"The Journey of Sanctification"
We embark on a journey of understanding sanctification. Sanctification is not a term we hear every day, but it's a foundational concept in the life of every believer.
It signifies the process by which God sets us apart for His divine purpose and makes us holy. In our time together, we'll explore the nature of sanctification, its significance, and the means through which it occurs.
As we delve into 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 1 Peter 3:15, Colossians 2:11-12, John 17:17, and 1 Peter 1:2, we'll come to understand that sanctification is not merely an isolated event but a continuous journey of growing in holiness, guided by the Word and the Holy Spirit.
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I. Sanctification is God’s Will for Us (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, we discover a vital truth: sanctification is God's will for our lives. It's not merely an option; it's an essential part of our spiritual journey.
God desires us to be set apart, holy, and conformed to the image of Christ. Sanctification is the path to becoming more like our Lord and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives.
II. Sanctify God in Your Heart (1 Peter 3:15)
1 Peter 3:15 calls us to "sanctify the Lord God in your hearts." This means we are to honor and set God apart in our hearts as holy.
Our inner devotion and reverence for God should result in a life that reflects His holiness. Sanctifying God in our hearts involves making Him the center of our lives, aligning our thoughts and desires with His will, and living in a way that brings glory to Him.
Because He is a God who seeks the heart (Psalm 95:8-11).
The importance of the heart.
- 1. Warning against hard hearts (Psalm 95:8).
- 2. Actions are conceived in the heart (Psalm 95:10).
III. Sanctification is Separation (Colossians 2:11-12)
Colossians 2:11-12 speaks of our identification with Christ through baptism as a form of separation. Baptism symbolizes our old self being buried with Christ and our new life in Him. This separation from our old, sinful nature is a crucial aspect of sanctification.
We are set apart from our former way of living and now belong to Christ. The process of sanctification begins with this separation and continues as we grow in Christlikeness.
- Being a Christian means following Jesus and becoming like Him (John 8:31,32; Acts 11:26).
- We are to imitate those who imitate Him (1 Corinthians 11:1).
- We must be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:14-15).
This is achieved by following only His teaching, His doctrine, and leaving aside all other doctrines.
IV. The Word Sanctifies (John 17:17)
In John 17:17, Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." This verse highlights the pivotal role of God's Word in our sanctification. The Word of God is a sanctifying agent, cleansing and renewing our minds and hearts.
As we engage with the Scriptures, they work in us, transforming our thoughts, desires, and behaviors, making us more like Christ. Sanctification is intimately tied to our relationship with the Word.
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V. The Spirit Sanctifies (1 Peter 1:2)
1 Peter 1:2 speaks of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is active in making us holy and is involved in every step of our sanctification journey. He convicts us of sin, empowers us to overcome it, and empowers us to live a life pleasing to God.
The Holy Spirit seals us as God's children and continually works within us to make us more like Christ.
- Sermon on Righteousness: The Quest for God's Righteousness
- Sermon on Never Give Up: The Power of Persistence and Faith
- Sermon on Brokenness: God's Path to Transformation
Conclusion :
The journey of sanctification is a remarkable and lifelong process of transformation. It is God's divine will for each of us, a journey that sanctifies our hearts, sets us apart for His purpose, separates us from our old selves, and relies on His Word and the Holy Spirit. As we engage in this journey, we become more like our Lord, and our lives reflect His holiness.
It is essential to embrace sanctification with an open heart and a willingness to be transformed continually. As we sanctify the Lord in our hearts, live in separation from our old way of life, immerse ourselves in His Word, and yield to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, we draw closer to Him, fulfilling our purpose, and reflecting His holiness to the world.
May we approach our journey of sanctification with a deep reverence for God's will and an eagerness to become more like Christ, knowing that it is God who sanctifies us and empowers us to live lives that bring glory to Him
