Sanctification: A Journey of Grace and Transformation
Summary
In our exploration of Colossians 1, we delve into the profound truth of sanctification, a journey of becoming more like Christ. Sanctification is not merely a theological concept but a dynamic, ongoing work of God's grace in our lives. It is a process where God, through His Spirit, transforms us into His likeness, restoring the image that was marred by sin. This transformation is both a privilege and a responsibility, as we are called to live as Saints, holy and set apart for God's purposes.
Paul's letters often address believers as Saints, a term that might seem daunting when we reflect on our imperfections. Yet, this designation is not based on our merit but on God's work in us. Sanctification involves both dying to sin and living to righteousness. It is a journey marked by grace, where the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and grow in godliness. This process can be challenging, sometimes feeling like a death to our old selves, but it is ultimately life-giving.
The Bible's teaching on sanctification is meant to encourage and energize us. It assures us that God is committed to our growth in holiness, even more than we are. This assurance is crucial, especially when we feel discouraged by our lack of progress. The Spirit's work in us is a testament to God's faithfulness, and it is through His power that we are transformed.
Sanctification is not about achieving perfection in this life but about becoming who we are in Christ. It is about aligning our lives with the truth of our identity as God's children. This journey involves both the mortification of sin and the vivification of righteousness, where we learn to desire what God desires and to live in a way that reflects His character.
Ultimately, sanctification is good news. It is a reminder that God is at work in us, making us more like Him. It is a journey of grace, where we are invited to participate in God's transformative work, trusting that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion.
Key Takeaways:
1. Sanctification as an Ongoing Work of Grace: Sanctification is a continuous process where God, through His Spirit, works in us to restore His image. It is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. This ongoing work is a testament to God's commitment to our holiness, assuring us that He is not done with us yet. [13:55]
2. The Role of Grace in Sanctification: Just as justification is by grace, so is sanctification. The Holy Spirit's grace is the dynamic force behind our growth in holiness. This grace empowers us to live in a way that reflects God's character, transforming our desires and actions to align with His will. [21:15]
3. Renovation in the Image of God: Sanctification involves being renewed in the image of God, where our thoughts, actions, and desires are transformed. This renewal is a work of the Spirit, enabling us to want what is right and to live in a way that honors God. [22:22]
4. Dying to Sin and Living to Righteousness: Sanctification involves both mortification (dying to sin) and vivification (living to righteousness). This dual process is essential for spiritual growth, as we learn to put to death sinful desires and embrace a life of righteousness. [29:39]
5. Becoming Who We Are in Christ: In sanctification, God is making us who we are in Christ. This process involves aligning our lives with our identity as God's children, where we are called to live as Saints, holy and set apart for His purposes. [35:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Sanctification
- [00:46] - Holiness in the Old and New Testament
- [03:25] - The Struggle with Sanctification
- [05:09] - Saints and Sinners: A Dual Identity
- [07:06] - Encouragement in Pursuit of Holiness
- [09:04] - Energized by Biblical Teaching
- [13:37] - Five Aspects of Sanctification
- [17:05] - Restoration of God's Image
- [20:09] - The Blessing of Sanctification
- [24:18] - The Role of the Spirit
- [29:39] - Mortification and Vivification
- [33:14] - Walking in Newness of Life
- [35:17] - Becoming Who We Are
- [39:59] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Sanctification in Colossians 1
#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 1:12-14
2. Romans 6:6
3. Ephesians 4:22-24
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#### Observation Questions
1. How does Paul address the believers in Colossians 1:2, and what significance does this have for understanding our identity in Christ? [01:56]
2. What does Romans 6:6 say about our old self, and how does this relate to the concept of mortification in sanctification?
3. In Ephesians 4:24, what are we instructed to put on, and how is this related to the image of God?
4. According to the sermon, what are the two aspects of sanctification that Paul emphasizes to encourage believers? [09:04]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be called "Saints" despite our imperfections, and how does this affect our understanding of sanctification? [01:09]
2. How does the concept of dying to sin and living to righteousness (Romans 6:6) challenge our daily walk with Christ?
3. In what ways does the renewal of our minds and desires (Ephesians 4:22-24) reflect the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
4. How does the assurance of God's commitment to our sanctification provide comfort during times of spiritual discouragement? [09:51]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a specific area in your life where you feel the need for sanctification. What steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit's transformative work in that area? [20:54]
2. Consider the dual identity of being both a saint and a sinner. How can this understanding help you extend grace to yourself and others in your community? [05:09]
3. Identify a sinful desire or habit that you struggle with. What practical actions can you take to "put to death" this aspect of your old self? [29:39]
4. How can you actively participate in the process of vivification, or living to righteousness, in your daily life? What spiritual disciplines might support this growth? [32:49]
5. Think of a time when you felt discouraged by your lack of spiritual progress. How can the assurance of God's ongoing work in you change your perspective? [09:51]
6. In what ways can you align your life more closely with your identity as a child of God, as described in Colossians 1:12-14?
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to embrace the journey of sanctification as a positive and life-giving process? [08:27]
Devotional
Day 1: The Continuous Journey of Sanctification
Sanctification is an ongoing process, a journey where God, through His Spirit, works in us to restore His image. It is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. This ongoing work is a testament to God's commitment to our holiness, assuring us that He is not done with us yet. As we walk this path, we are reminded that sanctification is both a privilege and a responsibility. We are called to live as Saints, holy and set apart for God's purposes, even as we acknowledge our imperfections. The journey of sanctification is marked by grace, where the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and grow in godliness. This process can be challenging, sometimes feeling like a death to our old selves, but it is ultimately life-giving. [13:55]
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to grow in holiness? How can you actively participate in this ongoing journey of sanctification today?
