Holiness, God's Plan for the Church - Ephesians 5:25-27; John 17:15-21; 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

By David Woods

Read "A Perfect Church", pp. 55-56.

Big Question: Why does Christ desire His Church to be holy?

Read Ephesians 5:25-27

Discussion: Who is the Church?
(The Church is made up of all people who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Christ as Lord and Saviour. From an eternity, non-time standpoint this includes all such believers past and future, as well as present.)

Discussion: What are the different definitions of sanctification?
(Depending on the context, it can mean to cleanse or to set apart.)

Discussion: Why does the church need to be sanctified?
(While we are forgiven of our sins when we are "saved" and at the same time we are "initially sanctified", we still have a nature corrupted by carnality.)

Discussion: How is the Church made holy - by an individual's efforts or by the cleansing grace of God?

Discussion: What does it mean to be without spot, wrinkle or blemish?

1. Holiness makes the Church fit to see her King, Ephesians 5:25-27.

Read John 17:15-21

Discussion: What was Jesus' prayer for the Church, concerning her position in the world?

Discussion: Why did not Jesus pray for the Church to be removed from the world?

Discussion: What did Jesus pray for the Church, as it remained in the world?

Discussion: What did Jesus imply would help the Church effectively evangelize the world?

Discussion: What is the relation of holiness/entire sanctification and unity?

Why does Christ desire His Church to be holy?

2. Holiness makes the Church fit to represent her King, John 17:15-21.

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Discussion: What would you say is/are the biggest issue(s) for the Church, as far as maintaining its spiritual vitality?

Discussion: How does an increasing love for one another lead to holiness and a stable Christian life?

Discussion: What is the relationship of stability in the Christian life and holiness?

Why does Christ desire His Church to be holy?

3. Holiness keeps the Church fit to greet her King, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13.

Read "When is a Church Great?", p. 56.