Introduction
In 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, the apostle Paul calls the church to holiness. He explains that the nature of God demands it. He further explains that God promises to be with his holy church and love his holy people as a father. In view of God’s promises, Paul challenges the church to cleanse itself from defilement and to go hard after holiness.
Hymns in this service will express our worship of the Triune God by 1) praising his revealed character (his sovereignty, transcendence, and holiness) and 2) declaring his gracious, sanctifying work in his church.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship Habakkuk 2:18-20
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 46 O Worship the King
Notes: This hymn, based on Psalm 104, calls us to worship our God who is King. The themes of the song artfully display his sovereignty over the world he created and sustains.
Worship through Giving
Congregational Response: Hymn Doxology
Hymn 3 Holy, Holy, Holy
Notes: This well-known hymn that extols the mysterious triune nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The attribute of God emphasized most frequently in the Scriptures is his holiness. Like the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3, we sing, “holy, holy, holy!”
Scripture Reading Revelation 4-5
Notes: Revelation records John’s vision of the climactic conclusion of history. This passage describes the scene in heaven with angelic beings and the people of God surrounding the throne of God. Consider the majestic, awe-filled worship directed toward Christ, the Lamb of God. Truly he is holy!
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 222 (tune: 220, Austrian Hymn) Church of God, Beloved and Chosen
Notes: The church is created by God and for God. It is “beloved and chosen” by God. This hymn emphasizes the holiness of God’s church through repeated references to her sanctification. It climaxes by anticipating the day when our transformation will be complete: “Spotless, glorious and holy Is the church, His chosen bride.”
Message Go Hard After Holiness
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn HBC 40 Give Praise to God
Notes: The gospel message of Christ saves and sanctifies his people. This lies at the heart of God’s wise, eternal plan. Therefore, we conclude with a hymn of praise to God framed in the theme of Romans 11:33-36 which reminds us that all things are from him, through him, and to him. To him be glory forever.
Prayer Response Jon Lont
Benediction John Miles