St. Luke Church Lexington – Sermons & Teachings

God Wills We Become Holy | Brian Ebel

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Big Idea

God’s will isn’t about which door you choose but about who you’re becoming. He desires that we become holy: people with softened hearts, renewed minds, and transformed lives.

Key Points

1. God’s Will Is About Your Heart We often ask, “Should I choose the red one or the blue one?” But God’s answer is, “Will your heart be holy either way?” Holiness is a softened heart, not rigid moralism.
2. A Hardened Heart Leads to a Corrupted Life As Paul teaches, a hardened heart leads to a darkened mind, and ultimately to a life alienated from God. The goal is to be renewed in the spirit of our minds and put on the new self (v. 23–24).
3. Holiness Comes from Inside-Out Transformation Holiness is not about external behavior alone, but being changed by the love of Christ. “God doesn’t look at people the way we do. The Lord looks at the heart.”
4. The Prodigal Son as a Portrait of Hardened and Softened Hearts Like the prodigal son, we often pursue our own will over God’s, but it’s never too late to return. God’s grace meets us even when our hearts are callous and our minds are clouded.
5. Holiness Happens in Community We are not meant to become holy alone. We need a community of grace, accountability, and encouragement. “You can’t pursue a holy kind of life without other people.”
6. Paul’s 7 Practices of a Holy Life Speak truth. Be angry but do not sin. Don’t steal, work honestly. Speak words that build others up. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit. Let go of bitterness, wrath, and slander. Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving.

Application Questions

1. In what ways have I allowed my heart to harden toward God’s will or toward others?
2. How might I open my heart this week to be more tender, more forgiving, or more loving?
3. Where in my life do I need to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self”?
4. Who is walking with me in my journey toward holiness? Am I in a group or community where I can be real?
5. What decision am I facing right now, and how can I let it be a path toward holiness instead of just a “right choice”?