Preparing the Bride: Sanctification and Sacrificial Love
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound metaphor of the Bride of Christ, focusing on the sanctification process that prepares us for our ultimate union with Jesus. Drawing from Ephesians 5, we explored the sacrificial love Christ has for the church and how this serves as a model for marital relationships. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, which means a life of sacrifice and selflessness. This sacrificial love fosters a reciprocal love and respect, creating a harmonious and godly marriage.
We then transitioned to the spiritual preparation of the church, the Bride of Christ. Sanctification, or being made holy, is a process that involves the washing of the water with the Word. This cleansing is not something we can achieve through our own efforts; it requires the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Many of us struggle with sin and fail repeatedly when we try to overcome it by our own strength. However, Jesus understands our struggles and has provided the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter. The Holy Spirit works within us, teaching us and reminding us of the truth, which brings about real change.
The key to overcoming our spiritual struggles lies in our willingness to cry out for help. By acknowledging our weaknesses and asking for divine assistance, we open ourselves to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. This process involves a deep interaction between the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, which brings about a cleansing and transformative power in our lives. We are encouraged to do a spiritual stocktake, identifying the strongholds in our lives and focusing on them one at a time, asking for God's help to overcome them.
Ultimately, this journey of sanctification prepares us for the wedding day, the ultimate union with Christ. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us and cleanse us, we become the spotless and wrinkle-free Bride ready to meet our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Sacrificial Love in Marriage: Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, which means a life of sacrifice and selflessness. This sacrificial love fosters a reciprocal love and respect, creating a harmonious and godly marriage. When husbands lead with sacrificial love, it transforms the marital relationship into one that mirrors Christ's love for the church. [02:57]
2. Sanctification Through the Word: The process of sanctification involves the washing of the water with the Word. This cleansing is not something we can achieve through our own efforts; it requires the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As we engage with the Word of God, the Holy Spirit brings it to life within us, leading to real and lasting change. [05:37]
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus provided the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter, understanding our struggles with sin. The Holy Spirit works within us, teaching us and reminding us of the truth, which brings about real change. This divine assistance is crucial for overcoming our spiritual battles and becoming more like Christ. [09:44]
4. Crying Out for Help: The key to overcoming our spiritual struggles lies in our willingness to cry out for help. By acknowledging our weaknesses and asking for divine assistance, we open ourselves to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. This humble plea for help invites God's transformative power into our lives. [15:19]
5. Spiritual Stocktake: We are encouraged to do a spiritual stocktake, identifying the strongholds in our lives and focusing on them one at a time. By asking for God's help to overcome these specific issues, we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, bringing about a cleansing and transformative power. This focused approach leads to significant spiritual growth and readiness for our ultimate union with Christ. [24:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Introduction and Personal Note
[02:57] - Sacrificial Love in Marriage
[04:46] - Preparing the Bride of Christ
[05:37] - Sanctification Through the Word
[06:24] - Struggles with Sin
[07:20] - Jesus Understands Our Struggles
[08:24] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[09:44] - The Spirit of Truth
[10:25] - The Holy Spirit as Teacher
[11:33] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[12:27] - The Washing of the Word
[13:23] - Living Water and the Word
[15:19] - Crying Out for Help
[16:11] - The Importance of Reading the Bible
[17:33] - The Tabernacle of Moses
[18:58] - Love and Change in Marriage
[20:35] - The Wedding Day
[23:25] - Spiritual Stocktake
[24:16] - Galatians 5: Deeds of the Flesh
[27:55] - Fruits of the Spirit
[31:23] - Overcoming Strongholds
[35:25] - Help from the Holy Spirit
[37:45] - Ezekiel 36: A New Heart
[40:24] - Ready for the Wedding Day
[41:31] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 5:25-27 (NIV) - "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."
2. John 14:16-18 (NIV) - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
3. Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NIV) - "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 5:25-27, how are husbands instructed to love their wives, and what is the purpose of this love? [02:57]
2. In John 14:16-18, what role does the Holy Spirit play in the lives of believers? [09:44]
3. What does Ezekiel 36:25-27 promise God will do for His people, and what is the significance of these actions? [37:45]
4. How does the sermon describe the process of sanctification and the role of the Holy Spirit in this process? [05:37]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sacrificial love described in Ephesians 5:25-27 serve as a model for marital relationships? What practical steps can husbands take to emulate this love? [02:57]
2. What does it mean to be "cleansed by the washing of the water with the word," and how does this relate to our daily spiritual practices? [12:27]
3. How does the Holy Spirit act as a Helper and Comforter according to John 14:16-18, and why is this important for overcoming spiritual struggles? [09:44]
4. In what ways does Ezekiel 36:25-27 illustrate the transformative power of God in a believer's life? How can this passage encourage someone struggling with persistent sin? [37:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own marriage or relationships. How can you practice sacrificial love in a way that mirrors Christ's love for the church? What specific actions can you take this week? [02:57]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you need the cleansing power of the Word. How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine to address this area? [12:27]
3. Think about a recent struggle or sin you have faced. Have you asked the Holy Spirit for help? How can you make it a habit to cry out for divine assistance in your daily life? [15:19]
4. Conduct a spiritual stocktake of your life. What strongholds or persistent sins do you need to address? How can you focus on one specific issue and seek God's help to overcome it? [24:16]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit as your Helper and Comforter? What steps can you take to be more aware of His presence and guidance in your life? [09:44]
6. Reflect on Ezekiel 36:25-27. What does it mean for you to have a "heart of flesh" instead of a "heart of stone"? How can you open yourself up to this transformation? [37:45]
7. Consider the ultimate union with Christ, the wedding day. How does the process of sanctification prepare you for this event? What changes do you need to make to be ready for this union? [20:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Sacrificial Love in Marriage
Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, which means a life of sacrifice and selflessness. This sacrificial love fosters a reciprocal love and respect, creating a harmonious and godly marriage. When husbands lead with sacrificial love, it transforms the marital relationship into one that mirrors Christ's love for the church. This kind of love is not about dominance or control but about serving and uplifting one's spouse, just as Christ serves and uplifts the church. [02:57]
Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV): "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, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show sacrificial love to your spouse or a loved one today. How can you serve them in a way that mirrors Christ's love for the church?
