with Christ. He is the root and
secret of holiness. We will make no progress till we feel and acknowledge sin,
and accept that we cannot change ourselves by turning over new leaf. Must go to
Christ, and trust Him for forgiveness and new life. Life will flow into the
branch from the vine. Make Him Lord of life, place self in His hands.
Then go on with Him – begin
with Christ, continue with Christ. Search His word to find out His will. Then
draw from the fullness of His new strength and grace. He has full supply for all
our wants. He is the physician to help us to keep well, the bread on which to
feed, the rock from which we must drink, the man on whom we must lean. I can
do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).
In practice, this means prayer,
Bible study, fellowship, service, the Lord’s Table – fresh air, food, good
home, exercise, the means of grace. These are not ends in themselves.
F.R.Havergal wrote, “Full consecration comes before full blessedness. God
admits you by one into the other.”
The call to holiness comes to all, whatever stage of life you are at. Have you taken it seriously? Are you still taking it seriously? Remember, live unto the Lord, die unto the Lord, so that if He comes He will find you at peace, ready and waiting.
