True holiness is not merely admired—it is embodied. The believer is not called to stand at a distance, gazing upon the holiness of God, but to reflect it through a Spirit-led life. In Galatians 5, Paul describes the ongoing conflict within every believer—the war between flesh and Spirit. Salvation brings new life, but the residue of the old nature resists surrender. The believer must not attempt holiness through willpower or outward performance, but by walking in submission to the Holy Spirit, whose presence overcomes the pull of sin and produces lasting transformation.

In John 11, the story of Lazarus illustrates what it means to live resurrected but still restricted. Though called from death to life, he remained bound in graveclothes until Jesus commanded, “Loose him, and let him go.” This picture captures the process of sanctification—the ongoing work of release and renewal that follows salvation. Holiness is not instant perfection but progressive consecration, a daily yielding to the Spirit that brings freedom, fellowship, and fruitfulness as believers walk with Christ in newness of life.

I. The Conflict Within
The flesh and the Spirit war for control within every believer; personal victory comes not by suppressing sin through effort but by submitting to the Spirit’s leading.

II. The Call to Walk
Like Lazarus, believers are called to step out of what once bound them and walk in the power of new life—sanctification is steady obedience, one Spirit-led step at a time.

III. The Consecration of Daily Life
Holiness finds its fullness in everyday living, as the believer’s habits, priorities, and affections are set apart for God—proof that resurrection life has taken hold within.