Title: Holiness

Series: W1N

Icebreaker: Are you more of a peacemaker or a challenger?

Read Hebrews 12:9-14

Bishop continued his series W1N this past Sunday with a message on the importance of pursuing holiness.  

I. Holiness sets us apart.

Commentary: Holiness has often been neglected in teaching across the Church. When holiness is absent, believers can begin to look indistinguishable from the world around them. God’s people are called to live present in the world but marked by a different spirit, character, and allegiance.

Holiness is not primarily about external behavior modification; it is about belonging to God and reflecting His nature. When holiness is present, it produces clarity of identity, direction in decision-making, and a visible difference in how we love, speak, and respond to pressure. Holiness restores the distinction between being in the world and being of the world.

• What does it look like for believers to live in the world yet remain distinct from it? 
• What attitudes, habits, or speech patterns reflect that difference?
• Where do you think the Church most struggles today in maintaining distinction?

II. Holiness comes from God.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3 

Commentary: Holiness is an attribute unique to God. Love, power, or wisdom can appear in worldly forms, but holiness originates only in Him. We do not manufacture holiness we receive and participate in it.

God’s holiness is not distant or untouchable; it is something He actively invites His people into. His will is not only that we admire holiness, but that we are shaped by it. As we draw near to Him, His character begins to influence ours, and our desires slowly align with His purposes

• How do we experience God’s holiness in our lives? 
• What is God’s role in making us holy?
• What part do we play in responding to His work?
• Why is it important to remember that holiness begins with God and not with our effort?

III. The role of the Holy Spirit...

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Commentary: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to pursue holiness. Strife, quarrels, and bitterness grieve the Spirit and hinder His work in us. Walking in peace creates space for the Holy One to shape our character.

Sanctification is not self-improvement; it is cooperation with the Spirit. The Spirit convicts, leads, corrects, and strengthens us. When we yield to Him, holiness becomes a lived reality rather than an abstract ideal. Conflict handled poorly can interrupt this process, but humility, forgiveness, and gentleness keep our hearts open to His transforming work. 

• What is your first instinct when someone offends you?
• How can we handle conflict in a way that keeps us aligned with the Spirit?
• What does it mean to be sanctified?
• How does the Holy Spirit begin the work of sanctification in us?
• What practices help you stay sensitive to the Spirit’s leading? 

IV. The Word cleanses us. 

Read Ephesians 5:25-26, Romans 12:2, John 17:17, Ephesians 4:23 

Commentary: God’s Word renews and cleanses us. Jesus Himself is the Word, and through Scripture He washes our minds, reshapes our thinking, and transforms our identity. Holiness grows as our thinking aligns with truth.

Time in Scripture does more than inform us; it reforms us. As we continually encounter God’s truth, it challenges assumptions, exposes unhealthy patterns, and replaces lies with life-giving perspectives. Over time, this renewal shapes our identity, our responses, and our sense of purpose.

• How does time in Scripture reshape the way you think?
• How does a renewed mind influence your identity and choices?
• What changes have you noticed when you consistently spend time in the Word?
• What practical steps help you remain rooted in Scripture throughout the week? 

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Encounter Weekend:

Join us on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 for the first Encounter of 2026! Come expecting to hear profound teaching, to receive ministry from trained ministers and – most importantly – to encounter the presence of the Holy Spirit in a powerful way! To register or find out more information, please visit citychurchnola.life/encounter.

Water Baptism:

Water Baptism is an essential act of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Our next Water Baptism will take place on Sunday, March 15 during service. To register, please visit citychurchnola.life/water-baptism.

New Members' Welcome Party:

If you’ve recently become a member of City Church – or if you’d like to officially join the church, then please come to the New Members’ Welcome Party to be held on Sunday, April 12 following service in our Tuscany Room. Please reach out to your district pastor for more details.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email address at which you would normally receive report reminders, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and Spirit-filled group!