Embracing the Journey of Sanctification in Christ
Summary
In our journey through the biblical doctrines, we have arrived at the profound doctrine of sanctification. This doctrine is not merely a theological concept but a vital aspect of our Christian life, reflecting God's ultimate purpose for us. Sanctification means being set apart for God, both externally and internally, as we are cleansed from sin's pollution to serve Him. This process is not isolated but is intricately connected with other doctrines like justification and adoption, forming a seamless tapestry of salvation.
Sanctification is God's will for us, as clearly stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:3. It is the ultimate purpose behind all of God's actions, from the Old Testament to the sending of His Son and the work of the Holy Spirit. Our sanctification is the end goal of our salvation journey, and it is crucial to understand that it is not an optional extra but an integral part of being in Christ. The danger lies in separating justification from sanctification, which is unscriptural. They are part of the same divine process, and to divide them is to misunderstand the nature of our union with Christ.
The agent of sanctification is God Himself, working through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. While it is primarily God's work, we are called to participate actively. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that while God works in us, we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This balance is crucial; we are not passive recipients but active participants in our sanctification. We must reckon ourselves dead to sin, yield our members to righteousness, and mortify the deeds of the body through the Spirit.
Sanctification is not about seeking temporary relief from sin but about being wholly set apart for God. It is a continuous process that begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives. Our focus should not be on ourselves and our problems but on God and His holiness. We are called to be holy because He is holy, and this call is not about our happiness but about our identity as God's people.
Key Takeaways:
- Sanctification as God's Will: Sanctification is not an optional part of the Christian life but God's explicit will for us. It is the ultimate purpose behind all of God's actions, from creation to redemption. Understanding this helps us see sanctification as a vital part of our salvation, not a separate or secondary aspect. [05:15]
- Unity of Salvation: Justification and sanctification are inseparable parts of the same salvation process. To separate them is to misunderstand the nature of our union with Christ. This unity emphasizes that being in Christ means participating in both His righteousness and His sanctifying work. [11:36]
- Active Participation in Sanctification: While sanctification is primarily God's work, we are called to actively participate. This involves reckoning ourselves dead to sin, yielding to righteousness, and mortifying the deeds of the body. Our active role is essential in the sanctification process. [32:16]
- Holiness as Our Identity: Our call to holiness is rooted in our identity as God's people. We are to be holy because God is holy, and this call is about aligning our lives with His character. It is not about personal happiness but about living out our identity in Christ. [22:03]
- Sanctification as a Continuous Process: Sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives. It is a continuous process of being set apart for God, involving both God's work in us and our active response. This ongoing process shapes us into the image of Christ. [24:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Sanctification
- [00:24] - The Work of the Holy Spirit
- [01:01] - Historical Context of Sanctification
- [01:35] - Definition of Sanctification
- [02:08] - External and Internal Sanctification
- [03:12] - Schools of Thought on Sanctification
- [04:25] - Biblical Principles of Sanctification
- [05:15] - Sanctification as God's Will
- [06:30] - The Purpose of Salvation
- [09:01] - Dangers of Isolating Doctrines
- [11:36] - Unity of Salvation
- [14:15] - Misconceptions in Evangelism
- [20:20] - Starting with God, Not Ourselves
- [22:03] - Holiness as Our Identity
- [24:01] - Continuous Process of Sanctification
- [32:16] - Active Participation in Sanctification
- [41:45] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Doctrine of Sanctification
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification."
2. Philippians 2:13 - "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
3. 1 Peter 1:2 - "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:3 reveal about God's will for our lives? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on sanctification as God's ultimate purpose for us? [05:15]
2. According to Philippians 2:13, who is the primary agent in the process of sanctification, and what is our role in it? [26:18]
3. How does 1 Peter 1:2 describe the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, and what is the intended outcome of this process? [02:37]
4. What are the dangers mentioned in the sermon of separating justification from sanctification? [10:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding sanctification as God's will for us change the way we view our daily struggles with sin? [05:15]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sanctification is a continuous process, and how does this perspective affect our expectations of spiritual growth? [24:01]
3. How does the unity of justification and sanctification reflect our union with Christ, and why is it important not to separate these doctrines? [11:36]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between holiness and our identity as God's people? How does this shape our understanding of Christian living? [22:03]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a specific area in your life where you struggle with sin. How can you actively participate in the process of sanctification in this area, as suggested by Philippians 2:13? [32:16]
2. Consider the idea that sanctification is not about personal happiness but about aligning with God's holiness. How does this perspective challenge your current priorities or lifestyle choices? [22:03]
3. How can you cultivate a mindset that focuses on God's holiness rather than your own problems, as the sermon suggests? What practical steps can you take to shift your focus? [20:20]
4. Identify a specific way you can "yield your members to righteousness" in your daily life. What changes might this require in your habits or routines? [37:43]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not isolating doctrines. How can you ensure that your understanding of justification and sanctification remains interconnected in your spiritual journey? [10:29]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to see sanctification as an integral part of their faith, rather than an optional extra? What role can you play in fostering this understanding? [05:15]
7. Reflect on a recent decision or action. How did it reflect your identity as one of God's people, called to holiness? What might you do differently next time to better align with this identity? [22:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Sanctification as God's Ultimate Purpose
Sanctification is not an optional part of the Christian life but God's explicit will for us. It is the ultimate purpose behind all of God's actions, from creation to redemption. Understanding this helps us see sanctification as a vital part of our salvation, not a separate or secondary aspect. God's desire for us to be sanctified is clearly stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, emphasizing that our journey of faith is not just about being saved but about being transformed into His likeness. This transformation is a reflection of God's holiness and His desire for us to be set apart for His purposes. [05:15]
"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: In what ways can you align your daily actions with God's will for your sanctification today?
