Sanctification: A Continuous Journey of Transformation

 

Summary

Sanctification is a vital aspect of our salvation, a process that involves being set apart for God and His service. It is not merely about being forgiven but about becoming more righteous, reflecting the righteousness of Christ imparted to us. This transformation is primarily the work of God, specifically the Holy Spirit, but it also requires our active participation. We are called to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness, both of the flesh and spirit, to be vessels fit for the Master's use.

The method of sanctification has been a point of contention, with some suggesting it is something to be received in a single act, akin to justification. However, this view is challenged by the scriptural emphasis on our ongoing responsibility to abstain from sin and to actively pursue holiness. Sanctification is not an experience or a sudden event but a continuous process of growth and development in our relationship with God. It involves a gradual transformation, as we are changed from glory to glory, becoming more like Christ.

Experiences and realizations of truth can aid in our sanctification, acting like rain and sunshine on a growing crop, but they are not sanctification itself. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in us, enabling us to live in obedience to God. It is a journey that begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating in perfection when we are finally in glory with God.

Key Takeaways:

- Sanctification is a process of being set apart for God, involving both divine action and human responsibility. It is not merely about forgiveness but about becoming more righteous, reflecting the righteousness of Christ. [01:00]

- The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of sanctification, working in us to transform us into a holy people for God's possession. Our role is to actively cleanse ourselves and pursue holiness. [02:21]

- Sanctification is not a one-time experience or a sudden event but a continuous process of growth and development in our relationship with God. It involves a gradual transformation, as we are changed from glory to glory. [33:56]

- Experiences and realizations of truth can aid in our sanctification, acting like rain and sunshine on a growing crop, but they are not sanctification itself. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in us. [36:58]

- The journey of sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating in perfection when we are finally in glory with God. It is a journey of advancing and developing in holiness. [43:29]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Sanctification
[01:00] - Definition of Sanctification
[02:07] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[03:44] - Method of Sanctification
[04:31] - Is Sanctification Received?
[06:09] - Scriptural Interpretations
[09:27] - Walking in Fellowship
[11:43] - Romans 8:2 Explained
[15:20] - Freedom from Sin
[19:21] - Understanding Romans 8:2
[23:15] - Our Role in Sanctification
[26:07] - Is Sanctification an Experience?
[31:49] - Experiences and Sanctification
[36:29] - Growth and Development
[43:29] - The Journey of Sanctification

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Sanctification

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 7:1 - "Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."
2. Romans 8:2 - "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death."
3. Acts 26:18 - "To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what is the primary role of the Holy Spirit in the process of sanctification? ([02:21])
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between justification and sanctification? ([22:19])
3. What analogy does the sermon use to explain the process of sanctification, and how does it relate to growth? ([36:29])
4. What is the significance of the phrase "from glory to glory" in the context of sanctification? ([33:56])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the difference between being set apart and the ongoing process of sanctification? ([07:09])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that experiences and realizations of truth aid in sanctification, and how are they distinct from sanctification itself? ([36:58])
3. How does the sermon address the misconception that sanctification is a one-time event or experience? ([40:06])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of human responsibility in the process of sanctification? ([23:15])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel you need to actively participate in your sanctification process? What steps can you take to cleanse yourself from "all filthiness of the flesh and spirit"? ([03:25])
2. The sermon emphasizes the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in sanctification. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? ([02:21])
3. Consider a recent experience or realization of truth that has impacted your spiritual growth. How did it aid your sanctification, and how can you seek more of these experiences? ([36:58])
4. The sermon mentions that sanctification is a journey that begins at regeneration. How can you track your spiritual growth over time, and what milestones can you set for yourself? ([43:29])
5. How can you ensure that your understanding of sanctification is not just theoretical but is actively influencing your actions and decisions? ([23:27])
6. Identify a specific sin or habit that you struggle with. What practical steps can you take this week to overcome it, relying on both divine help and personal effort? ([24:00])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to pursue holiness and participate in their own sanctification journey? ([23:15])

Devotional

Day 1: The Dual Nature of Sanctification
Sanctification is a profound journey that involves both divine action and human responsibility. It is not just about being forgiven but about becoming more righteous, reflecting the righteousness of Christ. This process of being set apart for God requires us to actively participate in cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. While God, through the Holy Spirit, initiates and sustains this transformation, we are called to cooperate by pursuing holiness and righteousness in our daily lives. This dual nature of sanctification emphasizes that while God is the primary agent, our active involvement is crucial. [01:00]

"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 specific steps can you take today to actively cleanse yourself and pursue holiness in your daily routine?


Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Transformative Work
The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of sanctification, working within us to transform us into a holy people for God's possession. This transformation is not instantaneous but requires our cooperation as we actively cleanse ourselves and pursue holiness. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in obedience to God, guiding us in our journey of becoming more like Christ. Our role is to remain open and responsive to the Spirit's leading, allowing Him to shape and mold us according to God's will. [02:21]

"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: In what ways can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life today, and how can you actively respond to His leading?


Day 3: The Continuous Journey of Sanctification
Sanctification is not a one-time experience or a sudden event but a continuous process of growth and development in our relationship with God. It involves a gradual transformation, as we are changed from glory to glory, becoming more like Christ. This ongoing journey requires patience and perseverance, as we learn to walk in step with the Spirit and allow God to work in us. It is a lifelong process that demands our commitment to growing in holiness and righteousness, trusting that God will complete the work He has begun in us. [33:56]

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." (Philippians 3:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace the ongoing nature of sanctification in your life, and what steps can you take to ensure you are continually growing in your relationship with God?


Day 4: The Role of Experiences in Sanctification
Experiences and realizations of truth can aid in our sanctification, acting like rain and sunshine on a growing crop, but they are not sanctification itself. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in us, enabling us to live in obedience to God. While experiences can provide valuable insights and encouragement, they should not be mistaken for the process of sanctification. Instead, they should be seen as tools that God uses to help us grow and mature in our faith, as we rely on the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. [36:58]

"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: Reflect on a recent experience or realization of truth. How can you use this to aid your sanctification process, while relying on the Holy Spirit to do the transformative work?


Day 5: The Culmination of Sanctification
The journey of sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating in perfection when we are finally in glory with God. It is a journey of advancing and developing in holiness, as we strive to become more like Christ. This process requires our dedication and commitment, as we seek to grow in our relationship with God and allow Him to shape us according to His will. Ultimately, sanctification is a testament to God's faithfulness, as He promises to complete the work He has begun in us, bringing us to perfection in His presence. [43:29]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you remain committed to the journey of sanctification, trusting in God's promise to bring His work in you to completion? What practical steps can you take to advance in holiness today?

Quotes

God not merely declares that he forgives us and that we are just by the righteousness of Christ that self-same righteousness is imparted to us so that we become more and more righteous. Now that was in a sense our definition of sanctification. It means being set apart for God and his service, which means obviously that we must be separated from sin from the world which is opposed to God and separated to God. [00:00:40]

The Holy Spirit is the primary agent of sanctification, working in us to transform us into a holy people for God's possession. Our role is to actively cleanse ourselves and pursue holiness. Sanctification is not a one-time experience or a sudden event but a continuous process of growth and development in our relationship with God. [00:02:21]

Sanctification is not something which is to be received. We saw last time, did we not, that great emphasis on our part, what you and I have got to do. Why, my dear friends, what is the value and the point of all these great exhibitions of Doctrine in these New Testament Epistles if sanctification is something that I am to receive? [00:23:15]

Experiences and realizations of truth can aid in our sanctification, acting like rain and sunshine on a growing crop, but they are not sanctification itself. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in us, enabling us to live in obedience to God. It is a journey that begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating in perfection when we are finally in glory with God. [00:36:58]

Sanctification is a process of being set apart for God, involving both divine action and human responsibility. It is not merely about forgiveness but about becoming more righteous, reflecting the righteousness of Christ. The journey of sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating in perfection when we are finally in glory with God. [00:43:29]

Sanctification is not an experience. It is a condition. It is my condition in my relationship to God. There it is, I say again in 2 Corinthians 3:18, I am changed into the same image of Jesus Christ from glory to glory. Sanctification involves experiences, sanctification is helped by experiences, but sanctification itself is not an experience. [00:34:56]

The journey of sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating in perfection when we are finally in glory with God. It is a journey of advancing and developing in holiness. We are changed from glory to glory, becoming more like Christ. [00:43:29]

Sanctification is not a one-time experience or a sudden event but a continuous process of growth and development in our relationship with God. It involves a gradual transformation, as we are changed from glory to glory. [00:33:56]

The method of sanctification has been a point of contention, with some suggesting it is something to be received in a single act, akin to justification. However, this view is challenged by the scriptural emphasis on our ongoing responsibility to abstain from sin and to actively pursue holiness. [00:04:31]

Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in us, enabling us to live in obedience to God. It is a journey that begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating in perfection when we are finally in glory with God. [00:36:58]

Experiences and realizations of truth can aid in our sanctification, acting like rain and sunshine on a growing crop, but they are not sanctification itself. Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in us. [00:36:58]

The journey of sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating in perfection when we are finally in glory with God. It is a journey of advancing and developing in holiness. [00:43:29]

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Transcript
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