Seeking God's Mercy and Living a Sanctified Life

Summary

### Summary

This morning, we gathered to seek the Lord in prayer, especially for our nation as we celebrate our independence. Reflecting on Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9, we acknowledged our sins and sought God's mercy, not because we are righteous, but because of His great mercy. We opened the altar for those who desired to bring their needs before God, emphasizing that He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can imagine.

We then turned to Psalm 18, where David cried out to the Lord in his distress and was heard. This passage reminded us of God's power and His readiness to intervene in our lives. We prayed fervently for healing and deliverance, believing in God's ability to perform miracles today as He did in the past.

The focus of today's message was on living a sanctified life, flipping the script from the world's ways to God's ways. We explored 1 Thessalonians 4 and Ephesians 3, emphasizing that it is God's will for us to be sanctified and live holy lives. Sanctification involves setting ourselves apart from sin and unto God, living in purity and honor.

We discussed three key indicators of a sanctified life: overflowing love for others, a consuming passion for obedience, and the witness of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We prayed for God to increase our love, help us obey His word, and let His Spirit testify to us.

Finally, we examined whether we have made a total consecration to Christ, have power over willful sin, and possess love for others, even those who wrong us. We encouraged each other to live holy lives, fully consecrated to God, and to seek His sanctifying power daily.

### Key Takeaways

1. Sanctification and Mercy: We approach God not because of our righteousness but because of His great mercy. Like Daniel, we acknowledge our sins and seek God's mercy, understanding that our requests are granted out of His love and faithfulness, not our merit. This humility is the foundation of a sanctified life. [15:12]

2. God's Readiness to Intervene: Psalm 18 illustrates God's readiness to respond to our cries for help. When we call out to Him in distress, He hears us and acts powerfully on our behalf. This assurance should encourage us to bring all our needs and concerns to Him, trusting in His mighty power. [29:14]

3. Indicators of a Sanctified Life: A sanctified life is marked by overflowing love for others, a consuming passion for obedience, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. These indicators help us evaluate our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. If we lack in any area, we should seek God's help to grow in love, obedience, and spiritual sensitivity. [01:16:52]

4. Total Consecration to Christ: Living a sanctified life requires total consecration to Christ, giving Him access to every part of our lives. We must examine ourselves for hidden areas of sin and surrender them to God. This complete surrender allows God to sanctify us fully and empowers us to live holy lives. [01:22:12]

5. Living Holy in an Unholy World: We are called to live holy lives in a world that often compromises on integrity and righteousness. This involves setting ourselves apart from sin and unto God, living in purity and honor. By doing so, we become a testimony of God's transformative power and bring glory to His name. [01:10:12]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[13:12] - Prayer for the Nation
[14:12] - Reflecting on Daniel's Prayer
[15:12] - Seeking God's Mercy
[16:12] - Psalm 18: Crying Out to God
[29:14] - God's Powerful Response
[30:06] - Prayer for Healing and Deliverance
[31:53] - Testimonies of God's Healing
[32:34] - Calling on the Name of the Lord
[33:25] - Believing in God's Report
[47:59] - Declaring God's Deliverance
[49:11] - Continuous Prayer and Praise
[56:24] - Recognizing God's Presence
[57:46] - Testimonies of God's Goodness
[58:35] - God's Unchanging Nature
[59:37] - Praising God for His Works
[01:00:26] - Speaking Life Over Each Other
[01:02:50] - Introduction to the Message
[01:03:57] - Flipping the Script: Living Sanctified
[01:05:28] - God's Will for Sanctification
[01:06:58] - Setting Ourselves Apart
[01:08:38] - Asking God to Show His Power
[01:10:12] - Living Holy in an Unholy World
[01:11:33] - Strength from God's Spirit
[01:13:20] - Rooted and Grounded in Love
[01:14:26] - Indicators of a Sanctified Life
[01:16:52] - Overflowing Love and Obedience
[01:18:24] - Witness of the Holy Spirit
[01:20:22] - Prayers for Sanctification
[01:21:40] - Total Consecration to Christ
[01:22:49] - Power Over Willful Sin
[01:23:30] - Increased Love for Others
[01:24:43] - Spirit's Witness in Our Hearts
[01:25:56] - Living Fully Consecrated Lives
[01:27:51] - Confessing and Turning Away from Sin
[01:28:44] - Settling Divided Interests
[01:29:20] - Encouragement to Live Holy
[01:30:07] - God's Store is Always Open
[01:31:14] - Seeking Holiness and Purity
[01:31:59] - Rejecting Sin and Embracing Holiness
[01:32:40] - Set Apart from Sin, Unto Righteousness
[01:33:36] - Embracing God's Curveballs
[01:34:29] - Prayer for Sanctification
[01:35:12] - Renewing Our First Love
[01:35:58] - Invitation to Surrender to Christ
[01:36:47] - Seeking Fresh Sanctification
[01:37:23] - Praising God for His Work

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Daniel 9:4-5, 15-17: "I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: 'Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws... Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary.'"

