Sanctification Through Understanding Christ's Sacrifice

 

Summary

In Romans 8:3-4, we find a profound encapsulation of Christian doctrine, emphasizing the indispensable link between doctrine and life. The Apostle Paul underscores that understanding these truths is essential for living a sanctified Christian life. Many seek to live the Christian life without delving into doctrine, but it is through grasping these truths that sanctification occurs. Jesus prayed for our sanctification through truth, and there is no shortcut to holiness. Holiness develops as we comprehend these mighty truths, which is why Paul reiterates them.

God accomplished what the law could not due to its weakness through the flesh. He sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as an offering for sin. This act was not merely about addressing sin but was a profound offering for sin, as seen in various translations and biblical references. The Septuagint often translates "sin offering" as "for sin," indicating a deeper meaning. The New Testament consistently teaches that Christ's primary purpose was to deliver us from sin and condemnation by becoming an offering for sin.

The law could not condemn sin in the flesh, but God did so by sending His Son. This condemnation was not merely a disapproval of sin but a judgment and punishment of sin in Christ's flesh. This act allows us to be free from the law's condemnation and to be clothed in Christ's righteousness. However, it goes beyond justification; it initiates sanctification. We are not only declared righteous but are also empowered to live righteously, bearing fruit unto God.

The death of Christ as our substitute enables the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in us. By nature, we are under sin's dominion, but Christ's death removes the law's power, which is the strength of sin. This liberation allows us to be united with Christ, enabling His life and power to work within us. Thus, the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us as we walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- Understanding Christian doctrine is essential for living a sanctified life. Holiness is developed through grasping the truths of the gospel, as there is no shortcut to holiness. Jesus prayed for our sanctification through truth, emphasizing the importance of doctrine in our spiritual growth. [01:25]

- God accomplished what the law could not by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as an offering for sin. This act was not merely about addressing sin but was a profound offering for sin, as seen in various translations and biblical references. [03:33]

- The condemnation of sin in the flesh by God was not merely a disapproval but a judgment and punishment of sin in Christ's flesh. This act allows us to be free from the law's condemnation and to be clothed in Christ's righteousness. [21:13]

- The death of Christ as our substitute enables the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in us. By nature, we are under sin's dominion, but Christ's death removes the law's power, which is the strength of sin. [32:35]

- Our union with Christ empowers us to live righteously, bearing fruit unto God. The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us as we walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's life within us. [37:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Romans 8:3-4
- [01:07] - The Importance of Doctrine
- [02:41] - God's Accomplishment Through Christ
- [03:19] - The Purpose of Christ's Coming
- [04:41] - Understanding "For Sin"
- [06:19] - Evidence from the Septuagint
- [08:32] - New Testament Teachings on Sin Offering
- [10:23] - Christ's Role as Sin Offering
- [12:07] - Scriptural Support for Christ's Sacrifice
- [14:08] - No Condemnation in Christ
- [15:55] - Condemnation of Sin in the Flesh
- [18:34] - Misinterpretations of Condemnation
- [21:13] - God's Judgment on Sin
- [23:23] - Fulfillment of the Law's Righteousness
- [27:36] - Deliverance from the Law
- [32:35] - The Power of Christ's Death
- [37:55] - Union with Christ and Sanctification

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:3-4
- Galatians 1:4
- 2 Corinthians 5:21

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Romans 8:3-4 say about the limitations of the law and how God addressed them? [00:12]
2. How does the sermon describe the purpose of Christ's coming into the world according to Romans 8:3? [03:33]
3. What is the significance of the phrase "condemned sin in the flesh" as explained in the sermon? [21:13]
4. According to the sermon, how does our union with Christ empower us to live righteously? [37:55]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding Christian doctrine contribute to living a sanctified life, as emphasized in the sermon? [01:25]
2. In what way does the sermon explain the concept of Christ being an "offering for sin"? How does this relate to our understanding of salvation? [10:40]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between justification and sanctification in the life of a believer? [38:43]
4. How does the sermon interpret the fulfillment of the law's righteousness in us? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this process? [23:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of Christian doctrine. How has it influenced your personal journey toward holiness? Are there specific doctrines you feel you need to understand better? [01:25]
2. The sermon emphasizes that there is no shortcut to holiness. What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding of biblical truths this week? [01:54]
3. Consider the idea of being "clothed in Christ's righteousness." How does this concept affect your daily life and interactions with others? [21:13]
4. The sermon discusses the transformative power of walking after the Spirit. Identify one area in your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance. What changes can you make to walk more in the Spirit? [37:55]
5. How does the understanding that Christ's death removes the law's power over sin impact your view of sin and temptation? What is one practical way you can apply this truth in your life this week? [32:35]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of bearing fruit unto God. What specific fruit do you feel called to cultivate in your life right now, and what steps will you take to nurture it? [26:08]
7. Reflect on your union with Christ. How does this relationship empower you to live a life that reflects His righteousness? What is one area where you can demonstrate this empowerment more clearly? [37:55]

