Empowered Living: Active Sanctification Through the Spirit

 

Summary

In Romans 8:12-13, Paul presents a profound teaching on sanctification, emphasizing the believer's responsibility in the process. As Christians, we are not debtors to the flesh, but rather, we are called to mortify the deeds of the body through the Spirit. This passage is crucial in understanding the New Testament's perspective on sanctification, which involves active participation rather than passive surrender. The body, though not inherently sinful, remains the seat of sin and corruption due to the fall. Therefore, the Christian life involves a continuous struggle against sin, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The teaching here is not about despising the body or adopting extreme ascetic practices, as seen in some Roman Catholic traditions or false puritanism. Instead, it is about recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit within us, enabling us to overcome sin. The Spirit's indwelling is the hallmark of Christianity, differentiating it from mere legalism. We are empowered to live victoriously, not by our strength, but through the Spirit's power.

Practically, this involves both general and specific actions. Generally, we must understand our spiritual position, realizing the power and promises given to us. We must also keep our eyes on the ultimate goal of glorification and live with the awareness that our actions can grieve the Holy Spirit. Specifically, we are called to abstain from sin, avoid fellowship with darkness, and maintain discipline over our bodies. We must deal with sin at its first appearance, not allowing it to take root.

Moreover, our approach should be positive, focusing on living a life that reflects God's glory. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, called to show forth His praises. Our lives should be a testimony to the world of God's transformative power. By living in this way, we not only mortify the deeds of the body but also make our calling and election sure, ensuring an abundant entry into the everlasting kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Active Participation in Sanctification: Sanctification requires our active involvement, not passive surrender. We are called to mortify the deeds of the body through the Spirit, recognizing that the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin. This is a dynamic process where we exercise the power given to us by God. [01:50]

- Understanding Our Spiritual Position: Many struggles in the Christian life stem from not realizing who we are in Christ. We have been given all things pertaining to life and godliness. Recognizing our identity and the power within us is crucial for living victoriously. [20:12]

- Avoiding Legalism and Asceticism: True sanctification is not about extreme ascetic practices or legalism. These approaches fail to address the heart of the issue. Instead, we must rely on the Spirit's power, living a disciplined life that reflects God's glory. [11:09]

- Dealing with Sin at Its Root: We must address sin at its first appearance, not allowing it to take root. This involves recognizing the initial movements of sin and dealing with them decisively, understanding that even entertaining sinful thoughts is contrary to God's will. [41:13]

- Living Positively for God's Glory: Our focus should be on living a life that reflects God's glory, not merely avoiding sin. We are a chosen generation, called to show forth His praises. By living positively, we testify to the world of God's transformative power. [51:16]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans 8:12-13
- [00:49] - The Importance of Sanctification
- [01:35] - The Role of the Believer in Sanctification
- [02:10] - Understanding the Body and Sin
- [03:20] - Misunderstandings About the Body
- [04:28] - The Struggle Against Sin
- [05:19] - Natural Instincts and Sin
- [06:48] - The Meaning of Mortification
- [07:41] - False Ways of Mortification
- [09:00] - The Fallacy of Ascetic Practices
- [11:09] - Legalism and False Puritanism
- [13:48] - The True Way of Mortification
- [15:10] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [19:38] - Exercising Spiritual Power
- [20:12] - Realizing Our Spiritual Position
- [23:36] - Grieving the Holy Spirit
- [26:20] - Keeping the Ultimate Goal in Sight
- [30:07] - Practical Steps to Mortification
- [35:09] - Discipline and Self-Control
- [41:13] - Dealing with Sin at Its Root
- [45:21] - Positive Approach to Christian Living
- [51:16] - Living for God's Glory

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:12-13
- 1 Corinthians 9:27
- Galatians 5:16

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 8:12-13, what is the believer's responsibility in the process of sanctification? How does this passage describe the role of the Holy Spirit in this process? [00:13]

2. In the sermon, what are some of the false ways of dealing with the mortification of the deeds of the body that were mentioned? [07:41]

3. How does 1 Corinthians 9:27 illustrate the Apostle Paul's approach to self-discipline and control over the body? [05:02]

4. What does Galatians 5:16 suggest about the relationship between walking in the Spirit and fulfilling the desires of the flesh? [29:03]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "mortifying the deeds of the body" challenge the idea of passive surrender in the Christian life? What does this imply about the believer's active role in sanctification? [01:50]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding our spiritual position. How might a lack of awareness of one's identity in Christ lead to struggles in the Christian life? [20:12]

3. What are the dangers of legalism and asceticism in the pursuit of sanctification, as discussed in the sermon? How do these approaches fail to address the heart of the issue? [11:09]

4. How does the sermon describe the positive approach to Christian living, and why is it important to focus on living for God's glory rather than merely avoiding sin? [51:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you have been passively surrendering rather than actively participating in your sanctification? What steps can you take to engage more actively with the Holy Spirit's work in you? [01:50]

2. Consider your understanding of your identity in Christ. How does recognizing who you are in Him change the way you approach daily challenges and temptations? [20:12]

3. Have you ever found yourself leaning towards legalism or ascetic practices in your spiritual journey? How can you shift your focus to rely more on the Spirit's power rather than your own efforts? [11:09]

4. Think of a specific sin or temptation that you struggle with. How can you address it at its root, as suggested in the sermon, and what practical steps can you take to prevent it from taking root in your life? [41:13]

5. In what ways can you live more positively for God's glory in your daily life? Identify one area where you can show forth His praises and be a testimony to His transformative power. [51:16]

6. How can you cultivate a mindset that keeps the ultimate goal of glorification in sight, especially when faced with trials and temptations? What practical reminders can you set for yourself to maintain this focus? [26:20]

7. Identify a specific action you can take this week to exercise discipline and self-control over your body, as encouraged by 1 Corinthians 9:27. How will you hold yourself accountable to this commitment? [05:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Engagement in Sanctification
Sanctification is not a passive process but requires active engagement from believers. Christians are called to mortify the deeds of the body through the Spirit, recognizing that the Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome sin. This dynamic process involves exercising the power given by God, rather than surrendering passively. The believer's role is to actively participate in this journey, acknowledging the Spirit's presence and power within them. This understanding shifts the focus from self-reliance to reliance on the Spirit, enabling a victorious Christian life. [01:50]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to actively engage with the Holy Spirit in your journey of sanctification?


