Sanctification: A Journey Toward God-Centered Holiness

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 17, verse 17, we find a profound statement: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is truth." This verse encapsulates the essence of sanctification, which is the process of being made holy through the truth of God's Word. Sanctification is not an instantaneous event but a gradual transformation that occurs as we immerse ourselves in the truth. This truth is not a fragmented or isolated concept but a comprehensive and all-encompassing reality that permeates every aspect of our lives.

The starting point of sanctification is the truth about God Himself. Often, even as believers, we may take God for granted, assuming that our faith negates the need for a continual focus on His nature and attributes. However, the essence of sanctification begins with a deep understanding of who God is. It is crucial to recognize that God is not merely an aid to solve our problems but the central figure in our lives. Our relationship with God should be the foundation of our sanctification journey.

Sanctification involves a shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. The essence of sin is self-centeredness, where we live for ourselves rather than for God. Therefore, sanctification must start with our relationship with God, not merely with the elimination of specific sins. It is about living consciously under God's authority and for His glory. The Bible is primarily a revelation of God, designed to bring us into a deeper knowledge of Him.

Holiness is defined as loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is not merely about avoiding sin but about being wholly devoted to God. The ultimate goal of sanctification is to glorify God and to live in a way that reflects His virtues and excellencies. Our lives should be a testament to God's holiness, and our actions should demonstrate our commitment to His glory.

Finally, the Christian life is characterized by fellowship and communion with God. Our sanctification is evidenced by our knowledge of God and our obedience to His commandments. It is a life lived in the light of God's truth, marked by reverence and godly fear. Sanctification is not about achieving personal victories but about growing in godliness and righteousness, reflecting God's character in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- The Foundation of Sanctification: Sanctification begins with a deep understanding of God. It is essential to recognize that God is not merely an aid to solve our problems but the central figure in our lives. Our relationship with God should be the foundation of our sanctification journey. [05:42]

- From Self-Centeredness to God-Centeredness: The essence of sin is self-centeredness, where we live for ourselves rather than for God. Sanctification involves a shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, starting with our relationship with God, not merely with the elimination of specific sins. [15:00]

- Holiness Defined: Holiness is defined as loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is not merely about avoiding sin but about being wholly devoted to God. The ultimate goal of sanctification is to glorify God and to live in a way that reflects His virtues and excellencies. [29:13]

- Fellowship and Communion with God: The Christian life is characterized by fellowship and communion with God. Our sanctification is evidenced by our knowledge of God and our obedience to His commandments. It is a life lived in the light of God's truth, marked by reverence and godly fear. [35:20]

- Godliness and Righteousness: Sanctification is not about achieving personal victories but about growing in godliness and righteousness, reflecting God's character in our lives. The focus should be on our relationship with God, striving for holiness and godliness. [39:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Sanctification
- [00:36] - The Truth That Sanctifies
- [01:15] - Survey of Scripture on Sanctification
- [02:23] - The Comprehensive Nature of Truth
- [03:43] - Subdividing the Truth
- [05:02] - The First Truth: God Himself
- [06:03] - The Danger of Taking God for Granted
- [08:00] - Prayer and the Trinity
- [10:00] - Starting with God
- [11:50] - Religion Without God
- [13:28] - The Essence of Sin
- [15:00] - The Opposite of Sin: Sanctification
- [17:11] - The Revelation of God
- [19:57] - Approaching God with Reverence
- [22:38] - The Truth of Sanctification
- [25:01] - God's Plan of Salvation
- [28:54] - Holiness and Love for God
- [32:04] - Praising God Through Our Lives
- [34:40] - Fellowship and Communion with God
- [37:08] - Working Out Salvation with Fear and Trembling
- [39:05] - Godliness and Righteousness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 17:17: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is truth."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does John 17:17 reveal about the role of truth in the process of sanctification? How is this truth described in the sermon? [00:12]

2. According to the sermon, what is the starting point of sanctification, and why is it considered essential? [05:42]

3. How does the sermon describe the shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness in the context of sanctification? [15:17]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate goal of sanctification, and how should it be reflected in a believer's life? [31:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding God's nature as the foundation of sanctification. How does this understanding impact a believer's daily life and decisions? [10:00]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that self-centeredness is the essence of sin, and how does this understanding influence the process of sanctification? [15:17]

3. The sermon describes holiness as loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. How does this definition challenge common perceptions of holiness? [29:13]

4. How does the sermon define the Christian life in terms of fellowship and communion with God, and what implications does this have for a believer's spiritual growth? [35:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current understanding of God. How can you deepen your knowledge of His nature and attributes to strengthen your sanctification journey? [10:00]

2. Identify areas in your life where self-centeredness might be hindering your relationship with God. What practical steps can you take to shift towards a more God-centered life? [15:17]

3. Consider the ways you express love for God. How can you actively engage your heart, soul, mind, and strength in loving Him more fully? [29:13]

4. In what ways can your life better reflect God's virtues and excellencies? Identify specific actions you can take to glorify God in your daily interactions. [31:10]

5. How can you cultivate a deeper fellowship and communion with God in your daily routine? What changes might you need to make to prioritize this relationship? [35:20]

6. Reflect on your approach to prayer. How can you ensure that your prayers are God-centered rather than self-centered? [09:23]

7. Consider the role of God's truth in your life. How can you immerse yourself more fully in His Word to facilitate your sanctification process? [00:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding God as the Foundation of Sanctification
Sanctification begins with a profound understanding of God. It is essential to recognize that God is not merely an aid to solve our problems but the central figure in our lives. Our relationship with God should be the foundation of our sanctification journey. This means that our focus should be on knowing God deeply, understanding His nature, and allowing this knowledge to transform us. As we grow in our understanding of God, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him, which is the true starting point of sanctification. [05:42]

"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prioritize your relationship with God today, ensuring He is the central figure in your life rather than just a problem-solver?


