Understanding Sanctification: A Journey of Spiritual Growth
Summary
### Summary
Today, we conclude our series on becoming a holy people by delving into the concept of sanctification. Sanctification is often misunderstood, especially within the Church of the Nazarene, so we aim to clarify its meaning and application. At the moment of salvation, we are justified and declared holy by God, but our moral character often needs to catch up with this declaration. This is where sanctification comes in—a process of gradual purification from sin and progressive spiritual growth, guided by the Holy Spirit.
We explored the dual nature of sin: original sin, which inclines us toward sinning, and actual sin, which is the act of disobedience against God. Sanctification helps us combat both by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us. Paul, in Romans 6, emphasizes that we should present ourselves as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification and ultimately eternal life.
John Wesley's practical theology introduces the "means of grace," which are practices and sacraments like baptism, communion, prayer, and Bible study that help us grow in sanctification. These means of grace are essential for developing the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These traits are not just given to us; they are developed and refined through our journey of faith.
Peter and Paul both highlight that trials and tests are part of this sanctification process. Just as metal is refined by fire, our faith is refined through life's challenges, making us more like Christ. Wesley also taught about "entire sanctification" or "Christian perfection," where the bond to original sin is broken, allowing us to live fully in love, submission, and service to God.
Sanctification is not about achieving perfection in the human sense but about functioning as God designed us to. It’s a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ, using the means of grace to develop the fruit of the Spirit and live out our faith in every aspect of life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Sanctification as a Process: Sanctification is the gradual purification from sin and spiritual growth that begins at salvation. It is not an instant transformation but a lifelong journey guided by the Holy Spirit. This process involves aligning our moral character with the holiness God declares over us at salvation. [05:44]
2. Means of Grace: John Wesley's concept of the means of grace includes practices like prayer, Bible study, and sacraments such as baptism and communion. These practices are essential for our spiritual growth and help us develop the fruit of the Spirit. Engaging in these means of grace allows us to live out our faith practically and grow in sanctification. [09:07]
3. Trials and Refinement: Trials and tests are part of God's refining process. Just as metal is refined by fire, our faith is refined through life's challenges. These trials help us develop traits like patience, peace, and joy, making us more like Christ. Embracing these trials with faith can lead to significant spiritual growth. [14:29]
4. Entire Sanctification: Wesley taught that through sanctification, we could reach a point where the bond to original sin is broken. This state, known as entire sanctification or Christian perfection, allows us to live fully in love, submission, and service to God. However, it does not mean we are incapable of sin; it means we are no longer enslaved by it. [32:24]
5. Living Out Sanctification: Sanctification involves using the means of grace to develop the fruit of the Spirit and live out our faith daily. It’s about responding to life's situations as Christ would, using traits like love, joy, peace, and patience. This practical application of faith is what leads to true spiritual growth and maturity. [38:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to Sanctification
[01:25] - Justification and Holiness
[02:29] - 1 Peter 1: Call to Holiness
[03:20] - Understanding Sin: Original and Actual
[04:23] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[05:44] - Definition of Sanctification
[07:34] - Means of Grace
[09:07] - Sacraments and Prayer
[10:46] - Importance of Scripture
[12:03] - Fasting and Good Works
[13:11] - Practical Application of Faith
[14:29] - Trials and Refinement
[16:34] - Metal Refinery Analogy
[18:15] - Fruit of the Spirit
[20:43] - Developing Love and Joy
[22:51] - Developing Peace and Patience
[24:57] - Developing Kindness and Goodness
[26:34] - Developing Faithfulness and Gentleness
[28:19] - Developing Self-Control
[31:14] - Entire Sanctification Explained
[32:24] - Denomination Statement on Sanctification
[35:00] - Misconceptions about Entire Sanctification
[38:10] - Practical Steps to Sanctification
[38:46] - Communion Preparation
[39:15] - Paul's Teaching on Communion
[41:13] - Wesley on the Lord's Supper
[42:33] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 1:13-16: "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
2. Romans 6:19-23: "I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Therefore, what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now, having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Peter 1:13-16 instruct believers to do in preparation for living a holy life?
