THE TORAH: WEEK 8 HOLINESS
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Find out where your guests are in the reading plan. And discuss what they have been learning. The last two weeks we walked through the book of Exodus and God leading the Israelites back to Mt. Sinai and Pharaoh’s disobedience. Did anyone apply what we discussed last week?
This week we will be discussing the word Holiness. Holiness is more than being good and morally upstanding. When referring to the holiness of God, the holiness definition takes on a much richer meaning.
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Watch the video from us.
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Review the notes below.
God’s holiness is His defining characteristic. The holiness of God is a term used in the Bible to describe both His goodness and His power. It is completely unique, and utterly all-powerful, radiating out from God like an energy. In fact, God’s holiness is so overwhelming, that it can actually be dangerous to approach.
Key Points:
- It’s helpful to think of God like the sun. The sun is so bright and powerful that its energy radiates out through the solar system. In scripture, where we see examples of mortal men approaching the presence of the almighty God, the exact same scenario that this metaphor depicts is played out.
- The story of Moses and the burning bush is a great example of God’s holiness. As Moses approaches the burning bush (which as we know is the presence of God), God tells Moses to take off his shoes because he is on holy ground and warns him not to come any closer.
- Other examples of God’s holiness in the Bible can be found in verses depicting the Holy of Holies, the inner room of the Israelite temple where God Himself resided. Because the Israelites, and especially the priests that worked within the temple, were in such close proximity to God’s holiness, they had to take great care in order to keep themselves pure.
- Isaiah, for example, has a vision where he enters the temple impure but is purified while he is there by a burning coal – a physical embodiment of God’s holiness.
- These examples of God’s holiness purifying impure things all lead up to Christ. Christ, who is God’s holiness in human flesh, goes out into the land, healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons – all of which are examples of God’s holiness now purifying the things it comes into contact with.
Talk About It:
- What is the meaning of God’s holiness?
- Christ, is God’s holiness in human flesh, explain what that means.
- How is the holiness of God revealed?
- Who do you need to share God’s holiness with?
Helpful Resources:
The Bible Project: The holiness of God
Paul Tripp: The Doctrines of Holiness
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