Devotional

Day 1: Doctrine as the Foundation of Sanctification
Understanding Christian doctrine is essential for living a sanctified life. Holiness is developed through grasping the truths of the gospel, as there is no shortcut to holiness. Jesus prayed for our sanctification through truth, emphasizing the importance of doctrine in our spiritual growth. [01:25]

"Sanctification is a process that requires a deep understanding of Christian doctrine. Many believers attempt to live a Christian life without delving into the foundational truths of their faith, but it is through grasping these truths that sanctification occurs. Jesus Himself prayed for our sanctification through truth, highlighting that there is no shortcut to holiness. Holiness develops as we comprehend these mighty truths, which is why the Apostle Paul reiterates them. The truths of the gospel are not just abstract concepts but are essential for our spiritual growth and transformation. As we immerse ourselves in these doctrines, we are equipped to live a life that reflects the character of Christ."

"Sanctification is not an instant transformation but a gradual process that unfolds as we engage with the truths of the gospel. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that understanding these truths is essential for living a sanctified Christian life. Without a firm grasp of doctrine, our spiritual growth is stunted, and we miss out on the fullness of life that God intends for us. As we study and internalize these doctrines, we are empowered to live righteously and bear fruit unto God. This process of sanctification is a journey that requires dedication and a willingness to be transformed by the truth of God's Word."

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17, ESV)

Reflection: What specific doctrine or truth from the Bible do you feel you need to understand more deeply to grow in holiness? How can you begin to study and apply this truth in your life today?


Day 2: Christ's Offering for Sin
God accomplished what the law could not by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as an offering for sin. This act was not merely about addressing sin but was a profound offering for sin, as seen in various translations and biblical references. [03:33]

"The law, in its weakness through the flesh, was unable to accomplish what God intended for humanity. However, God intervened by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as an offering for sin. This act was not merely about addressing sin but was a profound offering for sin, as seen in various translations and biblical references. The Septuagint often translates 'sin offering' as 'for sin,' indicating a deeper meaning. The New Testament consistently teaches that Christ's primary purpose was to deliver us from sin and condemnation by becoming an offering for sin. This offering was a divine solution to the problem of sin, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God."

"Christ's offering for sin was a pivotal moment in history, marking the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The law could not condemn sin in the flesh, but God did so by sending His Son. This condemnation was not merely a disapproval of sin but a judgment and punishment of sin in Christ's flesh. Through this act, we are freed from the law's condemnation and clothed in Christ's righteousness. This offering goes beyond justification; it initiates sanctification, empowering us to live righteously and bear fruit unto God. Christ's sacrifice was a profound demonstration of God's love and justice, providing a way for us to be united with Him."

"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh." (Romans 8:3, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding Christ's offering for sin change your perspective on your own sin and God's grace? What steps can you take to live in the freedom that Christ's sacrifice provides?


Day 3: Freedom from Condemnation
The condemnation of sin in the flesh by God was not merely a disapproval but a judgment and punishment of sin in Christ's flesh. This act allows us to be free from the law's condemnation and to be clothed in Christ's righteousness. [21:13]

"God's condemnation of sin in the flesh was a decisive act that went beyond mere disapproval. It was a judgment and punishment of sin in Christ's flesh, allowing us to be free from the law's condemnation. This act of divine justice means that we are no longer under the weight of sin's penalty but are clothed in Christ's righteousness. This freedom from condemnation is a central aspect of the gospel, providing believers with the assurance that they are accepted and loved by God. It is a transformative truth that empowers us to live confidently in our identity as children of God."

"Being free from condemnation is not just a theological concept but a reality that impacts our daily lives. It means that we are no longer defined by our past mistakes or failures but are seen through the lens of Christ's righteousness. This freedom allows us to approach God with boldness and to live out our faith with joy and gratitude. It is a reminder that our worth is not based on our performance but on what Christ has done for us. As we embrace this truth, we are empowered to live in the fullness of God's grace and to extend that grace to others."

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you still feel condemned or unworthy? How can you remind yourself of the truth that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus?


Day 4: The Power of Christ's Death
The death of Christ as our substitute enables the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in us. By nature, we are under sin's dominion, but Christ's death removes the law's power, which is the strength of sin. [32:35]

"Christ's death as our substitute is a powerful demonstration of God's love and justice. By taking our place, Christ enables the righteousness of the law to be fulfilled in us. By nature, we are under sin's dominion, but Christ's death removes the law's power, which is the strength of sin. This liberation allows us to be united with Christ, enabling His life and power to work within us. The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us as we walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. This transformative power of Christ's death is a central aspect of the Christian faith, providing believers with the assurance of their salvation and the empowerment to live righteously."

