Sanctification: God's Work in Our Lives
Summary
Sanctification is not just a lofty theological concept, but a deeply personal reality for every follower of Christ. God reveals Himself as Jehovah Mekedishchem—the Lord who sanctifies—reminding us that it is He who sets us apart, not our own efforts or achievements. Just as fine china is set apart for special occasions, so too are we set apart by God, not to be hidden away, but to be displayed as a testimony to His grace and character. The Sabbath, as instituted in Exodus 31, is more than a day of rest; it is a sign and a rhythm woven into our lives to remind us that our sanctification is God’s work. Sabbath rest is not merely about ceasing from labor or enjoying a nap, but about entering into the finished work of God—ultimately fulfilled in Christ—where we rest in what He has accomplished on our behalf.
This sanctification shapes every aspect of our identity and purpose. In 1 Peter 2, we are called a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. Our identity is not defined by our background, achievements, or failures, but by our belonging to Christ. We come individually to Jesus, but in doing so, we become part of a people—a community set apart for God. This new position gives us a new innocence before God, not because of our own merit, but because of Christ’s cleansing work. We are called to live out of this identity, not striving to earn God’s favor, but living as those who have already been made holy.
Our sanctification also gives us a clear and compelling purpose: to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This is not about having all the right theological answers, but about gushing over the goodness, grace, and glory of God in our lives. Our purpose is to make much of Him, both in word and in the way we live.
Finally, sanctification shapes our practice. As sojourners and exiles in this world, we are called to wage war against the passions of the flesh and to live honorably among those who do not know Christ. Our conduct should be attractive, making the faith desirable to those around us—not through mere moral conformity, but as the overflow of a transformed identity and purpose. The order matters: position, purpose, then practice. On this Sabbath, may our rest be a reminder of God’s finished work in Christ, and may our lives reflect the beauty of being set apart by Him.
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Key Takeaways
- Sanctification Begins with God’s Initiative, Not Ours
God alone is the one who sanctifies, setting us apart for Himself. Our holiness is not something we achieve by our own striving, but a gift and work of God, rooted in His character and faithfulness. This truth frees us from the burden of self-made righteousness and invites us to rest in His finished work. [05:07]
- Sabbath Rest is a Sign of Our Identity in Christ
The Sabbath is more than a day off; it is a weekly reminder that our identity and value come from God’s completed work, not our own productivity. By entering into Sabbath rest, we declare that we trust in Christ’s sufficiency and that our lives are set apart for Him. This rhythm shapes our hearts to remember whose we are and to live from a place of spiritual rest. [11:07]
- Our Position in Christ Defines Us More Than Our Performance
We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation—not because of our background, ethnicity, or moral record, but because of our union with Christ. Our standing before God is secure, and our innocence is declared by His cleansing, not our own merit. This foundational identity must precede and inform all our actions and attitudes. [19:18]
- Purpose Flows from Identity: Proclaiming God’s Excellencies
Our purpose is not self-fulfillment or comfort, but to proclaim the excellencies of God who called us out of darkness. This proclamation is not limited to theological arguments, but is the natural overflow of a heart captivated by God’s grace and goodness. When we truly know Him, we cannot help but “gush” about His work in our lives, making His glory known in both word and deed. [25:36]
- Sanctification Transforms Our Practice and Witness
As those set apart, we are called to wage war against the passions of the flesh and to live honorably among those who do not believe. Our conduct should be attractive, marked by peace, conviction, and hope, so that even those who oppose us might see the reality of God’s work in us. True sanctification is not mere moralism, but a life that reflects the beauty and distinctiveness of belonging to Christ. [38:07]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Fine China and the Meaning of Sanctification
[03:45] - Jehovah Mekedishchem: The God Who Sanctifies
[05:07] - Defining Sanctification: Set Apart for God
[06:22] - The Deeper Meaning of Sabbath
[09:30] - God’s Rest and the Invitation to Enter It
[11:07] - Sabbath as a Sign of God’s Work
[15:10] - Our Position: Identity in Christ
[17:02] - The Importance of Community in Sanctification
[19:18] - Innocence and Cleansing in Christ
[23:30] - Belonging to God: Positional Identity
[24:47] - Purpose: Proclaiming God’s Excellencies
[26:46] - Overcoming Fear in Sharing Our Faith
[31:44] - Practice: Living as Sojourners and Exiles
[36:01] - Waging War Against the Flesh
[38:07] - Attractive Conduct and Witness
[40:42] - The Right Order: Position, Purpose, Practice
[41:19] - Resting in God’s Finished Work
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Set Apart—Sanctification, Sabbath, and Our Identity in Christ
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### Bible Reading
Exodus 31:12–17 (ESV)
> And the Lord said to Moses, “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”
1 Peter 2:9–12 (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. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Exodus 31, what does God say is the purpose of the Sabbath for His people? ([05:07])
