Active Sanctification: Empowered by the Spirit

 

Summary

In Romans 8:12-13, we find a profound teaching on sanctification, emphasizing the necessity of mortifying the deeds of the body through the Spirit. This passage challenges two prevalent theories of sanctification. The first theory suggests that sin can be entirely eradicated from a believer, while the second proposes that by surrendering to Christ, believers can be free from the struggle against sin. However, these verses do not support the notion of simply handing over our struggles to Christ without personal effort. Instead, they call for active participation in the process of sanctification, urging believers to continuously mortify the deeds of the body through the Spirit.

The Apostle Paul argues that believers are not debtors to the flesh but to grace. Sin remains in the mortal body, but it should not govern us. Instead, we are to repel and mortify the deeds of the body, assured that our ultimate deliverance includes our bodies as well as our spirits. This teaching is not isolated but is consistent throughout the New Testament, where various apostles exhort believers to live out their faith actively.

The New Testament method involves a variety of arguments and exhortations, not a single message of surrender. It emphasizes the believer's active role in sanctification, supported by the indwelling Spirit. The Christian is not absolutely hopeless; rather, he is empowered by the Spirit to live a life pleasing to God. The teaching of mortification is not discouraging but rather encouraging, as it relies on the power of God working within us.

Key Takeaways:

- Active Participation in Sanctification: Sanctification requires our active involvement. We are called to mortify the deeds of the body through the Spirit, not merely to surrender and expect Christ to do everything for us. This active participation is a continuous process, reflecting our commitment to live according to the Spirit. [04:26]

- Empowerment by the Spirit: The Christian is not absolutely hopeless. The Spirit of God dwells within us, empowering us to overcome sin and live righteously. This indwelling presence assures us that we are not left to our own devices but are equipped to fulfill God's commands. [18:31]

- Growth and Maturity: The Christian life is marked by growth and maturity. Unlike static theories of sanctification, the New Testament teaches that believers develop and mature in their faith, becoming more like Christ over time. This growth is evidence of the Spirit's work within us. [38:03]

- Union with Christ: Our union with Christ is a dynamic relationship that transforms us. We are not merely holding on to Christ; we are in Christ, and His life flows through us. This union is the source of our strength and the basis for our sanctification. [40:52]

- Hope and Assurance: The teaching of mortification is not discouraging but full of hope. It assures us that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion. Our sanctification is not dependent solely on our efforts but on God's power working in us. [43:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Romans 8:12-13
- [01:06] - Theories of Sanctification
- [02:32] - Transition from Romans 7 to 8
- [03:57] - Exhortation to Mortify the Deeds of the Body
- [05:23] - Assurance of Ultimate Deliverance
- [06:44] - Consistency of New Testament Teaching
- [08:02] - Argument Against Alternative Theories
- [10:29] - New Testament Method of Sanctification
- [13:31] - Inconsistency with New Testament View
- [18:31] - Empowerment by the Spirit
- [22:14] - Union with Christ
- [27:40] - New Nature and New Desires
- [32:18] - Mighty Power Working in Us
- [43:22] - Hope and Assurance in Sanctification

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:12-13
- Ephesians 4:17-24
- Philippians 2:12-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Romans 8:12-13 say about our relationship to the flesh and the Spirit? How does this passage challenge the idea of being "debtors to the flesh"? [00:15]

2. According to the sermon, what are the two prevalent theories of sanctification that Romans 8:12-13 challenges? [01:06]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Spirit in the process of mortifying the deeds of the body? [04:26]

4. What does Ephesians 4:17-24 suggest about the transformation that occurs in a believer's life? How does this relate to the concept of sanctification discussed in the sermon? [10:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "mortify the deeds of the body" in Romans 8:13, and what does it suggest about the believer's active role in sanctification? [04:26]

2. In what ways does the sermon argue that the New Testament method of sanctification involves more than just a single message of surrender? [11:10]

3. How does the sermon explain the empowerment by the Spirit as a source of hope rather than discouragement for believers? [43:22]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between our union with Christ and our ability to live a sanctified life? [40:52]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be passively waiting for God to change you without actively participating in the process? How can you begin to take a more active role in your sanctification? [04:26]

2. The sermon emphasizes the empowerment by the Spirit. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on the Spirit's power rather than your own strength? [18:31]

3. Consider the concept of growth and maturity in your faith. What steps can you take this week to ensure you are growing and maturing in your relationship with Christ? [38:03]

4. How does understanding your union with Christ change the way you approach daily challenges and temptations? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this union? [40:52]

5. The sermon suggests that the teaching of mortification is full of hope. How can you cultivate a hopeful perspective in your spiritual journey, especially when facing struggles with sin? [43:22]

6. Think about a time when you felt absolutely hopeless in your spiritual walk. How can the truths discussed in the sermon help you to see that you are not hopeless and that God is working in you? [34:38]

7. Identify one specific deed of the body that you need to mortify. What practical steps can you take this week to address this area through the power of the Spirit? [04:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Engagement in Sanctification
Sanctification is not a passive process but requires active engagement from believers. Romans 8:12-13 emphasizes the necessity of mortifying the deeds of the body through the Spirit. This means that believers are called to actively participate in their spiritual growth, rather than simply surrendering their struggles to Christ without effort. The passage challenges the notion that sanctification can occur without personal involvement, urging believers to continuously work towards holiness by relying on the Spirit's power. This active participation is a reflection of our commitment to live according to the Spirit and not be governed by the flesh. [04:26]

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to actively engage in your sanctification process, relying on the Spirit's power?


