Journey of Sanctification: Living in Christ's Fullness

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 16, we find a profound declaration: "Of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." This encapsulates the essence of Christianity, emphasizing that our faith is rooted in receiving the fullness of Christ, which is an ever-increasing journey from grace to grace, and ultimately, to glory. This fullness is not a one-time event but a continuous process of sanctification, where we are renewed in the image of God, dying to sin and living unto righteousness.

Sanctification is not an instantaneous experience but a lifelong process. It begins with our separation from the world, a translation from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son. This separation is the work of the Holy Spirit, who mediates Christ to us and places us into His body, the Church. This union with Christ is vital for our sanctification, as it allows His life and holiness to flow into us.

The Christian life is characterized by living in the Spirit, a life that is distinct from the life of the flesh. This new life is not merely a moral improvement but a transformation that comes from being in Christ. It is a life of freedom from the law of sin and death, a life where the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us as we walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.

This transformation is not just about individual piety but about being part of the body of Christ, the Church. The Holy Spirit baptizes us into this body, making us one with Christ and with each other. This unity is essential for receiving the fullness of Christ, as it is through the body that His life is mediated to us.

Ultimately, the Christian life is about bearing fruit unto righteousness and holiness. This fruit is the result of our union with Christ, as we are married to Him and bring forth fruit unto God. It is a life of peace and joy, free from condemnation, as we live in the Spirit and not in the flesh.

Key Takeaways:

- Sanctification as a Process: Sanctification is a continuous journey of being renewed in the image of God, dying to sin, and living unto righteousness. It is not a sudden experience but a lifelong process of growth in grace. [03:29]

- Union with Christ: Our sanctification is deeply rooted in our union with Christ. The Holy Spirit baptizes us into the body of Christ, making us one with Him and allowing His life and holiness to flow into us. [06:51]

- Life in the Spirit: The Christian life is characterized by living in the Spirit, a life distinct from the life of the flesh. It is a life of freedom from the law of sin and death, where the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us. [24:29]

- The Role of the Church: Being part of the body of Christ, the Church, is essential for receiving the fullness of Christ. The Holy Spirit places us into this body, making us one with Christ and with each other. [10:45]

- Bearing Fruit unto Righteousness: The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to bear fruit unto righteousness and holiness. This fruit is the result of our union with Christ, as we are married to Him and bring forth fruit unto God. [31:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to John 1:16
- [00:35] - The Essence of Christianity
- [01:09] - Assurance of Receiving Fullness
- [01:53] - Understanding Fullness in Christ
- [02:42] - Christ as Our Sanctification
- [03:29] - The Process of Sanctification
- [04:57] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [06:51] - Baptism into the Body of Christ
- [09:29] - The Doctrine of the Church
- [12:40] - Life in the Spirit
- [17:23] - The New Life in Christ
- [24:29] - Freedom from Sin and Death
- [31:10] - Bearing Fruit unto Righteousness
- [44:25] - Living Life in the Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:16 - "Of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."
2. 1 Corinthians 1:30 - "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."
3. Romans 8:2 - "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does John 1:16 mean when it says, "Of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace"? How does this relate to the essence of Christianity as described in the sermon? [00:11]

2. According to 1 Corinthians 1:30, what roles does Christ fulfill for believers, and how does this relate to the concept of sanctification? [02:07]

3. In Romans 8:2, what is the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus," and how does it contrast with the "law of sin and death"? [24:29]

4. How does the sermon describe the process of sanctification, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process? [04:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "grace for grace" in John 1:16 illustrate the continuous journey of sanctification in a believer's life? [01:36]

2. In what ways does the union with Christ, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:30, empower believers to live a life of righteousness and holiness? [02:42]

3. How does Romans 8:2's description of freedom from the "law of sin and death" impact a believer's understanding of their new life in the Spirit? [24:29]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of being part of the body of Christ, the Church, in receiving the fullness of Christ? [10:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal journey of sanctification. How have you experienced the process of being renewed in the image of God? What steps can you take to continue this journey? [03:29]

2. Consider your union with Christ. How does this relationship influence your daily decisions and actions? What practical steps can you take to deepen this union? [06:51]

3. In what areas of your life do you still feel bound by the "law of sin and death"? How can you embrace the freedom offered by the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus"? [24:29]

4. How can you actively participate in the life of the Church to experience the fullness of Christ? What role can you play in fostering unity within the body of Christ? [10:45]

5. Identify one area in your life where you desire to bear more fruit unto righteousness. What specific actions can you take this week to cultivate this fruit? [31:10]

6. How can you live more intentionally in the Spirit, distinguishing your life from one lived in the flesh? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine to support this? [24:29]

7. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt condemned. How can the truth of "no condemnation" in Christ Jesus change your perspective and response in similar situations in the future? [22:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Sanctification as a Lifelong Journey
Sanctification is a continuous journey of being renewed in the image of God, dying to sin, and living unto righteousness. It is not a sudden experience but a lifelong process of growth in grace. This journey begins with our separation from the world, a translation from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, mediating Christ to us and placing us into His body, the Church. As we grow in grace, we are gradually transformed, reflecting more of Christ's character in our lives. This transformation is not just about moral improvement but about becoming more like Christ in every aspect of our being. [03:29]

"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: What is one specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to grow in holiness? How can you take a step towards that growth today?


