May 3, 2026
Habits That Sustain Holiness
Because He Lives, We Rise in Holiness
This Week’s Sermon
God has called you to something new — a life shaped not by old patterns, but by the power of His resurrection.
You've been raised with Christ — and that changes everything about the way you live. Paul doesn't mince words in Colossians 3. Because of what Jesus did, you're not who you used to be. So the real question isn't whether you believe — it's whether you're actually living like it. That's the challenge for every one of us.
Can I be honest with you? Some of us want the warmth of God's presence while still holding onto the very things that keep us at a distance from Him. Anger, pride, bitterness, compromise — we know they don't belong, but we've gotten comfortable with them. And comfort has become the enemy of holiness.
So God's Word tells us plainly: put it off. Decisively. Kill the old patterns. Then clothe yourself in something new — compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. And how do we sustain it? Through holy habits. Obedience as the foundation. Cherishing God's Word. Worship that recenters everything around His throne. And practicing His presence — getting quiet, getting still, and letting Him transform you from the inside out.
Colossians 3:1–14
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
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Key Takeaways
In this week’s message…
Resurrection life requires resurrection habits — you can't live a new life with old, uncrucified patterns.
Holiness is not accidental — it's formed through intentional, daily choices empowered by the Spirit.
Put off the old nature and put on the new — compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
Obedience is the anchor habit — paired with cherishing God's Word, worship, and practicing His presence.
Reflection
Here are the truths we carried home this week.
We are not who we used to be. We've been raised with Christ — the old way no longer defines us. God didn't save us to stay entangled. He saved us to be clothed in His character and to walk in the freedom of a new life.
And holiness isn't about rule-keeping — it's about relationship. As Pastor Barry reminded us, "So many believers think that holiness is like the rules and the regulations, but holiness is the relationship." It's choosing Jesus daily through habits that keep us anchored to Him.
When the old entanglements pull at us, we remember: resurrection life requires resurrection habits. We put off what doesn't belong. We put on what reflects Him. And we keep choosing holiness — one day, one decision, one habit at a time.
A Prayer for This Week
Let Your risen life reshape my heart, my mind, and my steps today.
Lord, I come to You with an honest heart today. I confess I've held onto things that don't belong in my new life. Help me put off the old — the anger, the pride, the patterns that entangle me. Clothe me in Your compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Teach me the habits of holiness — to cherish Your Word, to worship wholeheartedly, and to rest in Your presence. I choose You again today. Make me more like You. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Guiding Scripture - Psalm 51:10
Can We Pray With You?
Please send your prayer request to our Prayer Team in the form below.
What Do I Do With What I Learned?
Your Invitation for This Week:
Relational:
Identify one relationship where you need to extend forgiveness or patience this week — and take the first step.
Spiritual:
Set aside daily time to read God's Word, worship, and practice His presence — even ten quiet minutes.
Practical:
Name one old pattern you need to put off. Write it down and ask God to help you release it.
Communal:
Share what God is shaping in you with your small group or a trusted friend at church this week.