Blueprints for Holiness: A Journey of Sanctification
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delve into the concept of "Blueprints" to understand how God wants us to live holy lives. Jesus often used earthly stories to illustrate heavenly truths, employing metaphors, parables, and similes. He used familiar examples from home life, nature, commerce, and farming to make divine principles relatable and understandable. These stories served as hooks to reel people in, helping them grasp God's work in their lives.
Our central theme today is from 1 Peter 1:15-16, which calls us to be holy because God is holy. This holiness, or sanctification, is a process that God equips us for. To illustrate this, I used the analogy of a polarized electrical plug, where one prong represents God's power and the other our responsibility. Just as a plug needs both prongs to function, we need to fulfill our part to receive the fullness of God's work in our lives.
The first aspect of our responsibility is consecration. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices had to be perfect, without blemish, representing holiness. Today, God doesn't want our animals; He wants us. We are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This total consecration involves giving God our time, talents, thoughts, money, reputation, family, hopes, dreams, and future. Consecration precedes sanctification; it's our part in the process.
Sanctification is not for the casual Christian but for those serious about walking in holiness. It's a lifetime process, not a one-time event. God wants everyone to be sanctified, and it's available to every believer. Part-time Christianity won't cut it; we need to be full-time believers walking in holiness. Often, we get things backward, trying to please people and serve God when we should be pleasing God and serving people.
The second aspect is crucifixion. In ancient times, crucifixion was a familiar method of executing the unruly. Similarly, our old, unruly selves need to be put to death. Romans 6:6 tells us that our old self was crucified with Christ so that we are no longer slaves to sin. This is a powerful image of putting the old man to death, not just controlling or managing him. The old self must be rendered powerless, buried, and kept buried by daily sanctification.
The third aspect is cleansing. Ephesians 5:25-27 uses the analogy of a husband cleansing his wife to describe Christ's work in cleansing the church. Christ gave Himself for us to make us holy, cleansing us by the washing of water through the Word. This cleansing is complete, removing all impurities, making us holy and blameless. The Word of God is the detergent in the pool of His grace, cleansing us thoroughly.
Finally, we must be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 cautions against being drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, and instead encourages us to be filled with the Spirit. Just as alcohol can control a person's actions, the Spirit should control us, leading us to holiness. This filling is not a one-time event but a continuous process, drawing us closer to God and pushing sin out of our lives.
In conclusion, our journey to holiness involves consecration, crucifixion, cleansing, and being filled with the Spirit. It's a partnership where we do our part, and God does His. By faith, we can live sanctified lives, pleasing to God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Consecration is Our Responsibility: We are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This involves giving God our time, talents, thoughts, money, reputation, family, hopes, dreams, and future. Consecration precedes sanctification; it's our part in the process. [46:09]
2. Sanctification is a Lifetime Process: Sanctification is not for the casual Christian but for those serious about walking in holiness. It's a lifetime process, not a one-time event. God wants everyone to be sanctified, and it's available to every believer. Part-time Christianity won't cut it; we need to be full-time believers walking in holiness. [55:09]
3. Crucifixion of the Old Self: Our old, unruly selves need to be put to death. Romans 6:6 tells us that our old self was crucified with Christ so that we are no longer slaves to sin. This is a powerful image of putting the old man to death, not just controlling or managing him. The old self must be rendered powerless, buried, and kept buried by daily sanctification. [01:00:28]
4. Cleansing by the Word: Ephesians 5:25-27 uses the analogy of a husband cleansing his wife to describe Christ's work in cleansing the church. Christ gave Himself for us to make us holy, cleansing us by the washing of water through the Word. This cleansing is complete, removing all impurities, making us holy and blameless. The Word of God is the detergent in the pool of His grace, cleansing us thoroughly. [01:12:16]
5. Being Filled with the Spirit: Ephesians 5:18 cautions against being drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, and instead encourages us to be filled with the Spirit. Just as alcohol can control a person's actions, the Spirit should control us, leading us to holiness. This filling is not a one-time event but a continuous process, drawing us closer to God and pushing sin out of our lives. [01:19:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:10] - Faith in Action
[30:48] - Commended for Faith
[40:58] - Jesus' Illustrations
[42:34] - Polarized Plug Analogy
[44:07] - Process and Progress
[45:20] - Consecration Explained
[46:09] - Offering Ourselves
[49:44] - Living Sacrifices
[50:27] - Romans 12:1-2
[53:08] - Renewing the Mind
[55:09] - Sanctification for the Serious
[57:01] - Pleasing God and Serving People
[58:39] - Consecration Prayer
[01:00:28] - Crucifixion of the Old Self
[01:04:55] - Living by the Spirit
[01:12:16] - Cleansing by the Word
[01:19:02] - Being Filled with the Spirit
[01:24:34] - Sanctification as a Magnet
[01:26:32] - Surrendering All
[01:30:33] - Faith and Sanctification
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:15-16
2. Romans 6:6
3. Ephesians 5:25-27
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 1:15-16, why are we called to be holy?