Day 2: Unity of Salvation
Justification and sanctification are inseparable parts of the same salvation process. To separate them is to misunderstand the nature of our union with Christ. This unity emphasizes that being in Christ means participating in both His righteousness and His sanctifying work. Justification is the act of being declared righteous before God, while sanctification is the process of becoming more like Christ. Both are essential and interconnected aspects of our salvation, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work in our lives. [11:36]
"And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace both justification and sanctification as integral parts of your faith journey today?
Day 3: Active Participation in Sanctification
While sanctification is primarily God's work, we are called to actively participate. This involves reckoning ourselves dead to sin, yielding to righteousness, and mortifying the deeds of the body. Our active role is essential in the sanctification process. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that while God works in us, we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This balance is crucial; we are not passive recipients but active participants in our sanctification. [32:16]
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to actively participate in your sanctification process?
Day 4: Holiness as Our Identity
Our call to holiness is rooted in our identity as God's people. We are to be holy because God is holy, and this call is about aligning our lives with His character. It is not about personal happiness but about living out our identity in Christ. Holiness is not merely a set of moral standards but a reflection of our relationship with God and our commitment to live according to His will. This identity shapes our values, decisions, and interactions with others, calling us to a higher standard of living. [22:03]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you reflect your identity as God's holy people in your interactions with others today?
Day 5: Sanctification as a Continuous Process
Sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives. It is a continuous process of being set apart for God, involving both God's work in us and our active response. This ongoing process shapes us into the image of Christ, requiring perseverance and dedication. As we grow in our faith, we are continually being transformed by the renewing of our minds, aligning our thoughts and actions with God's will. This lifelong journey requires us to remain steadfast and committed to the process of becoming more like Christ. [24:01]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can focus on continuous growth in sanctification today?
Quotes
Sanctification means that we are separated unto God, separated from the world, separated from all defilement set apart for God and for God's service. That's the real meaning of sanctification and that of course has two sides to it: we are set apart from God in an external manner... [00:01:35]
The ultimate purpose which God has in doing everything that he's done for us is our sanctification. God's purpose in doing everything that he did in the Old Testament is ultimately our sanctification. God's purpose when he sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law was still our sanctification. [00:05:15]
There is nothing so fatal as to separate these doctrines from one another. Now it's a right thing to distinguish them, but there's all the difference in the world between distinguishing between things and separating them. For the purposes of thought and indeed in accordance with the scripture, you've got to distinguish justification and sanctification. [00:09:01]
If there is one thing that we must never do, it is to separate justification from sanctification because according to this teaching they are part of the same process. They are part of God's Great movement of Salvation which is one, and therefore I say we must never put these gaps between them. [00:11:36]
Sanctification is first of all and primary the work of God in us through and by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, my friends, it seems to me that it is thoroughly unscriptural to say that as a Believer, as a Christian, you can be without sanctification and decide yourself to go in for it. [00:31:36]
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling for it is God that worketh in you both to Will and to do of his own good pleasure. Now it seems to me that there the balance is presented to us absolutely perfectly so that when we are discussing this question of the agency in sanctification... [00:32:16]
The moment therefore I argue that we are regenerate and United to the Lord Jesus Christ, the process of sanctification has already started. The moment I receive the divine nature, the moment I'm born again, something has come into me which is going to separate me from sin. [00:24:01]
There is one reason and one reason only why we should all be Sanctified and holy. It's this: not that we may be happy, not that we may get rid of our problems. We are to be holy because God is holy, because we are God's people, because Christ has died for us and purchased us. [00:22:03]
Sanctification in the scripture is attributed to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Let me give you the texts. Take for instance the way in which it teaches us that it is the Father's work: 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and the Very God of Peace sanctify you holy... [00:27:12]
The whole trouble I believe with regard to sanctification arises from our fatal tendency to start with ourselves instead of starting with God. You see, we think of ourselves and our problems and our sins and our needs and things like that, and we go with those things in our mind when we begin to think about sanctification. [00:20:20]
Sanctification is not about seeking temporary relief from sin but about being wholly set apart for God. It is a continuous process that begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives. Our focus should not be on ourselves and our problems but on God and His holiness. [00:24:01]
The scriptures plainly teach us that God is working in us because he saved us, but he's working in Us in order that we may work it out, and those are the ways in which we do it. I hope to go into this in Greater detail next Friday what you and I really have to do... [00:41:45]
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