2. Psalm 18:6-10: "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind."

3. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable."

### Observation Questions
1. What was the main focus of Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9, and how did he approach God? ([14:12])
2. According to Psalm 18, how did God respond to David's cry for help? ([29:14])
3. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 say about God's will for our lives? ([01:05:28])
4. What are the three key indicators of a sanctified life mentioned in the sermon? ([01:16:52])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to approach God with humility, acknowledging our sins as Daniel did? How does this reflect on our understanding of God's mercy? ([15:12])
2. How does Psalm 18 illustrate God's readiness to intervene in our lives? What does this tell us about His character and our relationship with Him? ([29:14])
3. In what ways does living a sanctified life, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4, set us apart from the world? How does this impact our daily behavior and decisions? ([01:06:58])
4. How can the indicators of a sanctified life (overflowing love, passion for obedience, and the witness of the Holy Spirit) help us evaluate our spiritual growth? ([01:16:52])

### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Daniel's prayer, are there specific sins or areas of your life where you need to seek God's mercy and forgiveness? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily prayer life? ([15:12])
2. When was the last time you cried out to God in distress like David in Psalm 18? How did you experience God's intervention, and how can this encourage you to trust Him more in future challenges? ([29:14])
3. What steps can you take to live a sanctified life, avoiding sexual immorality and controlling your body in a way that is holy and honorable, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 4? ([01:05:28])
4. Do you find it challenging to love others, especially those who have wronged you? What practical actions can you take this week to increase your love for others, including your enemies? ([01:15:32])
5. How can you cultivate a consuming passion for obedience to God's word and will? Identify one area of your life where you can practice greater obedience this week. ([01:16:52])
6. Have you experienced the witness of the Holy Spirit in your heart? How can you become more sensitive to the Spirit's guidance and testimony in your daily life? ([01:18:24])
7. Are there hidden areas of sin in your life that you need to surrender to God for total consecration? What steps will you take to give God access to every part of your life? ([01:22:12])

Devotional

Day 1: Humility in Seeking God's Mercy
We approach God not because of our righteousness but because of His great mercy. Like Daniel, we acknowledge our sins and seek God's mercy, understanding that our requests are granted out of His love and faithfulness, not our merit. This humility is the foundation of a sanctified life. When we come before God, we must remember that it is not our good deeds that earn His favor, but His boundless grace and mercy. This perspective keeps us grounded and dependent on Him, fostering a heart of gratitude and reverence.

In our daily lives, this means continually recognizing our need for God's mercy and being quick to repent of our sins. It also means extending the same mercy to others, understanding that we are all in need of God's grace. By doing so, we reflect God's character and draw closer to Him, allowing His sanctifying work to transform us from the inside out. [15:12]

Daniel 9:18-19 (ESV): "O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to seek God's mercy today? How can you extend that same mercy to others around you?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Readiness to Intervene
Psalm 18 illustrates God's readiness to respond to our cries for help. When we call out to Him in distress, He hears us and acts powerfully on our behalf. This assurance should encourage us to bring all our needs and concerns to Him, trusting in His mighty power. God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles; He is actively involved and ready to intervene in our lives.

This truth invites us to live with a confident expectation that God will move in our situations. It encourages us to pray boldly and persistently, knowing that our prayers are heard by a loving and powerful God. As we trust in His readiness to intervene, we can experience His peace and strength, even in the midst of our trials. [29:14]

Psalm 18:6 (ESV): "In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears."

Reflection: What is one specific area of distress in your life where you need to trust God to intervene? How can you actively bring this concern to Him in prayer today?

Day 3: Indicators of a Sanctified Life
A sanctified life is marked by overflowing love for others, a consuming passion for obedience, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. These indicators help us evaluate our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. If we lack in any area, we should seek God's help to grow in love, obedience, and spiritual sensitivity. Sanctification is an ongoing process that requires our active participation and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

As we pursue a sanctified life, we should regularly examine our hearts and actions. Are we loving others selflessly? Are we passionate about obeying God's Word? Do we sense the Holy Spirit's guidance and affirmation in our lives? By focusing on these indicators, we can stay on the path of holiness and experience the fullness of God's presence and power. [01:16:52]

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Which of the three indicators of a sanctified life do you need to grow in the most? What practical steps can you take to develop in this area?

