As followers of Jesus, holiness isn't simply about avoiding certain behaviours or appearing "more religious." Holiness is about belonging to God and allowing that identity to shape every part of our lives.

In 1 Peter 1:15–16, Peter calls believers to be holy because God Himself is holy. In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Paul reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we have been bought with a price.

Together, these passages challenge us to consider: What would change if we genuinely lived as people who belong to God?

Holiness is not about earning God's love. It is our response to the love and grace we have already received in Christ.

Looking Back

Activity: Be Still

Begin by taking 2–3 minutes of silence together.

Invite everyone to put their phones away, sit comfortably, and take a few slow breaths. Encourage them to simply become aware of God's presence.

After the silence, read slowly:

"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10

Give everyone another moment of silence before beginning the discussion.

Reflection Questions

1. Looking back over the past fortnight, when have you been particularly aware of God's presence, guidance or grace in your everyday life?
2. What has been one area of your life where following Jesus has felt particularly difficult or challenging recently?

Looking Up

Read

1 Peter 1:15–16

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

1 Corinthians 6:19–20

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies."

Discuss

1. In 1 Peter, what reason does Peter give for why Christians should pursue holiness? What does this tell us about the connection between God's character and the way we live?
2. What do you think Paul means when he says, "You are not your own"? How does belonging to Christ change the way we think about our bodies, choices, time and relationships?
3. Holiness can sometimes feel like a list of things Christians should or shouldn't do. How do these passages present holiness differently?
4. If the Holy Spirit is present in us and our lives belong to God, what areas of everyday life should that affect? Think practically about things like work, relationships, sexuality, entertainment, money, speech, social media, health and rest.

Go Deeper

Take a few moments to reflect on this question:

"What area of my life do I find easiest to give to God, and what area do I find hardest to surrender?"

Invite people to share only what they feel comfortable sharing.

Looking Ahead

Holiness isn't primarily about making ourselves better people. It is about responding to God's grace by allowing Him to shape the whole of our lives.

• What is one area of your life where God may be inviting you to become more like Him?
• What is one practical action you could take this fortnight to honour God with your body, mind, relationships or choices?
• What might it look like for you to remind yourself each day, "I belong to Jesus"?

Challenge for the Fortnight

Choose one ordinary part of your life—your morning routine, work, exercise, meals, commute, relationships or evening routine—and intentionally use it as an opportunity to remember:

"I belong to Christ, and this part of my life belongs to Him too."

At your next Life Group, share what you noticed.

Prayer

Holy God,

Thank you that you have called us to yourself and that, through Jesus, we belong to you.

Thank you that you have given us your Holy Spirit and that our lives are not our own. Help us to understand what it means to honour you with every part of our lives.

Teach us to pursue holiness—not out of fear or a desire to earn your love, but as a response to the grace and love you have already shown us.

Show us the areas of our lives that we need to surrender to you. Give us courage to change, wisdom to make godly choices, and a growing desire to become more like Jesus.

Help us to be holy because you are holy.

Amen.