2. According to Romans 6:19-23, what are the results of presenting ourselves as slaves to righteousness?
3. What are the characteristics listed as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23?
4. How does the sermon define sanctification, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process? ([05:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In 1 Peter 1:13-16, what does it mean to "prepare your minds for action" and "be self-controlled"? How can these actions contribute to sanctification?
2. Romans 6:19-23 contrasts being slaves to sin with being slaves to righteousness. What practical changes might this involve in a believer's life?
3. The sermon mentions that the fruit of the Spirit is developed and refined through our journey of faith. How does this process of development occur according to the sermon? ([19:38])
4. How do trials and tests contribute to the process of sanctification, as explained in the sermon? ([14:29])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you "prepare your mind for action" and "be self-controlled" to align more closely with the call to holiness in 1 Peter 1:13-16?
2. Think about a specific area in your life where you have been "enslaved to sin." What steps can you take to present yourself as a "slave to righteousness" in that area? ([05:44])
3. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? ([18:58])
4. Recall a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might you embrace such trials in the future as opportunities for spiritual growth and sanctification? ([14:29])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the "means of grace" such as prayer, Bible study, and sacraments. How can you incorporate these practices more intentionally into your daily life to aid in your sanctification process? ([09:07])
6. Reflect on the concept of "entire sanctification" or "Christian perfection." How does understanding that the bond to original sin can be broken change your perspective on living a holy life? ([32:24])
7. Identify one person in your life who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person to help develop the fruit of the Spirit in your life? ([23:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Sanctification as a Lifelong Journey
Sanctification is the gradual purification from sin and spiritual growth that begins at salvation. It is not an instant transformation but a lifelong journey guided by the Holy Spirit. This process involves aligning our moral character with the holiness God declares over us at salvation. At the moment of salvation, we are justified and declared holy by God, but our moral character often needs to catch up with this declaration. This is where sanctification comes in—a process of gradual purification from sin and progressive spiritual growth, guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul, in Romans 6, emphasizes that we should present ourselves as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification and ultimately eternal life. [05:44]
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: What is one area of your life where you feel your moral character needs to catch up with the holiness God has declared over you? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this area today?
Day 2: Engaging in the Means of Grace
John Wesley's concept of the means of grace includes practices like prayer, Bible study, and sacraments such as baptism and communion. These practices are essential for our spiritual growth and help us develop the fruit of the Spirit. Engaging in these means of grace allows us to live out our faith practically and grow in sanctification. Wesley emphasized that these means of grace are not just rituals but vital practices that connect us to God's transformative power. By consistently engaging in these practices, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, helping us to grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [09:07]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: Which means of grace (prayer, Bible study, sacraments) do you feel most drawn to? How can you incorporate this practice more intentionally into your daily routine this week?
Day 3: Embracing Trials and Refinement
Trials and tests are part of God's refining process. Just as metal is refined by fire, our faith is refined through life's challenges. These trials help us develop traits like patience, peace, and joy, making us more like Christ. Embracing these trials with faith can lead to significant spiritual growth. Peter and Paul both highlight that trials and tests are part of this sanctification process. Just as metal is refined by fire, our faith is refined through life's challenges, making us more like Christ. [14:29]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial or challenge you have faced. How can you see God's refining work in that situation? What traits is He developing in you through this experience?
Day 4: Understanding Entire Sanctification
Wesley taught that through sanctification, we could reach a point where the bond to original sin is broken. This state, known as entire sanctification or Christian perfection, allows us to live fully in love, submission, and service to God. However, it does not mean we are incapable of sin; it means we are no longer enslaved by it. Entire sanctification is about functioning as God designed us to, living in full alignment with His will. It’s a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ, using the means of grace to develop the fruit of the Spirit and live out our faith in every aspect of life. [32:24]
1 John 3:9 (ESV): "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God."
Reflection: What does living fully in love, submission, and service to God look like in your daily life? Are there areas where you still feel enslaved by sin, and how can you seek God's help to break those bonds?
