1. Page 1 The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges Chapter 17 The Joy of Holiness

2. Page 2 Be holy, because I am holy. Holiness in an Unholy World – Handout 11

3. Page 3 The Joy of Holiness Does the practice of holiness bring JOY ??? Why? How?

4. Page 4 The Joy of Holiness If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:10-11 (New International Version, ©2010)

5. Page 5 How can holiness bring JOY? 1.Fellowship with God You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 (New International Version, ©2010)

6. Page 6 How can holiness bring JOY? 1.Fellowship with God Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12 (New International Version, ©2010)

7. Page 7 How can holiness bring JOY? The daily experience of Christ’s love is linked to our obedience to him. It is not that his love is conditioned on our obedience.

8. Page 8 How can holiness bring JOY? That would be legalism. But our experience of his love is dependent upon our obedience.

9. Page 9 How can holiness bring JOY? 2. Obedience/submission Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1-2 (New International Version, ©2010)

10. Page 10 How can holiness bring JOY? 2. Obedience/submission And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (New International Version, ©2010)

11. Page 11 How can holiness bring JOY? 2. Obedience/submission “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21 New International Version, ©2010

12. Page 12 How can joy bring HOLINESS? Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (New International Version, ©2010)

13. Page 13 How can joy bring HOLINESS? When the believer begins to understand that Christ has delivered him from the reign of sin, when he begins to see that he is united to Him who has all power and authority, and that it is possible to walk in obedience, he begins to have hope.

14. Page 14 How can joy bring HOLINESS? And as he hopes in Christ, he begins to have joy. In the strength of this joy he begins to overcome the sin that so easily entangle him. He then finds that the joy of a holy walk is infinitely more satisfying than the fleeting pleasures of sin.

15. Page 15 To experience joy we must choose… We must choose to forsake sin because it grieves God. We must choose to count ourselves dead to sin. We must choose to discipline our loves for obedience.

16. Page 16 To experience joy we must choose… God has delivered us from slavery to sin. God has given us the Holy Spirit to live in us. God has revealed his will to us.

17. Page 17 To experience joy we must choose… God works in us to will and act according to his purpose. God has given us pastors and teachers to encourage us. God answers our prayers when we cry to him for strength.

18. Page 18 Be holy, because I am holy. The choice is ours.