2. In Romans 6:6, what does it mean that our old self was crucified with Christ?
3. How does Ephesians 5:25-27 describe the process of Christ cleansing the church?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, as mentioned in the sermon? How does this relate to the concept of consecration? [46:09]
2. How does the analogy of the polarized electrical plug help us understand our role and God's role in the process of sanctification? [42:34]
3. Why is the crucifixion of the old self necessary for sanctification, and how does this process affect our daily lives? [01:00:28]
#### Application Questions
1. Consecration involves giving God our time, talents, thoughts, money, reputation, family, hopes, dreams, and future. Which of these areas do you find most challenging to surrender to God, and why? [46:09]
2. The sermon emphasized that sanctification is a lifetime process and not for the casual Christian. How can you commit to being a full-time believer walking in holiness? What steps can you take this week to deepen your commitment? [55:09]
3. The concept of crucifying the old self was highlighted as essential for sanctification. What are some practical ways you can "put to death" the old, unruly parts of yourself? [01:00:28]
4. Ephesians 5:25-27 talks about being cleansed by the washing of water through the Word. How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine to ensure continuous cleansing? [01:12:16]
5. The sermon mentioned being filled with the Spirit as a continuous process. What are some habits or practices you can adopt to ensure you are continually filled with the Spirit? [01:19:02]
6. Reflect on the analogy of the polarized plug. Are there areas in your life where you feel disconnected from God's power? What changes can you make to ensure you are fully "plugged in" to receive the fullness of God's work in your life? [42:34]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to surrender all to God. What specific attitudes, behaviors, or areas of your life do you need to surrender to God today? How will you go about doing this? [01:26:32]
Devotional
### Day 1: Consecration as Living Sacrifices
Description: Consecration is our responsibility as believers. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices had to be perfect and without blemish, symbolizing holiness. Today, God desires us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. This means dedicating our time, talents, thoughts, money, reputation, family, hopes, dreams, and future to God. Consecration is the first step in the process of sanctification, and it requires a total commitment to God. By consecrating ourselves, we prepare our hearts and lives for the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. [46:09]
Bible Passage: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: What specific areas of your life (time, talents, thoughts, money, etc.) do you need to consecrate to God today? How can you practically offer these areas as living sacrifices to Him?
### Day 2: Sanctification for the Serious
Description: Sanctification is a lifelong process that requires serious commitment from believers. It is not for the casual Christian but for those who are dedicated to walking in holiness. God desires every believer to be sanctified, and it is available to all who seek it. Part-time Christianity is insufficient; we must be full-time believers, fully committed to living holy lives. Sanctification involves a continuous effort to align our lives with God's will, and it requires us to prioritize pleasing God over pleasing people. [55:09]
Bible Passage: "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." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been a part-time Christian? What steps can you take today to fully commit to the lifelong process of sanctification?
### Day 3: Crucifixion of the Old Self
Description: Our old, unruly selves need to be put to death. Romans 6:6 tells us that our old self was crucified with Christ so that we are no longer slaves to sin. This powerful image emphasizes the need to put the old man to death, not just control or manage him. The old self must be rendered powerless, buried, and kept buried through daily sanctification. This crucifixion of the old self is essential for living a holy life, as it allows us to break free from the bondage of sin and walk in the newness of life in Christ. [01:00:28]
Bible Passage: "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin." (Romans 6:6, ESV)
Reflection: What aspects of your old self do you need to crucify today? How can you actively render these aspects powerless through daily sanctification?
### Day 4: Cleansing by the Word
Description: Ephesians 5:25-27 uses the analogy of a husband cleansing his wife to describe Christ's work in cleansing the church. Christ gave Himself for us to make us holy, cleansing us by the washing of water through the Word. This cleansing is complete, removing all impurities and making us holy and blameless. The Word of God acts as a detergent in the pool of His grace, thoroughly cleansing us. Regular engagement with Scripture is essential for this cleansing process, as it helps us to identify and remove impurities from our lives. [01:12:16]
Bible Passage: "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word." (Ephesians 5:25-26, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate the Word of God into your daily routine to allow for continuous cleansing? What specific impurities do you need to address through the washing of the Word?