Day 2: Union with Christ as the Foundation of Sanctification
Our sanctification is deeply rooted in our union with Christ. The Holy Spirit baptizes us into the body of Christ, making us one with Him and allowing His life and holiness to flow into us. This union is not merely a theological concept but a living reality that transforms our lives. As we abide in Christ, His life becomes our life, and His holiness becomes our holiness. This union empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God, as we draw strength and grace from our relationship with Christ. It is through this union that we are able to grow in sanctification and become more like Christ. [06:51]

"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 cultivate a deeper sense of abiding in Christ in your daily life? What practices can help you remain connected to Him throughout the day?


Day 3: Living in the Spirit as a Distinctive Christian Life
The Christian life is characterized by living in the Spirit, a life distinct from the life of the flesh. It is a life of freedom from the law of sin and death, where the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us. This new life is not merely about following rules or improving our moral behavior but about being transformed by the Spirit of God. As we walk in the Spirit, we experience a new kind of freedom and joy that comes from being in Christ. This life in the Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and live in a way that honors God. [24:29]

"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." (Galatians 5:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself struggling between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit? How can you intentionally choose to walk by the Spirit today?


Day 4: The Church as the Context for Receiving Christ's Fullness
Being part of the body of Christ, the Church, is essential for receiving the fullness of Christ. The Holy Spirit places us into this body, making us one with Christ and with each other. This unity is not just a theological idea but a practical reality that shapes our lives. As members of the Church, we are called to support and encourage one another, helping each other grow in our relationship with Christ. It is through the Church that we experience the fullness of Christ's life and love, as we share in the joys and struggles of our fellow believers. [10:45]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the life of your church community? What steps can you take to encourage and support others in their walk with Christ?


Day 5: Bearing Fruit unto Righteousness as the Goal of Christian Life
The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to bear fruit unto righteousness and holiness. This fruit is the result of our union with Christ, as we are married to Him and bring forth fruit unto God. It is a life of peace and joy, free from condemnation, as we live in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Bearing fruit is not just about personal piety but about impacting the world around us with the love and grace of Christ. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we become more effective witnesses of His love and truth, bringing glory to God through our lives. [31:10]

"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." (John 15:8, ESV)

Reflection: What kind of fruit is your life currently producing? How can you align your actions and attitudes with the goal of bearing fruit that glorifies God?

Quotes


Sanctification is that process of God's free Grace whereby we are renewed in the whole men after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and to live unto righteousness that's what sanctification is and we have seen that uh it's to be thought of not as some something you can receive suddenly in a meeting but that it's a whole process that it means to be in Christ. [00:03:29]

The Holy Spirit baptizes us into the body of Christ all of us who become Christian are all together baptized into this body of Christ which is the church by the Holy Spirit now notice this is not the baptism with the spirit it is the Lord Jesus Christ who baptizes with the spirit that's perfectly clear everywhere in the New Testament. [00:08:11]

The Christian is a man who's living an entirely different type of life before he was living that life In the Flesh under the law and it was a life of sinning trying to get out of it failing as he as he describes in chapter 7 from verse 13 to the end of the chapter but now all that's finished finished with a law of sin and death and are in a new life life in a new realm altogether. [00:27:01]

The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death the law of sin and death is the law that he's been talking about so much in chapter 6 and 7 particularly in chapter 7 the law that condemned everybody the law that issued a verdict of death to everybody for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. [00:23:10]

The Apostle says they that are in the flesh cannot please God but thank God the Christian can The Man In the Flesh cannot please God the man who is in the spirit can please God and he wants to please God and it is his greatest desire to please God he Delights in the law of God he wants to be like Christ this is his concern and thereby he proves that he is a Christian. [00:43:57]

The life of the Christian is life in the spirit it it is life in the spirit because it is life in Christ it is because of him and his perfect work and his fullness that we are ever given the spirit at all but now having been born again having been regenerated as the result of the operation of the spirit having had this new principle of Divine Life in us our life henceforth is going to be a new and different kind of life. [00:16:20]

The Holy Spirit puts us into this body of Christ we are linked with him he is the head and the members of the church are the body and all comes out of the head the analogy is a very excellent one and this is where you have a glimpse into inspiration they hadn't the knowledge of anatomy and physiology in the time of the Apostle the we have but you see it's all here in its Essence. [00:12:36]

The Christian life is about bearing fruit unto righteousness and holiness. This fruit is the result of our union with Christ, as we are married to Him and bring forth fruit unto God. It is a life of peace and joy, free from condemnation, as we live in the Spirit and not in the flesh. [00:31:10]

The Apostle always contrasts this new life of the Christian in the spirit with what he calls a life after the Flesh in other words there are only two possibilities we are either in the flesh or else we are in the spirit there is no no man's land between them now I know there's been a teaching which has put a place in the middle the carnal Christian but he he he's not in the New Testament at all. [00:20:07]

The Holy Spirit mediates the Lord Jesus Christ to us and as he mediates us him to us he also puts us into him and so the fullness of Christ is able to come into and to pass into us so that at the immediate Point we've arrived at we are considering what exactly then does the Holy Spirit do in this connection and the first thing we saw was that he separates us separates us from the world. [00:04:33]

The Apostle says very much the same thing in Galatians 3:27 for as many of you as as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ it's the same idea but of course it's it's a Doctrine which is stated very clearly particularly in Epistles like that to the Ephesians and the Colossians where the Apostle has got a great picture of the church. [00:09:35]

The Christian life is characterized by living in the Spirit, a life distinct from the life of the flesh. It is a life of freedom from the law of sin and death, where the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us. [00:24:29]

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Transcript
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