Day 2: Empowerment by the Spirit
The Christian life is not one of hopelessness, but of empowerment through the indwelling Spirit. Believers are not left to their own devices in the struggle against sin; instead, the Spirit of God dwells within them, providing the strength and ability to overcome sin and live righteously. This empowerment assures believers that they are equipped to fulfill God's commands and live a life pleasing to Him. The presence of the Spirit is a constant reminder that we are not alone in our journey of faith, and it is through His power that we can achieve victory over sin. [18:31]

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Spirit's empowerment to overcome sin and live righteously?


Day 3: Growth and Maturity in Faith
The Christian life is characterized by growth and maturity, as believers develop and mature in their faith over time. Unlike static theories of sanctification, the New Testament teaches that believers are to become more like Christ as they grow in their relationship with Him. This growth is evidence of the Spirit's work within us, transforming us into the image of Christ. As we mature in our faith, we are better equipped to handle the challenges of life and to live in a way that honors God. This process of growth is ongoing and requires our active participation and reliance on the Spirit. [38:03]

"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God." (Hebrews 6:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally pursue spiritual growth and maturity in your daily life, becoming more like Christ?


Day 4: Union with Christ
Our union with Christ is a dynamic relationship that transforms us from the inside out. Being in Christ means that His life flows through us, providing the strength and foundation for our sanctification. This union is not a static connection but a living and active relationship that empowers us to live according to God's will. As we remain in Christ, we are transformed by His presence and are able to bear fruit that reflects His character. This union is the source of our strength and the basis for our sanctification, enabling us to live a life that honors God. [40:52]

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your union with Christ today, allowing His life to flow through you and transform you?


Day 5: Hope and Assurance in Sanctification
The teaching of mortification is not one of discouragement but of hope and assurance. Believers can be confident that God, who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion. Our sanctification is not dependent solely on our efforts but on God's power working in us. This assurance provides hope and encouragement as we strive to live a life that honors God. We can trust that God is faithful to complete the work He has started in us, and that our ultimate deliverance includes both our bodies and our spirits. [43:22]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you find hope and assurance in God's promise to complete the work He has started in you, even amidst struggles and challenges?

Quotes


The Apostle Paul argues that believers are not debtors to the flesh but to grace. Sin remains in the mortal body, but it should not govern us. Instead, we are to repel and mortify the deeds of the body, assured that our ultimate deliverance includes our bodies as well as our spirits. [00:05:05]

The New Testament method involves a variety of arguments and exhortations, not a single message of surrender. It emphasizes the believer's active role in sanctification, supported by the indwelling Spirit. The Christian is not absolutely hopeless; rather, he is empowered by the Spirit to live a life pleasing to God. [00:11:11]

The Christian is not absolutely hopeless. The Spirit of God dwells within us, empowering us to overcome sin and live righteously. This indwelling presence assures us that we are not left to our own devices but are equipped to fulfill God's commands. [00:18:31]

The Christian life is marked by growth and maturity. Unlike static theories of sanctification, the New Testament teaches that believers develop and mature in their faith, becoming more like Christ over time. This growth is evidence of the Spirit's work within us. [00:38:03]

Our union with Christ is a dynamic relationship that transforms us. We are not merely holding on to Christ; we are in Christ, and His life flows through us. This union is the source of our strength and the basis for our sanctification. [00:40:52]

The teaching of mortification is not discouraging but full of hope. It assures us that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion. Our sanctification is not dependent solely on our efforts but on God's power working in us. [00:43:22]

The Christian is a man who has a new nature and because he has a new nature, he has new motives, new desires. Old things are passed away, behold all things have become new. The Christian is a man who says that the law of God is no longer grievous to him. [00:27:40]

The Christian is not a man who is absolutely hopeless who's holding on to Christ. It's not true of him. He's in Christ and the life of Christ is working in him through the Holy Spirit. The other notion is a denial of this glorious doctrine of the union of the believer with Christ. [00:40:52]

The Spirit of God dwells within us, empowering us to overcome sin and live righteously. This indwelling presence assures us that we are not left to our own devices but are equipped to fulfill God's commands. [00:18:31]

The Christian life is marked by growth and maturity. Unlike static theories of sanctification, the New Testament teaches that believers develop and mature in their faith, becoming more like Christ over time. This growth is evidence of the Spirit's work within us. [00:38:03]

Our union with Christ is a dynamic relationship that transforms us. We are not merely holding on to Christ; we are in Christ, and His life flows through us. This union is the source of our strength and the basis for our sanctification. [00:40:52]

The teaching of mortification is not discouraging but full of hope. It assures us that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion. Our sanctification is not dependent solely on our efforts but on God's power working in us. [00:43:22]

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Transcript
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