Day 2: Recognizing Our Spiritual Identity
Many struggles in the Christian life stem from not realizing who we are in Christ. Believers have been given all things pertaining to life and godliness, and recognizing this identity is crucial for living victoriously. Understanding our spiritual position involves acknowledging the power and promises given to us by God. This realization empowers Christians to live in a way that reflects their true identity, overcoming struggles and challenges with confidence in the Spirit's power. By embracing this identity, believers can navigate life with a sense of purpose and assurance. [20:12]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: How does recognizing your identity in Christ change the way you approach your daily challenges and decisions?


Day 3: Avoiding Legalism and Embracing the Spirit
True sanctification is not about extreme ascetic practices or legalism, which fail to address the heart of the issue. Instead, believers must rely on the Spirit's power, living a disciplined life that reflects God's glory. Legalism and asceticism often focus on external behaviors, neglecting the transformative work of the Spirit within. By embracing the Spirit, Christians can live authentically, guided by the Spirit's leading rather than rigid rules. This approach fosters a genuine relationship with God, characterized by freedom and grace. [11:09]

Colossians 2:20-23 (ESV): "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—'Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch' (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from legalistic practices to a Spirit-led life that reflects God's glory?


Day 4: Addressing Sin at Its Root
Believers must address sin at its first appearance, not allowing it to take root. This involves recognizing the initial movements of sin and dealing with them decisively. Understanding that even entertaining sinful thoughts is contrary to God's will is crucial. By confronting sin early, Christians can prevent it from growing and causing further harm. This proactive approach requires vigilance and a commitment to holiness, relying on the Spirit's guidance to discern and overcome sin's subtle influences. [41:13]

James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to address sin at its root, and how can you take immediate action to prevent it from taking hold?


Day 5: Living Positively for God's Glory
The focus of the Christian life should be on living in a way that reflects God's glory, not merely avoiding sin. Believers are a chosen generation, called to show forth His praises. By living positively, Christians testify to the world of God's transformative power. This involves embracing a lifestyle that honors God, characterized by love, joy, and peace. By prioritizing God's glory in all aspects of life, believers can make their calling and election sure, ensuring an abundant entry into the everlasting kingdom of God. [51:16]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How can you intentionally live today in a way that reflects God's glory and testifies to His transformative power in your life?

Quotes

"Sanctification is something in which a man himself plays a part that he doesn't just admit that he's absolutely hopeless and hand it all over to the Risen Lord to do it for him having seen that he is called upon to do something through the spirit which is in him." [00:01:38]

"The body still is the seat and the instrument of sin and Corruption the body is the seat of the sin and the corruption that still remain in us our bodies are not yet delivered they are going to be but so far the sin remains is there." [00:04:41]

"Mortify rarely explains itself to mortify is to deaden is to put to death is to render inoperative to make extinct all those expressions convey the meaning of the word to mortify and the exhortation is therefore that we must mortify we are called upon to mortify the Deeds of the body." [00:06:49]

"The spirit through the spirit it means this the Holy Spirit as we've seen abundantly the Apostle has gone on repeating it the holy spirit is in us as Christians you can't be a Christian without him if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his." [00:14:36]

"Realize one is we've got to understand our position spiritually the Apostle has been reminding us of all that and I've just been reminding you of it in quoting these verses but you know this is the most important thing in many ways our troubles are due to the fact that we don't realize and don't remember who we are and what we are as Christians." [00:20:09]

"Deal with the first motions and movements of sin and Temptation within you deal with it the moment it appears if you don't you're undone you'll go down now why do I say this well my reason for saying this is what we read in the Epistle of James in the first chapter." [00:40:11]

"Watch Stand Fast in the faith know what it is and stand fast in it quit you like men be strong not a miserable weak weakling mourning and grumbling and complaining and you can't do this and that suffering I say again from the MPS and measles of the Soul be a man be strong with you like men be strong that's Christianity." [00:46:32]

"Walk in the spirit Galatians 5:116 walk in the spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh you see these two things as he says are opposite to one another as the one goes up the other goes down it's inevitable like those little weather instruments that some people have." [00:46:42]

"Giving all diligence add to your faith the faith you've got you've got to add something to it what you add to it or virtue which means strength again and discipline add to your faith virtue and to Virtue knowledge you must add to your knowledge you must Shake Yourself you must read you know you must study your Bible." [00:47:56]

"Be positive in your approach to this question of avoiding sin and living the Christian Life people always come and they say you know I if I can't get rid of this sin if only I could stop doing this I can't I keep on falling and they keep on talking about themselves and their sin and the whole thing's negative." [00:50:01]

"You are a chosen generation a kingdom of priests and holy nation a people for God's Own peculiar possession that's what we are as Christians well why should we be so careful to remember this well this is why you see we are all that he says that ye should show forth his Praises who ha called you out of Darkness Into His Marvelous Light." [00:51:16]

"It is as we realize that we are his Representatives that we are the channels that he's chosen to show forth his own Glory his own Excellency his own power and his own wonder that we shall I say proceed to de with it he's put his Spirit within us Christ dwells within us we've got the power." [00:55:05]

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Transcript
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