Day 5: Living Out Sanctification Daily
Sanctification involves using the means of grace to develop the fruit of the Spirit and live out our faith daily. It’s about responding to life's situations as Christ would, using traits like love, joy, peace, and patience. This practical application of faith is what leads to true spiritual growth and maturity. By consistently practicing these traits, we become more like Christ and reflect His character in our daily interactions. This journey requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. [38:10]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Choose one fruit of the Spirit that you feel needs more development in your life. What specific steps can you take today to cultivate this trait, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we develop our love, we develop our love so others will know that we are disciples of Jesus Christ. This is our chief character trait, that we love like Christ. John 13, 35 says this, By this, all men will know that you are my disciples. If you have love for one another. Isn't that interesting? John is saying that we should love one another in this world. John 3, 16, For God so what? So love the world. This is about love. That is our chief character trait as Christians. He is telling us to develop that and to love like Christ." [20:10] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You have hope in this life. This life can be so much better. You have an inheritance. This inheritance that is reserved for you in heaven. You are protected by the power of God. And then Peter continues on. He says, in this you greatly rejoice. And all those things I just said, you greatly rejoice. Even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials. So that the proof of your faith being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." [14:29] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is more opportunity to share the gospel than ever before. There is more people looking for hope. There is more people looking for what love really means. What love really is than ever before in human history. We have so much opportunity placed before us right now. Don't buy into the garbage that the world is selling. This is a phenomenal time to be a part of the church. So we should be full of joy." [22:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We develop our joy because our hope is in Jesus. When we read Romans 15, Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. May we have a living hope, right? We have joy because we have hope. So many people in this world, they struggle today. They watch the news. They look on social media. The sky is falling. The world is ending. Oh no!" [21:15] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We develop peace in our lives because by Jesus we have been reconciled to God. Romans 5 says, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. At the moment of our salvation, that declaration of you have been justified brings us incredible peace. Right? If we understand our faith, these are the things that we have in us and we develop." [23:25] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sanctification is the process of gradual purification from sin and progressive spiritual growth that should mark the life of a Christian. It is far more than a simple change of character brought about by the revelation of his truth. It is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing our whole nature under the influences of the gracious principles implanted in the soul at the moment of our salvation. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection, the work begun at salvation." [05:44] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we look at what Peter is saying, he talks about being tested by fire and it is more precious than gold. Peter is pointing to metal refinery. He is using that as an analogy for us. He is saying that we may go through trials like this where under extreme circumstances, God will refine us. He will sanctify us. And He will never abandon us. And as God refines us, He removes our slag. removes our sin. He removes our lies and our guilt. Isn't it funny how that works? As we are becoming closer to Him, we become precious objects in His sight." [18:15] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We develop our faithfulness to God because God is faithful to us. He will sanctify us. As Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, he says this, No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man. And God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also so that you will be able to endure it. think that's a powerful passage that some Christians will run away from. I've heard Christians say, God will never allow you to be tempted. Really? Because that's not what that just said." [27:09] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sanctification is simply the process of using the means of grace and applying them to our lives so that we develop the fruit of the Spirit, culminating in being like Christ in its fullest form before we join Him in heaven. That's sanctification. Let's not overcomplicate it. Pray, read your Bible, be around other mature Christians, be around other Christians, develop relationships. And in everything you do, each and every day, do things as Christ would do them. Respond in word and deed to the world around you like Christ has. And as you do that, you will become sanctified." [38:10] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Entire sanctification breaks the bond to original sin, but we are human. We can still choose to sin. We still have free will. That has not been removed. So it's really important to make the distinction that entire sanctification says, okay, that desire, that propensity, that's all gone. But you still have the capacity to sin. It's not climactic. It's not a pinnacle that you achieve. Entire sanctification does not mean that you arrive, that you know everything, that there's nothing else to do in Christianity but wait to die." [35:00] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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