Understanding Sanctification: God's Call to Holiness
Summary
In our exploration of the doctrine of sanctification, we delve into the profound work of the Holy Spirit in applying redemption to our lives. Sanctification is the process by which we are set apart for God, both externally and internally, as we are cleansed from the pollution of sin. This doctrine, though often controversial, is essential to understanding our spiritual journey. We examined three main schools of thought regarding sanctification: perfectionism, the counteraction principle, and the process view, which sees sanctification as a lifelong journey beginning at regeneration and culminating beyond this life.
The fundamental principle is that sanctification is God's will for us. It is the ultimate purpose behind all of God's actions, from the Old Testament to the sending of His Son and the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is not merely about forgiveness but about being made holy, as God is holy. This understanding prevents us from isolating doctrines like justification and sanctification, which are inherently connected in the process of salvation.
We must avoid the danger of seeking forgiveness without sanctification, as true forgiveness involves a desire to be separated from sin. Evangelism that stops at forgiveness is incomplete, as it must also emphasize sanctification. Our focus should be on God, not ourselves, recognizing that we are called to holiness because God is holy.
Sanctification is primarily the work of God, attributed to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, we are also called to actively participate in this process. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, recognizing that God works in us to will and to do His good pleasure. This balance between divine action and human responsibility is crucial in understanding sanctification.
Key Takeaways:
- Sanctification is God's will and ultimate purpose for us, encompassing all His actions from the Old Testament to the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not just about forgiveness but about being made holy, as God is holy. [06:31]
- The process of sanctification begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating beyond this life. It is inherently connected to justification, and we must avoid isolating these doctrines. [11:38]
- True forgiveness involves a desire to be separated from sin, and evangelism must emphasize sanctification alongside forgiveness. Our focus should be on God, recognizing that we are called to holiness because He is holy. [18:39]
- Sanctification is primarily the work of God, attributed to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, we are also called to actively participate in this process, working out our salvation with fear and trembling. [26:54]
- The balance between divine action and human responsibility is crucial in understanding sanctification. We must recognize that God works in us to will and to do His good pleasure, and we are called to actively participate in this process. [32:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Sanctification
[01:18] - Definition and History of Sanctification
[02:25] - External and Internal Sanctification
[03:12] - Three Schools of Thought
[04:29] - Principles of Sanctification
[05:02] - God's Will for Our Sanctification
[06:31] - Purpose of God's Actions
[08:18] - Dangers of Isolating Doctrines
[10:06] - Justification and Sanctification Connection
[11:38] - Process of Salvation
[13:46] - Seeking Forgiveness and Sanctification
[18:39] - True Evangelism and Sanctification
[20:25] - Starting with God
[22:23] - God's Work in Sanctification
[26:54] - Divine Action and Human Responsibility
[32:19] - Working Out Our Salvation
[36:10] - Active Participation in Sanctification
[41:46] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Doctrine of Sanctification
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification."
2. John 17:17 - "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
3. Philippians 2:12-13 - "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate purpose behind all of God's actions, from the Old Testament to the work of the Holy Spirit? [06:15]
2. What are the three main schools of thought regarding sanctification mentioned in the sermon? [03:12]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between justification and sanctification? [10:34]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of sanctification according to the sermon? [30:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding that sanctification is God's will for us change the way we view our spiritual journey? [05:24]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true forgiveness involves a desire to be separated from sin? How does this relate to the concept of sanctification? [17:19]
3. The sermon emphasizes the balance between divine action and human responsibility in sanctification. How can this balance be practically understood in a believer's life? [32:19]
4. How does the sermon challenge the idea of seeking forgiveness without sanctification? What implications does this have for evangelism? [18:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of sanctification. How does knowing it is God's will for you impact your daily life and decisions? [05:24]
2. The sermon warns against isolating doctrines like justification and sanctification. How can you ensure that your understanding of these doctrines remains interconnected in your spiritual walk? [10:34]
3. Consider a time when you sought forgiveness but did not focus on sanctification. How can you change your approach to ensure both are emphasized in your spiritual journey? [17:19]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of active participation in sanctification. What specific steps can you take this week to actively work out your salvation with fear and trembling? [32:19]
5. How can you incorporate the understanding that sanctification is primarily the work of God into your prayer life and spiritual practices? [31:14]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel the need for sanctification. What practical steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit's work in that area? [30:58]
7. The sermon suggests that evangelism should emphasize sanctification alongside forgiveness. How can you incorporate this understanding into your conversations about faith with others? [18:39]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Will for Holiness
Sanctification is not just a theological concept but the very will of God for our lives. It is the ultimate purpose behind all of God's actions, from the Old Testament to the sending of His Son and the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification involves being set apart for God, both externally and internally, as we are cleansed from the pollution of sin. It is not merely about forgiveness but about being made holy, as God is holy. This understanding prevents us from isolating doctrines like justification and sanctification, which are inherently connected in the process of salvation. [06:31]
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: In what areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to pursue holiness more intentionally? How can you take a step towards that today?
