Living in Readiness: Embracing Sanctification and Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return

The anticipation of Christ's return is not just a future hope but a present call to action. It should inspire believers to live lives that glorify Him in every aspect, from our roles in society to our personal relationships. This readiness is a reflection of our faith and hope in His promises. As we await His return, our lives should be marked by a commitment to holiness and a desire to reflect His love and grace to those around us. This anticipation is not passive but active, urging us to engage with the world in a way that honors God and prepares us for His coming. [02:28]

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 (ESV): "But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you demonstrate readiness for Christ's return in your daily interactions with others this week?

Day 2: Embracing Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a profound truth that calls believers to trust in God's plan while actively choosing to follow Christ. While God's sovereign choice in salvation is beyond our full understanding, our belief in Jesus confirms our place among the chosen. This dual truth encourages us to live with confidence in God's promises, knowing that our faith is both a gift and a responsibility. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty while making choices that align with His will. [06:21]

Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: How can you actively choose to follow Christ today, trusting in His sovereign plan for your life?

Day 3: Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of Sanctification

Sanctification is a multifaceted process by which believers are set apart for God, encompassing positional, decisive, and progressive aspects. Positional sanctification occurs at salvation, marking us as God's own. Decisive sanctification involves a conscious dedication to God, a commitment to live according to His purposes. Progressive sanctification is the ongoing transformation of our lives, as we grow in holiness and dedication to God. Each stage reflects our identity as God's chosen and our journey toward becoming more like Christ. This process is a response to God's love and grace, leading us to live lives that honor Him in word and deed. [18:14]

2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV): "Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can actively pursue progressive sanctification this week?

Day 4: The Role of God's Word in Sanctification

God's truth, as revealed in Scripture, is a vital tool in our sanctification process. It guides us in living lives that are set apart for God, aligning our actions with His will. The Word of God is not just a source of knowledge but a transformative power that shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are equipped to face life's challenges with faith and integrity, standing firm in our convictions. The Bible is our foundation, providing the wisdom and strength we need to live lives that honor God. [21:21]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine to aid in your sanctification journey?

Day 5: Standing Fast in Faith

In light of God's work in our lives, we are called to stand firm in our faith, holding to the apostolic traditions found in Scripture. This steadfastness is essential in facing current and future challenges, as it anchors us in truth and empowers us to live boldly for Christ. Standing fast in faith means remaining committed to God's promises, even when circumstances are difficult. It involves a deep trust in His faithfulness and a willingness to persevere in the face of adversity. As we stand firm, we become a testimony to others of God's power and grace at work in our lives. [26:20]

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV): "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing where you need to stand firm in your faith, and how can you rely on God's strength to do so?

Sermon Summary

In our study of 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, we explored the profound connection between the anticipation of Christ's return and our daily Christian walk. The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, addressed the Thessalonians' anxieties about Jesus' coming, correcting misunderstandings and encouraging them to live lives that reflect readiness for His return. This readiness should manifest in our roles as citizens, workers, and family members, driven by the desire to glorify God.

Paul expressed gratitude for the Thessalonians, acknowledging God's sovereign choice in their salvation. He emphasized that God's choice was from the beginning, highlighting the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While we may not fully comprehend how these truths coexist, we are assured that belief in Jesus confirms our place among the chosen.

Sanctification, a key theme, is the process by which believers are set apart for God. It involves being separated from the world and dedicated to God, a journey that reflects our identity as God's chosen. Sanctification is multifaceted: positional, decisive, and progressive. Positional sanctification occurs at salvation, decisive sanctification involves a conscious dedication to God, and progressive sanctification is the ongoing transformation of our lives.

Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians was for comfort and establishment in every good word and work. This prayer underscores the importance of both our words and actions in our Christian testimony. As we anticipate the glory of Christ, we are called to stand fast, holding to the apostolic traditions preserved in Scripture. This steadfastness is crucial in the face of current and coming challenges.