Day 2: Sanctification Through the Word
The process of sanctification involves the washing of the water with the Word. This cleansing is not something we can achieve through our own efforts; it requires the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. As we engage with the Word of God, the Holy Spirit brings it to life within us, leading to real and lasting change. This process is ongoing and requires a daily commitment to immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and character. [05:37]
John 17:17 (ESV): "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Reflection: What specific passage of Scripture will you meditate on today to allow the Holy Spirit to work sanctification in your life? How can you make this a daily habit?
Day 3: The Role of the Holy Spirit
Jesus provided the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter, understanding our struggles with sin. The Holy Spirit works within us, teaching us and reminding us of the truth, which brings about real change. This divine assistance is crucial for overcoming our spiritual battles and becoming more like Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out the truths we learn from Scripture and to walk in obedience to God's commands. [09:44]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's help today? Take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you in this specific area.
Day 4: Crying Out for Help
The key to overcoming our spiritual struggles lies in our willingness to cry out for help. By acknowledging our weaknesses and asking for divine assistance, we open ourselves to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. This humble plea for help invites God's transformative power into our lives. It is through this act of humility and dependence on God that we experience His strength and grace in our weaknesses. [15:19]
Psalm 34:17 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles."
Reflection: What is one specific struggle you are facing today? Take a moment to cry out to God for help and trust in His power to deliver you.
Day 5: Spiritual Stocktake
We are encouraged to do a spiritual stocktake, identifying the strongholds in our lives and focusing on them one at a time. By asking for God's help to overcome these specific issues, we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, bringing about a cleansing and transformative power. This focused approach leads to significant spiritual growth and readiness for our ultimate union with Christ. [24:16]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: Identify one stronghold in your life that you need to address. How can you begin to focus on overcoming this stronghold with God's help today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The great good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that he did not leave us as orphans. And he did not leave us comfortless. It is the most amazing truth. That in the hell. Of the inner war between good and evil. Between right and wrong. That Jesus knew this was going to happen. Even though he says that when we become a Christian, all things pass away. All things become new." [08:24] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have been given this incredible. Influencer called the Holy Spirit. He's got a job to do. To be our helper. To be our comforter. To teach us all things. Now teach. When I teach you like I am this morning. I am doing something. In other words, it's a verb. To teach is a verb." [11:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Christianity. Is a living. Active. Force in our life. It was never meant to be head knowledge. We were never meant. To walk alone. Trying to figure this stuff out ourselves. Suddenly. How we live a Christian life. There is simply. One word. That we ask. And it's a heck of a simple. Do you know what? That one word is. Help." [14:23] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "My hope is that what I've shared this morning will actually encourage you. My dear friend, you don't have to be overwhelmed. You don't have to be overtaken. You don't have to be overtaken by all of your weaknesses and your sin. God has given us a way. One thing at a time. Deal with it. Deal with the stronghold. Let him change you. Change your heart. And I can tell you that who you are at Christmas will be a different person from who you are in August this year." [41:31] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The problem is that people and there'll be some of you like this here. And if you say that you've never been like this, you're a liar. Because some of us think that to be holy and righteous and do nothing wrong. We have to do everything without sin. And we try and do that with our own strength and our own ability. And what do we discover? We can't. We can't. We trip over. We sin. We do things wrong." [06:24] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are the bride. We're making ourselves ready. We're willing to allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify. us to work through the word of God to change us and we come to passages like this and there are many in the especially the New Testament and we just know Philip I got to sort some things out it's stock date time when was the last time you did a stock take on your life and you you read through the stock take list and you think I'm not too good on some of these issues." [31:23] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There always seems to be a major issue something that is troubling me concerning me more than all the other issues I've talked to people hundreds if not thousands of people and I've talked to people who have been there for thousands of people and when it comes down to it there's always an issue what we could use other words for it we could use the word stronghold but the major issue and it is that one thing that seems to hinder our relationship with Jesus and hinders our relationship with people." [33:10] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Heavenly father help help you gotta help and in the process I'm believing that God will take the heart of stone that I have give to me a heart of flesh and so what became a foundation stone of my life is this scripture Ezekiel 36 25 to 27 I think every Christian should have that passage marked colored in whatever in your Bible this needs to be a passage that you refer to continuously in your Christian life." [37:45] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You thought you could never be qualified to be ready. You thought you had too many issues in your life. But here is a promise that my heavenly father, he is my cry for help. And he says, Brent, I'll come and I'll change you. I'll do a supernatural work in your life to turn you into. To the person without a spot or wrinkle. And as he does that process, I will be ready to meet the bridegroom, Jesus Christ, on that wedding day. What a glorious day. The wedding day, the marriage supper of the lamb." [40:24] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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