Day 2: Grace as the Driving Force of Sanctification
Just as justification is by grace, so is sanctification. The Holy Spirit's grace is the dynamic force behind our growth in holiness. This grace empowers us to live in a way that reflects God's character, transforming our desires and actions to align with His will. It is through grace that we are able to overcome the power of sin and live a life that honors God. The assurance of God's grace is crucial, especially when we feel discouraged by our lack of progress. The Spirit's work in us is a testament to God's faithfulness, and it is through His power that we are transformed. [21:15]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's grace empowering you to live a life that reflects His character? How can you rely more on His grace in your daily walk?
Day 3: Renewal in the Image of God
Sanctification involves being renewed in the image of God, where our thoughts, actions, and desires are transformed. This renewal is a work of the Spirit, enabling us to want what is right and to live in a way that honors God. As we are renewed, we begin to desire what God desires and to live in a way that reflects His character. This transformation is both a privilege and a responsibility, as we are called to live as Saints, holy and set apart for God's purposes. The journey of sanctification is marked by grace, where the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and grow in godliness. [22:22]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: How have your desires and actions been transformed as you have grown in your relationship with God? What is one area where you still need renewal?
Day 4: The Dual Process of Mortification and Vivification
Sanctification involves both mortification (dying to sin) and vivification (living to righteousness). This dual process is essential for spiritual growth, as we learn to put to death sinful desires and embrace a life of righteousness. It is a journey marked by grace, where the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin and grow in godliness. This process can be challenging, sometimes feeling like a death to our old selves, but it is ultimately life-giving. As we die to sin and live to righteousness, we are reminded that God is committed to our growth in holiness, even more than we are. [29:39]
Romans 6:11-13 (ESV): "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness."
Reflection: What is one sinful desire you need to put to death today? How can you actively embrace a life of righteousness in this area?
Day 5: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
In sanctification, God is making us who we are in Christ. This process involves aligning our lives with our identity as God's children, where we are called to live as Saints, holy and set apart for His purposes. It is about becoming who we are in Christ, not about achieving perfection in this life. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we are reminded that God is at work in us, making us more like Him. It is a journey of grace, where we are invited to participate in God's transformative work, trusting that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. [35:17]
1 Peter 2:9-10 (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. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
Reflection: How does your identity in Christ influence the way you live your daily life? What is one practical step you can take to align your life more closely with your identity as God's child?
Quotes
In the passage tonight we're going to be reminded that God has made us holy and is therefore making us holy. Paul will regularly call Christians holy. He will call us Holy Ones or Saints. Hard as that is to believe, that's what he will call us. [00:56:34]
You have to have both those sides of the bottom. By the way, this is not just a New Testament thing. He gives you two examples from the Old Testament. Abraham, the father of the faithful, the one celebrated for his faith in Hebrews chapter 11, is told by God in Genesis 12 to leave your country. [00:53:53]
Sanctification is actually good news. It is not meant to discourage you. Growth in grace, growth in Christian maturity is not meant to be bad news. It's not meant to be discouraging to you. And even though Christians are often discouraged when we take stock of ourselves, the Apostle Paul always wants us to understand two things. [00:52:37]
Sanctification is a work that is an ongoing work of God's free grace. If you remember the catechisms, they say justification is an act of God's free grace, and adoption is an act of God's free grace, but sanctification is a work of God's free grace. That's good news for you. He's not done yet. [00:14:55]
Sanctification is by grace, just as justification is by grace. The Holy Spirit's grace is the dynamic of sanctification, and the Word of God, the instruction of God, the Torah of God, the law of God is a standard, a rule of life, but the dynamic is the work of the Spirit and the grace of God. [00:21:15]
Sanctification involves our being renovated in the image of God. Turn to Ephesians chapter 4 and look at verse 24: put on the new self, which is in the likeness of God, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. [00:22:22]
Sanctification is the work whereby we are enabled more and more to die to sin. Look at Romans 6:6: our old self was crucified with him in order that our body of sin might be done away with so that we would no longer be slaves to sin. [00:29:39]
Sanctification involves dying to sin, mortification, spirit-enabled eradication of sinful thoughts and behavior and desires. Positively, it involves living to righteousness or vivification. Sometimes the Puritans would say, and think of again Romans 6:4, therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death. [00:32:43]
In sanctification, God is making you who you are. So, for instance, turn with me to Ephesians chapter 3. In Ephesians chapter 3, in a prayer very similar to the one in Colossians, Paul will pray 4:16 that according to the riches of God's glory, he would grant you to be strengthened with power through his spirit in your inner being. [00:35:17]
The whole Pauline approach to the Christian life is this: Christian, become who you are. Now, let me say this: that does not mean that the Christian life looks like that. And by the way, it doesn't even just look like that, like the stock market heading to 26,000. [00:37:12]
It is good news that the spirit of life cares about your growth in godliness more than you care about your growth in godliness, and that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. That is very, very good news. [00:39:59]
Let's pray. Our Lord and our God, we feebly struggle while they in glory shine, but though sometimes we feel like we hang by a thread, that thread is of Christ's spinning. He will hold us fast, and by his Spirit, he will not only keep us but he'll grow us so that we look like our God. [00:40:07]
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