Day 2: The Lifelong Journey of Sanctification
Sanctification is a process that begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives, culminating beyond this life. It is inherently connected to justification, and we must avoid isolating these doctrines. The journey of sanctification is marked by growth and transformation, as we are continually being shaped into the likeness of Christ. This process requires patience and perseverance, as it is a lifelong journey that involves both divine action and human responsibility. [11:38]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual journey so far. What are some specific ways you have seen God work in your life to sanctify you? How can you cooperate with His work in the coming days?
Day 3: True Forgiveness and Separation from Sin
True forgiveness involves a desire to be separated from sin, and evangelism must emphasize sanctification alongside forgiveness. Our focus should be on God, recognizing that we are called to holiness because He is holy. Seeking forgiveness without a commitment to sanctification is incomplete, as true forgiveness leads to a transformation of the heart and a turning away from sin. This understanding calls us to a deeper level of repentance and a commitment to living a life that reflects God's holiness. [18:39]
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: Is there a sin in your life that you have sought forgiveness for but have not fully turned away from? What steps can you take today to separate yourself from that sin and pursue holiness?
Day 4: Divine Action and Human Responsibility
Sanctification is primarily the work of God, attributed to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, we are also called to actively participate in this process, working out our salvation with fear and trembling. This balance between divine action and human responsibility is crucial in understanding sanctification. We must recognize that God works in us to will and to do His good pleasure, and we are called to actively participate in this process. [26:54]
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your sanctification today? What practical steps can you take to align your actions with God's will for your life?
Day 5: Active Participation in Sanctification
The balance between divine action and human responsibility is crucial in understanding sanctification. We must recognize that God works in us to will and to do His good pleasure, and we are called to actively participate in this process. This active participation involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and engaging in community with other believers. By actively participating in our sanctification, we align ourselves with God's purposes and allow Him to transform us from the inside out. [32:19]
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: What spiritual discipline can you commit to this week to actively participate in your sanctification? How can this discipline help you grow in your relationship with God and others?
Quotes
Sanctification is God's will for us now if you want a text for this there is the great statement in the first epistle to the Thessalonians the fourth chapter and the third verse where we are told explicitly for this is the will of God even your sanctification. [00:05:02]
The ultimate purpose which God has in doing everything that he done for us is our sanctification God's purpose in doing everything that he did in the Old Testament is ultimately our sanctification God's Purp purpose when he sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law was still our sanctification. [00:08:18]
The first principle to grasp is that this is the end and object of the whole process of Salvation if that is true then I think we must recognize that there are certain dangers which must be a v it at all costs. [00:11:38]
There is nothing so fatal as to separate these doctrines from one another now it's a right thing to distinguish them but there's all the difference in the world between distinguishing between things and separating them for the purposes of thought and indeed in accordance with the scripture. [00:14:29]
True forgiveness involves a desire to be separated from sin, and evangelism must emphasize sanctification alongside forgiveness. Our focus should be on God, recognizing that we are called to holiness because He is holy. [00:18:39]
Sanctification is primarily the work of God, attributed to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, we are also called to actively participate in this process, working out our salvation with fear and trembling. [00:26:54]
The balance between divine action and human responsibility is crucial in understanding sanctification. We must recognize that God works in us to will and to do His good pleasure, and we are called to actively participate in this process. [00:32:19]
The moment therefore I argue that we are regenerated and United to the Lord Jesus Christ the process of sanctification has already started the moment I receive the divine nature the moment I'm born again something has come into me which is going to separate me from sin. [00:36:10]
Sanctification is first of all and primarily the work of God in us through and by the Holy Spirit therefore my friends it seems to me that it is Thoroughly unscriptural to say that as a Believer as a Christian you can be without sanctification and dis decide yourself to go in for it. [00:41:46]
The scriptures plainly teach us that God is working in us because he saved us but he's working in Us in order that we may work it out and those are the ways in which we do it. [00:49:33]
Salvation is God's work from beginning to end and therefore there can be no gaps you can't have any sort of Hiatus it is something that's started by God continued by God and is perfected by God himself. [00:20:25]
The whole trouble I believe with regard to sanctification arises from our fatal tendency to start with ourselves instead of starting with God you see we think of ourselves and our problems and our sins and our needs and things like that. [00:22:23]
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