LESSON 9

Holiness in Spirit

1. Read chapter 12 of The Pursuit of Holiness. Write down the major observations, illustrations, or questions you have from your reading.

2. From each of the following verses, write a statement about the importance of holiness in our thoughts.

1 Samuel 16:7

Psalm 139:1–4

2 Corinthians 7:1

3. Compare your own thought life with the standard set for us in Philippians 4:8. What types of thoughts do you need to avoid? What types of thoughts do you want to cultivate?

4. How we think is affected by what we see and hear. From the following verses, explain the Bible’s standards in these two areas.

Matthew 5:27–28; Ephesians 5:3–4; 1 Timothy 2:9–10

5. Study Galatians 5:19–21. Which of these acts of the sinful nature listed in the passage are most apt to be present in Christians? Which do you think are the most dangerous to you in your life?

6. Describe the unholy thinking referred to in each of the following passages.

1 Samuel 18:6–12

Psalm 73:12–14, 21

Matthew 18:21–35

Luke 15:22–32

Luke 18:9–14

7. (For additional study) Examine how each of the following verses relates to holiness in spirit, write down those which are the most helpful to you, and explain why they are.

Genesis 37:3–11; Job 31:1; Proverbs 1:10–16; Matthew 5:21–22; Romans 12:19; 1 Peter 2:21–23; 4:3–5

8. What application of the truths of this lesson do you want to make in your life?

LESSON 10

Holiness and Our Wills

1. Read chapters 13 and 14 of The Pursuit of Holiness. Write down the major observations, illustrations, or questions you have from your reading.

2. How do the following verses describe our responsibility concerning our reason, emotions, and will?

Romans 6:19

Romans 12:2

Colossians 3:1–2

James 4:7–8

3. Carefully read Proverbs 2:1–12. If we desire to guard our minds from evil, what must we do?

4. List at least two “success” stories from the Bible (see page 128–129 in The Pursuit of Holiness) that especially appeal to you and which you can continually refer to for motivation to holiness.

5. (For additional study) Examine how each of these verses relates to holiness and our wills, emotions, or reason. Write down those which are the most meaningful to you, and explain why they are.

Genesis 3:1–6; Psalm 1:1–2; John 5:39–40; Ephesians 4:17–19; Philippians 2:12–13; 2 Timothy 2:22

6. Explain in your own words how the reason, emotions, and will are related, and how they work together.

7. Review the four principles for acquiring or breaking a habit listed in chapter 14. Select a habit you want to acquire or break, and write how each of the four principles can help you.

8. What other application of the truths in this lesson do you want to make in your life?