### Day 5: Being Filled with the Spirit
Description: Ephesians 5:18 cautions against being drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, and instead encourages us to be filled with the Spirit. Just as alcohol can control a person's actions, the Spirit should control us, leading us to holiness. This filling is not a one-time event but a continuous process, drawing us closer to God and pushing sin out of our lives. Being filled with the Spirit empowers us to live in accordance with God's will and to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives. [01:19:02]
Bible Passage: "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." (Ephesians 5:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you seek to be continuously filled with the Spirit today? How can you allow the Spirit to control your actions and lead you to holiness?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. So today I want to paint this portrait or reveal the blueprints. And Jesus was a master at doing this. He was always illustrating things from heaven with an earthly story, using metaphors and parables and similes and even an occasional story or what we would call an allegory. So Jesus used examples from both home life, including yeast, spreading in the bread dough, sewing patches on old cloth, storing new wine and old wine skins. He also used nature, commerce, interpersonal relationships, farming. He was great at using farming to paint pictures in the minds of all of his listeners." [40:58]
2. "So today I want you to understand God never breaks his side. He'll always do his part. But what we've got to do is make sure we do our part to receive the fullness of what God wants to do in our life." [44:07]
3. "The sacrifice was to be perfect. The sacrifice, listen to me, the thing that was being sacrificed was to be perfect, meaning it was to be, that represents the word holy. It was to be without spot, blemish, or wrinkle, so to speak. So in other words, you didn't have the opportunity to give God second best. You always gave God your very best. This is called consecration now. Now, so this is what he wants, listen to me, not, listen, he doesn't want your animals, he wants you. That's where the sacrifice comes today. This is the consecration. Instead of animals, we're called to offer ourselves." [46:09]
4. "How many of you know we're not going to live according to the flesh that's our choice of conscience you will die but if you live by the spirit you will put to death listen to me the misdeeds of the flesh therefore you can leave that's powerful right there when i say flesh the misdeeds of the body i'm not listen to me listen to me listen to me hear me good i hope i'm not losing you today." [01:04:55]
5. "We think that God's got to move first, and then we move. But God has to, listen, you have to give him something to sanctify before he can sanctify it. Remember, we're living sacrifices. He wants your life. He wants all so that he can do an amazing work inside of it." [49:44]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sanctification always has two parts. It's a dying to self and it's alive to Christ. It's set apart from sin. The negative pushes sin out of your life. The positive draws you close to God. Today, my goal is to help you understand practically how God wants to work in your life, how he'll do his part. If you'll do your part, if you'll consecrate and crucify, he'll cleanse, he'll cleanse, he'll cleanse, and he'll feel, but he can't feel what has not been cleansed. Are you hearing me today?" [01:24:34]
2. "Consecration precedes sanctification. Let this get in. Let this get in your head. Consecration comes first. Our part comes first. Let me say it this way. God's already done his part. But we can't receive it until we do our part. The power's there. The plug is energized. Are you with me? But you've got to get the plug into the receptacle to receive what God wants to do in your life. Consecration is our part. Sanctification is God's part. That's where this dual role works together. And when they meet together, I'm going to just say it this way, it's electrifying in your life. That's what happens when God supernaturally supercharges your life." [46:45]
3. "Paul is clear here that we are now called to offer ourselves not as dead animal sacrifices, but as human, living sacrifices to God. This is our total consecration. Again, let me say it for clarity. Consecration precedes sanctification. Consecration comes first. Consecration is our part. That's what we do. We're called to place ourselves on the altar of God. Genesis 22 is a good example. that Abraham with Isaac, before God would move, Abraham had to put Isaac on the altar first, and then God moved. We see this over and over in Scripture. Consecration is giving to God our everything. That means our time, our talents, our thoughts, our money, our reputation, our family, our hopes, our dreams, our future, and then climbing on top of all of that and simply saying, I surrender all, leaving nothing out of the equation." [53:08]
4. "For we know that our old self was crucified with who? With Christ, so that the body, we will not be ruled by sin. That's the unruly right there. You are ruled by sin. When you, before you were born again, and after you were born again, let me tell you, God has a process by which he will take you through, amen. And I'm gonna deal with the degrees of it next week, so don't get twisted up on me about teaching sanctification. I promise ya, I'm gonna get there and I'm gonna get it all in the biblical context of our doctrine here. shortly but there's a process that he carries for us why was the body ruled by sin listen that it might be why crucified so that it might be done away with this is good news for us today you know how i know i've experienced it but you know better yet because his word is filled with it you don't have to live like you used to live anymore you don't have to get up with a guilty conscience in the morning amen you don't have to worry because you're living oh my goodness that we should no longer watch this this is a powerful word right here that we should no longer be slaves to sin look at your neighbor and tell him you can be free today you can be free today you can be free today in jesus name it's so liberating this work of sanctification it's so liberating it's so liberating it's so liberating it's so liberating it's so liberating it's so liberating it's so liberating all the baggage you bring along behind you that the ropes are still hanging everywhere you go sanctification just reaches back there and cuts them all loose hallelujah glory to god" [01:03:22]
5. "This is an illustration or image that I offer to you to etch into your mind for clarity. It's a picture of total consecration. And hear me well and hear me good today. Consecration precedes sanctification. Let this get in. Let this get in your head. Consecration comes first. Our part comes first. Let me say it this way. God's already done his part. But we can't receive it until we do our part. The power's there. The plug is energized. Are you with me? But you've got to get the plug into the receptacle to receive what God wants to do in your life. Consecration is our part. Sanctification is God's part. That's where this dual role works together. And when they meet together, I'm going to just say it this way, it's electrifying in your life. That's what happens when God supernaturally supercharges your life." [46:45]
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