Why Do I Keep Falling Back Into the Same Patterns?Jesus Is Our Holiness by Pastor Gregg Matte
Message Series: Holy: God’s Presence, Our Lives | Houston’s First Baptist Church | August 2, 2026
What You’ll Learn
- How to pursue real change without being controlled by guilt or shame.
- How to recognize the habits and cultural pressures keeping you from God’s best.
- How God’s Spirit can help you live differently when willpower is not enough.
Introduction
Maybe you want to change, but trying harder has only left you discouraged. In this message, Pastor Gregg Matte explains why a relationship with Jesus is not about proving that you are good enough - it is about receiving His forgiveness and allowing God to reshape how you live from the inside out.
What does it mean to be holy?
The word “holy” can sound religious or unreachable, but its basic meaning is to be set apart - to live differently because you belong to God. Leviticus 20:26 records God telling His people, “You are to be holy to me, because I, the LORD, am holy.” This does not mean becoming odd, self-righteous, or disconnected from other people. It means letting God’s character shape your choices so that the way you speak, love, work, spend, forgive, and respond to pressure begins to look different from the patterns around you.
Do I have to become a better person before God will accept me?
No. You will never earn a relationship with God by measuring up perfectly, and that is why Jesus came. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live and died on the cross to pay for our sins - the choices and attitudes that separate us from God. As Pastor Gregg explains, “Salvation is received, not achieved.” Salvation means being rescued from sin and restored to a relationship with God. Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches that this rescue is God’s gift, not something we accomplish through good behavior.
If God already loves me, why does obedience matter?
You do not obey God so that He will love you; because He loves you, you choose to obey. God’s kindness is not permission to continue in patterns that harm you or others. Romans 6:1–2 asks whether we should keep sinning so that grace, God’s undeserved kindness, will increase, and answers, “Absolutely not!” Obedience matters because God is leading you toward what is good, healthy, and life-giving. His boundaries are not meant to keep you from enjoying life. They prepare you to experience the deeper freedom and purpose He desires for you.
Does following Jesus mean I have to be different from everyone else?
In some meaningful ways, yes. First Peter 1:14–16 tells followers of Jesus not to return to their former desires but to be holy in all their conduct because God is holy. That difference may affect your relationships, entertainment, finances, ambitions, sexuality, language, or use of time. Being different does not mean believing you are better than everyone else. It means asking whether your choices reflect the God you say you trust, even when the unhealthy alternative feels normal because everyone around you is doing it.
How do I know what needs to change in my life?
Begin by honestly asking where you have been making excuses. Is there a habit you defend by saying, “Everyone does it,” even though you know it is harming your relationship with God or other people? Pastor Gregg points to areas such as apathy, sexual choices, gambling, materialism, pride, greed, language, and putting good things in the wrong place. Romans 12:2 teaches that real transformation begins when God renews the way we think. Ask Him to identify one specific next step instead of focusing on everything that is wrong at once.
What if I have tried to change but keep failing?
Lasting change requires more than guilt, discipline, or willpower. When a person trusts Jesus, God’s Holy Spirit begins working within that person. Second Peter 1:3 says that God’s divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through knowing Him. Pastor Gregg describes asking God for help with language he could not change on his own. The process was not about pretending he would never struggle again. It began with an honest prayer: “Jesus, help me.” You can bring the same honest request to God.
Is holiness just a long list of rules?
Holiness is not about checking boxes or performing well enough to impress God. It is “living out what Jesus has given us.” God’s instructions reveal what reflects His character and what damages us, our relationships, and our ability to represent Him well. First Peter 1:13 tells us to set our hope completely on the grace that Jesus brings before calling us to live obediently. The order matters: God gives before He asks. A changed life grows from a relationship with Jesus, not from trying to manufacture a flawless image.
Will obeying God make my life smaller or less enjoyable?
Obedience may cost you something, but Pastor Gregg reminds us that the gain can be far greater than we imagine. Leviticus describes God leading His people toward a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Milk represented daily provision, while honey pictured sweetness and blessing. This does not promise that following God will make life easy or wealthy. It shows that God’s direction is meant for our good. Holiness is not a dull life of missing out; it is freedom from the habits that keep us from experiencing the life God wants for us.
How can I begin a relationship with Jesus?
Begin by admitting that you cannot make yourself holy or repair your separation from God. Jesus, the Son of God, lived without sin and gave His life on the cross so you could be forgiven. You can trust Him, turn away from your sin, and ask Him to become your Savior, the One who rescues you and brings you back into a relationship with God. When you receive Jesus, He forgives you and gives you the Holy Spirit to help you begin living differently. It is not about having everything figured out; it is about placing your trust in Him.
Key Scripture
“You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be mine.”
Leviticus 20:26 (CSB)
God was telling His people that belonging to Him should change how they lived. For someone exploring faith today, this means God does not ask you to follow the crowd—He invites you into a life shaped by His character, goodness, and purpose.
About Pastor Gregg
Pastor Gregg Matte is the Senior Pastor of Houston’s First Baptist Church, a church serving people throughout the greater Houston area. He teaches the Bible with warmth, humor, and everyday illustrations, helping longtime Christians and people who are simply curious about faith understand how God’s truth connects with real life.
FAQ — Visiting Houston’s First
- What should I wear? Come in whatever makes you comfortable. You will see everything from shorts and sneakers to dresses, suits, and business-casual clothing.
- How long is the service? Most worship services last about 75 minutes and include music, prayer, and a practical message from the Bible.
- Is there something for my kids? Yes. The Loop Campus offers Sunday programming for children from birth through fifth grade, along with opportunities for middle and high school students. Children’s areas include safety and security measures, and volunteers can help your family check in when you arrive.
- What happens when I walk in? You can expect a friendly welcome without being singled out. A volunteer can help you find the Worship Center, children’s check-in, restrooms, or the Welcome Center.
- Do I have to give money? No. Giving is an opportunity for people who consider Houston’s First their church home. As a guest, you are welcome to attend without any pressure to give.
- When are the services at The Loop Campus? Sunday worship services at The Loop Campus are currently held at 9:15a, 11a, and 4p. The campus is located at 7401 Katy Freeway in Houston, TX.
- Do I need to understand the Bible before I attend? Not at all. You are welcome whether you have followed Jesus for years, have never opened a Bible, or are still deciding what you believe.
You’re Welcome at Houston’s First
You do not need to have faith figured out before visiting Houston’s First. Whether you are exploring Christianity for the first time, returning to church after time away, or looking for a place to ask honest questions, we would love to welcome you and help make your first visit comfortable.