"Through Christ's death, we are no longer bound by the law's demands but are free to live in the power of the Spirit. This freedom is not a license to sin but an invitation to live a life that reflects the character of Christ. As we embrace the power of Christ's death, we are empowered to overcome sin and to live in the fullness of God's grace. This transformation is not something we achieve on our own but is the result of Christ's work in us. As we walk in the Spirit, we are able to fulfill the righteousness of the law and to bear fruit unto God."

"For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2, ESV)

Reflection: How does the power of Christ's death impact your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live more fully in the freedom and power that Christ's death provides?


Day 5: Union with Christ and Sanctification
Our union with Christ empowers us to live righteously, bearing fruit unto God. The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us as we walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's life within us. [37:55]

"Our union with Christ is a profound mystery that empowers us to live righteously and to bear fruit unto God. This union is not just a theological concept but a reality that transforms our lives. As we are united with Christ, His life and power work within us, enabling us to fulfill the righteousness of the law. This transformation is not something we achieve on our own but is the result of Christ's work in us. As we walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's life within us. This union with Christ is the foundation of our sanctification, providing us with the strength and motivation to live a life that honors God."

"Being united with Christ means that we are no longer defined by our past or our failures but are seen through the lens of Christ's righteousness. This union empowers us to live in the fullness of God's grace and to extend that grace to others. It is a reminder that our worth is not based on our performance but on what Christ has done for us. As we embrace this truth, we are empowered to live in the fullness of God's grace and to extend that grace to others. This union with Christ is the foundation of our sanctification, providing us with the strength and motivation to live a life that honors God."

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Reflection: How does your union with Christ influence your identity and actions? What specific steps can you take to walk more closely with the Spirit and to bear fruit in your life?

Quotes


Now there are those who say that it just means concerning sin or with respect to sin or in connection with sin, and of course, they do mean that, but they don't only mean that. And where those who say that they mean that and only that go wrong, we now must proceed to consider this statement goes further than that. [00:40:56]

The New Testament teaching everywhere is that the main object of our Lord's coming into this world was that he might deliver us from sin and condemnation by becoming an offering for us, an offering for sin. Now, of course, you know the whole of the Old Testament teaches that. [00:44:48]

He came not to teach Prim; he came to save us, and to do that, he has to be an expiation, to make expiation, to be a propitiation for our sins. Now then, that is what the Apostle is saying. You see, the context demands that, insists upon that. [00:56:42]

The law couldn't do this thing. Well, how has God done it? Well, by sending his son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh. Now, what does this mean? Here again, you see, people go astray. [00:59:57]

The law expressed its disapproval, but in expressing its disapproval, it didn't finally punish sin in this sense and pass its final judgment upon it so as to put it out of court as far as the believer is concerned. So the word means pass judgment upon and punish. [01:23:38]

The righteous demands of the law have been satisfied in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. The law demands obedience; he gave it. The law insists upon punishing sin; he has borne the punishment. The righteous demands of the law have been fulfilled in him. [01:45:58]

We are no longer condemned; we are free from condemnation, and we are clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. But I again want to demonstrate to you that we mustn't stop at that point, and that to me, it is almost tragic to stop at that point like some of these great commentators do. [01:51:44]

The moment we are in Christ, sanctification has begun. It's begun already. These authorities with whom I'm disagreeing, they are at great pains in other places to say that you must never separate justification and sanctification, yet they themselves separate them here by saying that this is justification only. [02:20:23]

The Apostle is saying is that the moment we enter into Christ, they start. The Christian does begin to bear fruit in this world, fruit unto holiness, fruit unto righteousness. He's been arguing about that very thing in chapter 6, where he's been telling us that we must now yield our members servants unto righteousness unto holiness. [02:40:48]

The law having been put on one side or we having died to it and being separated from it, sin is thus deprived of its power to reign and to rule over us. Though it remains troubling us in the body, it no longer is our master. We're no longer under the rule or the reign of sin. [02:55:15]

The life and power of Christ, the reign of grace, are now in us as Christians and working in us actively, and thus it becomes possible that I should bear fruit to God, that I should serve in a new way in the newness of the spirit and not the oldness of the letter. [03:02:32]

The law could never do this; it had failed completely. It was never intended to do it, but because of what is true of us in sin, we are in a position in which we've got to be set free from the law. That's the first problem, how to be set free from the law of sin and death. [03:08:45]

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