2. According to 1 Peter 2:9–10, what new identity does Peter say believers have in Christ?
3. What does Peter urge believers to do as “sojourners and exiles” in 1 Peter 2:11–12?
4. In the sermon, what illustration is used to help us understand what it means to be “set apart” or sanctified? ([01:10])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God ties the Sabbath so closely to the idea of sanctification in Exodus 31? What does this teach us about the source of our holiness? ([11:07])
2. The sermon says our identity in Christ comes before our actions. Why is it important to start with “who we are” before “what we do”? ([15:10])
3. Peter says our purpose is to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness.” What does it look like to “gush” about God’s goodness, as described in the sermon? ([25:36])
4. The sermon talks about living honorably among those who don’t believe, so that our lives are attractive. What does it mean for our conduct to make faith “desirable” to others? ([38:07])
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### Application Questions
1. The Sabbath is described as a weekly reminder to rest in God’s finished work, not our own efforts. How do you typically approach rest? Is it hard for you to stop striving and simply rest in what Christ has done? What would it look like to make your rest a spiritual practice, not just a physical one? ([11:07])
2. The sermon says our identity is not defined by our background, achievements, or failures, but by belonging to Christ. Are there areas in your life where you still let your past or your performance define you? How can you remind yourself this week of your true identity in Christ? ([19:18])
3. When was the last time you “gushed” about God’s goodness to someone else? If this feels unnatural, what holds you back? What is one story of God’s grace in your life you could share with someone this week? ([25:36])
4. The sermon challenges us to “wage war” against the passions of the flesh. What is one area where you feel this battle most strongly right now? What practical step can you take this week to fight back, trusting in God’s power? ([36:01])
5. Peter says our conduct should be “honorable” and even attractive to those who don’t believe. Think of a specific relationship (neighbor, coworker, family member) where your faith could be more visible. What is one way you could make your faith more attractive through your actions or attitude this week? ([38:07])
6. The sermon says the order matters: position, purpose, then practice. Do you ever get these out of order—trying to “do better” before remembering who you are in Christ? How can you keep the right order in mind as you go about your week? ([40:42])
7. The Sabbath is meant to be a sign that “it is the Lord who sanctifies you.” As you rest this week, how can you use that time to remember and celebrate God’s work in your life? ([41:19])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for setting us apart, for giving us a new identity and purpose in Christ, and for the gift of Sabbath rest. Ask for help to live out of this identity, to proclaim His excellencies, and to make your faith attractive to those around you.
Devotional
Day 1: God Sets Us Apart for Himself
Sanctification is God’s work of setting us apart for Himself, shaping us to reflect His character in every part of our lives. This is not merely about moral purity or following a set of rules, but about being consecrated—made holy—by God’s own action. Just as the Sabbath was set apart as holy, so too are God’s people set apart, not by their own efforts, but by His grace and purpose. When you rest in God’s finished work, you are reminded that your identity and holiness come from Him alone, not from your background, achievements, or failures. [05:07]
Exodus 31:13-17 (ESV)
“You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to stop striving and instead rest in the truth that God Himself has set you apart and made you holy?
Day 2: Our Identity Is Found in Christ Alone
Our position as God’s people is not based on our heritage, achievements, or personal merit, but solely on what Christ has done for us. Once we were not a people, but now we are God’s people—a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession. This new identity is a gift, not something we earn, and it shapes everything about us. We come to Christ individually, but He makes us into a people, united by His grace and defined by His work, not by our own. [15:10]
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: What labels or identities from your past do you need to let go of in order to fully embrace who you are in Christ today?
Day 3: We Are Given a New Purpose—to Proclaim God’s Excellencies
Being sanctified by God gives us a clear and simple purpose: to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This isn’t about having all the right theological answers, but about sharing the goodness, greatness, and glory of God with others—gushing over who He is and what He has done in your life. Your purpose is not to live for yourself, but to make God’s character known wherever He has placed you, in whatever vocation or circumstance you find yourself. [25:36]
1 Peter 2:9 (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.”
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally share something praiseworthy about God with this week, simply and sincerely?
Day 4: Our Practice—Living as Sojourners and Exiles
As those set apart by God, we are called to live differently in the world—as sojourners and exiles, abstaining from the passions of the flesh that wage war against our souls. This is not a passive process; it requires active engagement and a willingness to wage war against old patterns and desires. Our conduct should be honorable and attractive, so that even those who do not share our faith see something different in the way we live—something that points them to God’s transforming power. [36:01]
1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV)
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”
Reflection: What is one specific passion or habit you need to actively “wage war” against this week, trusting God to help you walk in newness of life?
Day 5: Resting in the Finished Work of Christ
Sabbath rest is more than a nap or a day off; it is a reminder to rest in the finished work of Christ. Just as God rested when His work was complete, we are invited to cease striving and trust that Jesus has accomplished everything needed for our salvation and sanctification. Each time you pause to rest, let it remind you that your standing with God is secure—not because of your efforts, but because of Christ’s completed work on your behalf. [41:19]
Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV)
“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.”
Reflection: How can you intentionally use your next moment of rest—whether a nap, a walk, or quiet time—to reflect on and celebrate the finished work of Christ for you?
Quotes
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