01.29.2023 | THE HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS
THE HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS
Isaiah 35:4-10 (NKJV)
Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water, in the habitation of jackals, where each lay, there shall be grass with reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord–who is the Spirit–makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.
1 Peter 1:15
But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.
Holiness is to be set apart from sin and the world and to be set apart for God.
Jesus is inviting us to walk with Him on the Highway of Holiness.
1. Walk in Continual Cleansing
Isaiah 35:8a (NKJV)
…the unclean shall not pass over it.
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Isaiah 35:9b
But the redeemed shall walk there.
Redeemed – rescued, bought back, set free from chains, slavery, or prison
1 Peter 1:19
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
2. Walk in Constant Protection
Isaiah 35:9a
No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there.
There is protection from the powers of darkness on the highway of holiness.
Hebrews 12:2a
Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Psalm 91:5a
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night.
James 4:7
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
3. Walk in Overflowing Joy
Holiness brings great joy!
Isaiah 35:10
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Jesus is full of Joy!
John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
Luke 10:21a
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit.
Rejoiced – shouting and leaping with joy
“Revival is just you and I walking along the Highway in complete oneness with the Lord Jesus and with one another, with cups continually cleansed and overflowing with the life and love of God.” – Roy Hessian
Discussion Questions:
1. Carol Arnott said that the next move of God will be a revival of holiness. Why would holiness be so important?
2. Holiness is to be set apart from sin and the world and to be set apart for God. What is one area in your life in which the Holy Spirit is calling you to holiness? Are you willing?
3. The Holy Spirit gives Isaiah a beautiful picture of the Highway of Holiness. Are you walking on that Highway?
4. If you have been pulled off the Highway, you can repent, be washed in the blood, and get back on. Will you take that step today?
5. There is joy on the Highway of Holiness! Are you walking in the fullness of Joy Jesus has for you? If not, why not? Jesus longs to fill us with His joy!