Ultimately, our journey of sanctification is a response to God's love and grace, leading us to live lives that honor Him in word and deed. As we grow in holiness, we are reminded that our struggles should evolve, reflecting our trust in God through various challenges. Our Christian growth should be evident to others, demonstrating our readiness for Christ's return.

Key Takeaways

1. Anticipation of Christ's Return: The expectation of Jesus' return should inspire us to live lives that glorify Him in every aspect, from our roles in society to our personal relationships. This readiness is a reflection of our faith and hope in His promises. [02:28]
2. Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: While God's sovereign choice in salvation is a mystery, our belief in Jesus confirms our place among the chosen. This dual truth calls us to trust in God's plan while actively choosing to follow Christ. [06:21]
3. The Multifaceted Nature of Sanctification: Sanctification involves being set apart for God, encompassing positional, decisive, and progressive aspects. Each stage reflects our growth in holiness and dedication to God. [18:14]
4. The Role of God's Word in Sanctification: God's truth, as revealed in Scripture, is a vital tool in our sanctification process. It guides us in living lives that are set apart for God, aligning our actions with His will. [21:21]
5. Standing Fast in Faith: In light of God's work in our lives, we are called to stand firm in our faith, holding to the apostolic traditions found in Scripture. This steadfastness is essential in facing current and future challenges. [26:20]
** [26:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Introduction to 2 Thessalonians 2
[01:22] - Comfort in Christ's Return
[02:11] - Living in Readiness
[03:20] - Gratitude for God's Work
[04:39] - God's Sovereign Choice
[05:47] - Belief and Divine Choice
[07:08] - Understanding Sanctification
[09:33] - Justification, Sanctification, Glorification
[11:53] - Positional Sanctification
[14:10] - Decisive Sanctification
[17:12] - Progressive Sanctification
[21:04] - The Role of Truth in Sanctification
[26:20] - Standing Fast in Faith
[29:49] - Paul's Prayer for Comfort and Establishment

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
- 1 Corinthians 1:2
- Romans 12:1-2

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Observation Questions:

What does Paul express gratitude for in 2 Thessalonians 2:13, and how does this reflect his relationship with the Thessalonians? [03:20]
How does Paul describe the process of sanctification in 2 Thessalonians 2:13, and what are its components? [07:08]
In Romans 12:1-2, what are the two actions Paul urges believers to take, and how do they relate to sanctification?
According to 1 Corinthians 1:2, how does Paul address the Corinthian church, and what does this imply about their spiritual status?

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the anticipation of Christ's return influence the way believers are encouraged to live their daily lives, according to the sermon? [02:28]
What is the significance of God's sovereign choice in salvation, and how does it coexist with human responsibility, as discussed in the sermon? [06:21]
How does the sermon explain the multifaceted nature of sanctification, and why is it important for believers to understand this process? [18:14]
What role does God's Word play in the sanctification process, and how is this emphasized in the sermon? [21:21]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your anticipation of Christ's return. How does this expectation shape your actions and decisions in your roles as a citizen, worker, and family member? [02:28]
Consider the concept of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. How do you balance trusting in God's plan with actively choosing to follow Christ in your daily life? [06:21]
Identify which aspect of sanctification (positional, decisive, or progressive) you feel most challenged by. What steps can you take to grow in this area? [18:14]
How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine to aid in your sanctification process? What specific changes can you make to prioritize Scripture in your life? [21:21]
In what ways can you stand fast in your faith amidst current challenges? What practical steps can you take to hold onto the apostolic traditions found in Scripture? [26:20]
Reflect on your current struggles. How have they evolved over time, and what does this indicate about your trust in God and your spiritual growth? [19:39]
How can you ensure that your Christian growth is evident to others in both your words and actions? What specific areas do you need to work on to demonstrate readiness for Christ's return? [35:47]

Sermon Clips

Knowing about the return of Jesus Christ, being ready for the return of Jesus Christ, and anticipating the return of Jesus Christ should make you walk properly in the world around you. It should lead you to be a good citizen in your city, a good worker at your job, a good family member in your family—all of those things that we would expect a Christian to do, a Believer to be and to do. That should flow out of saying, "I know that Jesus Christ is coming soon. I want my life to bring him glory." That's a great attitude of Readiness for the return of Jesus Christ. [00:02:34]

