DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How does Mark Moore’s explanation of holiness change or affirm the way you have understood it?
   

2. How is holiness different than perfection? Refer to 1 PETER 1:13-16 & MATTHEW 5:48
   

3. How is relationship the key to holiness? If relationship is so important, then why did God give us rules? What do the rules do for us, for others, and for God?
   

4. How do you grow in holiness? How do you make your desires line up with what God desires for you?
   

5. In your experience, why does someone’s attempt to be holy by behavior modification lead to hypocrisy, secrets, guilt, judgment, and pride? (Answer one topic at a time.)
   
   
   

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FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

1. Is there anything in your life you’ve kept secret that could be holding you back from pursuing holiness?
   

2. Do you have an area of life where your actions don’t line up with what you know God expects of you?
   
   
   

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KEY POINTS

1. Holiness is received, not achieved.
   

2. Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests. The Church fulfilled that calling.
   

3. Faithful and obedient behavior is the appropriate and natural response to the radical grace and unconditional love God has given us.
   
   
   

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ACTION STEPS

1. Seek out a place to serve voluntarily so you can tap into God’s purpose for you.
   

2. Spend some time (at least 5 minutes) praying to God to reveal where you are struggling to live in obedience to God, and write them down. After that, spend 5-10 minutes praying that God will give you the strength to overcome.
   
   
   

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TO DO THIS WEEK

Wednesday
After reading the essay, how might your list of holy things change?