Day 4: Total Consecration to Christ
Living a sanctified life requires total consecration to Christ, giving Him access to every part of our lives. We must examine ourselves for hidden areas of sin and surrender them to God. This complete surrender allows God to sanctify us fully and empowers us to live holy lives. Total consecration means holding nothing back from God and allowing Him to transform every aspect of our being.

This level of surrender can be challenging, but it is essential for true sanctification. It involves daily choices to prioritize God's will over our own desires and to seek His guidance in all things. As we consecrate ourselves to Christ, we open the door for His sanctifying power to work in us, leading to a deeper relationship with Him and a more impactful witness to the world. [01:22:12]

Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: What is one area of your life that you have not fully surrendered to Christ? What steps can you take today to consecrate this area to Him?

Day 5: Living Holy in an Unholy World
We are called to live holy lives in a world that often compromises on integrity and righteousness. This involves setting ourselves apart from sin and unto God, living in purity and honor. By doing so, we become a testimony of God's transformative power and bring glory to His name. Living holy in an unholy world requires intentionality and reliance on God's strength.

As believers, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against the influences of the world. This means making choices that reflect our commitment to God and His standards, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural. By living holy lives, we not only honor God but also serve as a light to those around us, pointing them to the hope and truth found in Christ. [01:10:12]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to compromise your integrity and righteousness? How can you strengthen your commitment to living a holy life in these areas?

Quotes

### Quotes for outreach

1. "We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. What a prayer. What a way to start a prayer and a service this morning that, Lord, we don't make any requests over you because we deserve it, we've earned it, or anything else. We do this because of your great mercy over our life." [15:12] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You were not born out of season you were born for this season you were not born for you were born for this season you were not born for yesterday you were born for today and God knew you would be here at this moment and let me just tell you this right here with love and grace and mercy put on a smile and tell your neighbor listen to me God's depending on you right now amen to reveal his glory as we walk this thing out." [01:10:12] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I believe there's a lost and a dying world that's hopeless and helpless out there right now and that's why I felt in my spirit this morning I'm going to ask God to show himself mightily because I don't know about you but I'm asking my God to show himself like he did in the days of old and I'm asking him to split some seeds wide open amen and to bring manna down from heaven amen and to do things that are undeniable God and to open the eyes of the blind and I'm not just talking physically but that he would do miraculous things for his glory." [01:08:38] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Set yourselves apart you have been called to be set apart as children of God and not only set yourselves apart from but set your part set yourself apart unto so there's a from and a setting apart unto here and the voice translation says set yourselves apart and and then it gives us the indication of what we're to set ourselves unto he says and live holy lives." [01:05:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I want to get our minds away from what the world's trying to teach us and convince us and get us anchored into the word of the living God this is where we're going to find everything that we need our hope it's where we find truth and everything else listen to what he says avoid polluting yourselves with sexual defilement and then verse 4 in first thessalonians chapter 4 it says learn how to take charge over your own body maintaining purity and honor." [01:06:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "How do you know that you're living a sanctified life have you put yourself on the back burner and have you put others in front are you living to be a blessing to others are you still trying to get all you can out of out of this life you see a sanctified person has love overflowing love in their heart for others not just for the lord but for his people can i honestly say right now can you honestly say that your heart is full of love that came from god if so then that's a good sign that god's gracious gift of sanctification is operating in your life." [01:15:32] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Do you have a consuming passion to be obedient to the word of God and the will of God and the way of God? Because if you have that passion growing in you, I want to encourage you. God's sanctifying your life. Third thing. Does the spirit of God. Witness to your heart. Here's what I want you to understand. That's the final question for this morning. It's about the witness of the spirit in this idea of entire or full sanctification." [01:18:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Are you winning more battles today against yourself than you were yesterday? Come on. Are the things that you tripped up and fell on yesterday that you're overcoming today? That's a good sign that God's sanctifying you in your life. Amen. Is your temper not as bad? Depends on if I'm on the highway or not, right? Depends on who's in the left lane or not, right? Come on. Y'all follow me? Are you winning the battles? Is the sanctifying work growing in your life as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ?" [01:17:37] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "How did you know you were a Christian? How did you know when you got saved? How did you know when you were born again? Did the spirit not witness to you? Did you not know that you were different? Did you not sense? That old things had passed away and all things had become new? The same way with sanctification. There'll be a radical. Watch this word. This is an important word. A lot of folks would say an experience. But I'm going to just tell you there'll be a radical transformation in your life. And I'm going to tell you the person that will be most impressed will be you. Because you won't know you anymore." [01:18:59] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Are you guilty of willfully disobeying the Lord. Against the clear light. That he has given to you. Then here's what I want to ask you. Why not confess. Repent. Turn away from disobedience today. Turn away from the ways of the world. And listen to me. Look at it. That same smile you had. Fabricate it again. And look at them and say. Start living holy." [01:27:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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