Day 2: Shifting from Self-Centeredness to God-Centeredness
The essence of sin is self-centeredness, where we live for ourselves rather than for God. Sanctification involves a shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, starting with our relationship with God, not merely with the elimination of specific sins. This shift requires a conscious decision to live under God's authority and for His glory. It is about reorienting our lives to focus on God and His purposes, rather than our own desires and ambitions. This transformation is a gradual process that requires intentionality and commitment. [15:00]

"And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Corinthians 5:15, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where self-centeredness prevails. How can you begin to shift your focus to God-centeredness in that area today?


Day 3: Holiness as Devotion to God
Holiness is defined as loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is not merely about avoiding sin but about being wholly devoted to God. The ultimate goal of sanctification is to glorify God and to live in a way that reflects His virtues and excellencies. This means that our actions, thoughts, and desires should be aligned with God's will and purpose. Holiness is about being set apart for God, living a life that is pleasing to Him and that reflects His character to the world. [29:13]

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." (1 Peter 1:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to demonstrate your devotion to God in your daily life?


Day 4: Fellowship and Communion with God
The Christian life is characterized by fellowship and communion with God. Our sanctification is evidenced by our knowledge of God and our obedience to His commandments. It is a life lived in the light of God's truth, marked by reverence and godly fear. This fellowship with God is not just about following rules but about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him. It involves spending time in prayer, reading His Word, and seeking His presence in our daily lives. [35:20]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper fellowship with God today through prayer or reading His Word?


Day 5: Growing in Godliness and Righteousness
Sanctification is not about achieving personal victories but about growing in godliness and righteousness, reflecting God's character in our lives. The focus should be on our relationship with God, striving for holiness and godliness. This growth is a lifelong journey that requires perseverance and dedication. It involves allowing God's truth to transform us from the inside out, shaping our character and guiding our actions. As we grow in godliness, we become more like Christ, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. [39:05]

"Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can actively pursue growth in godliness and righteousness today? How can you take a step towards that growth?

Quotes



Sanctification is not done immediately but immediately through the word through the truth, and we are in process of considering how exactly that is done. Now last Sunday morning, we took a general survey of this scripture as it is revealed in the New Testament in particular, but also of course in the Old Testament also. [00:58:48]

The truth concerning sanctification is, in a sense, the whole truth. It isn't just some one department or one aspect. Repeatedly, we've had to regret the tendency to atomize truth in a wrong way. It's right always to recognize distinctions, but if you press the distinction into a division, then it probably becomes error and leads to heresy. [01:23:06]

The truth, this word of God which is the truth that sanctifies, is large and great and comprehensive, and that nothing is quite so fatal as to regard it as just one section and to say, in effect, well now we come to the truth of sanctification as if that is divorced from other aspects. [02:39:66]

The first beginning of sanctification is the doctrine of God himself. Now let me illustrate to you with the point I'm making by putting it to you like this, and again it's a matter which we must say carefully. Is it not right and true to say that again amongst the same people about whom I'm speaking there is a tendency to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ rather than to God? [07:43:09]

The Bible itself always starts with God in every respect. God is at the beginning, and God continues right through. It's a book about God. It's all about God, and everything else is designed simply to bring us to God, so that not to realize that the doctrine concerning God is central and always covers and overrules everything else. [10:00:47]

The essence of sin ultimately is to forget God. The essence of sin does not reside in the particular thing that I do. The essence of sin is to refuse to glorify God as he should be glorified, and all these actions of ours are but manifestations of that central disease which is forgetfulness of God. [14:23:87]

Sanctification of necessity must start with this: my relationship to God, not my getting rid of this particular thing that's in my life. The first thing must be God and my relationship to him, and that is why, therefore, the Bible all of us everywhere starts with God. [15:27:17]

Holiness is not simply to have certain problems solved in my life. No, you may get rid of certain sins from your life and still be far removed from holiness. Essential holiness is that condition in which a man loves God with his heart and his soul and his mind and his strength. [29:08:11]

The Christian life is characterized by fellowship and communion with God. Our Lord has already said that this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. So that as Christians, our first and great claim is that we know God, that we know the Lord Jesus Christ. [34:40:95]

Sanctification is that condition in which a man is praising God by being what he is. Of course, it includes not doing certain things, but it isn't only that. It's much more his being what he is in all the totality of his personality and in the whole of his life. [32:24:32]

The Bible describes sanctification in terms of godliness, God-likeness. That's its typical term, holiness, which is a description of God himself. You see, we tend to describe sanctification as the victorious life because we think of sanctification in terms of getting rid of particular symptoms. [39:05:96]

The first message, the first aspect of truth, the truth which sanctifies, is God, the holy, righteous, eternal, everlasting God who in Jesus Christ has become my father and with whom I can walk while I'm left in this life and in this world and with whom I shall spend my eternity. [41:04:68]

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Transcript
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