Paul praised The Sovereign choice of God in bringing the Thessalonians to Salvation. God's choice of them was from the beginning, before they ever chose God, he chose them. And he chose them for what? For salvation. What a beautiful thing God chose them. Now, friends, I'm going to confess I don't exactly understand how these things correlate. I know that God is Sovereign and God has the absolute Liberty to choose as he pleases. [00:04:48]

Sanctification means to be separated from the world and separated unto God. It means to be separated away from the World, the Flesh, and the devil, but not just to be separated away from those things but to be separated unto God. It means that you are with Team Jesus; you're not with Team world, you're not with Team flesh, you're not with Team devil. No, you say, "I am separated unto Jesus." [00:08:21]

You could say that God has a threefold solution for the problem of sin. There's justification—justification delivers The Believer from the guilt of sin. Then there's sanctification—sanctification delivers The Believer from the power of sin. Then there's glorification—glorification delivers The Believer from the presence of sin. Now, the whole workings of justification and glorification, those are largely agreed upon by Christians, but there's a great difference of opinion among Christians about the matter of sanctification. [00:09:29]

I think that each one of these three ideas has some scriptural support. You could describe the first one as positional sanctification. When you are saved, you are in the position of being Sanctified. If you want a verse that reflects that, let me refer you to 1 Corinthians 1:2. This is what Paul wrote to the Corinthians: he said this to the Church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are Sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be Saints. [00:11:40]

Decisive sanctification is the second aspect I spoke of. If you want an example of that, look at Romans 12:1. Paul writes there, and he says, "I beseech you therefore, Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a Living Sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Now, friends, I'm not a Greek scholar, but I know how to read some of the people who are. [00:13:56]

Progressive sanctification is a continual transformation by the renewing of your mind. It doesn't happen in all at once, once and for all experience, but it starts and it continues through the Christian Life. You see, I think it's this simple: the idea is that real sanctification, Holiness, consecration, full surrender, whatever you want to talk about, it's a decision made with a view of development. [00:17:06]

God's word, his truth, is one of the main tools, weapons, things that he uses to work his sanctification in you. Remember what Jesus said to the disciples in that beautiful Upper Room discourse? He prayed unto his God and Father, and he said, "Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth." Paul, recognizing that and seeing what an important role the truth of God has in that sanctifying work of the believer. [00:21:02]

Therefore, Brethren, therefore, because of all that, stand fast and hold the Traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Because of all this, because God chose you, because you're saved, because you're Sanctified, because of the work of the spirit and of truth, because of the glory that you're going to obtain, because of all of that collectively, don't you dare budge. You Stand Fast. [00:26:20]

Paul's prayer was that you would comfort the hearts of your people. I want to be included in that, Lord. Comfort my heart. That's a valid prayer for you to pray. But that's not all. If you're going to go that far, then also say, "And Lord, also please establish my heart, make it strong, make it firm, establish it." That's the kind of way that Paul wanted us to stand that he spoke about before. [00:34:03]

God is interested in the words and works of his people. Father, that's our prayer here this evening as we conclude. We ask, Lord Jesus, we ask, Lord, that you would stubbornly keep us growing, keep us progressing with you. Lord, even if that means from time to time we need to be shaken up and challenged, Lord, that's okay. Help us, Lord, in word and in work to bring you glory. [00:37:40]

We receive this wonderful establishing, Lord, and I pray just as Paul prayed that your comfort would go out among these precious people and their hearts would be established in you, leading us to every good word and work. Would you do it, Lord, For Your Glory? We pray this in Jesus' name, amen. [00:38:48]

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Living in Readiness: Embracing Sanctification and Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Living in Anticipation of Christ's Return

Day 2: Embracing Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

Day 3: Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of Sanctification

Day 4: The Role of God's Word in Sanctification

Day 5: Standing Fast in Faith

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living in Readiness: Embracing Sanctification and Hope

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