Understanding Sanctification: God's Will and Our Role
Summary
In our exploration of the doctrine of sanctification, we have delved into the profound work of the Holy Spirit in applying redemption to our lives. Sanctification, as we understand it, is the process by which we are set apart for God, both externally and internally. This separation involves a cleansing from sin's pollution, enabling us to serve God wholeheartedly. We have examined three main perspectives on sanctification: perfectionism, the counteraction of sin, and the ongoing process that begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives.
The foundational principle is that sanctification is God's will for us. It is the ultimate purpose behind all of God's actions in history, from the Old Testament to the sending of His Son and the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is not merely an add-on to justification; it is an integral part of the salvation process. We must avoid the danger of isolating doctrines, as justification and sanctification are inseparably linked. The Bible teaches that the entire process of salvation is one continuous work of God, from justification to glorification.
Furthermore, we must recognize that sanctification is not something we seek separately from forgiveness. True forgiveness involves a desire to be separated from sin, which is the essence of sanctification. Evangelism that focuses solely on forgiveness without emphasizing sanctification is incomplete. The goal of evangelism is to reconcile people to God, which inherently involves sanctification.
Sanctification is primarily the work of God, attributed to the Father, the Son, and the 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 it is God who works in us. This involves a balance between God's work and our responsibility to live out our faith, mortifying sin and pursuing holiness.
Key Takeaways:
- Sanctification is God's will and purpose for us, integral to the entire process of salvation. It is not an optional add-on but the ultimate goal of God's work in our lives. Understanding this helps us see the continuity and unity in God's plan for our redemption. [05:15]
- Justification and sanctification are inseparable. We must avoid the error of isolating these doctrines, as they are part of the same divine process. This understanding prevents us from creating false divisions in our spiritual journey. [10:29]
- True forgiveness includes the beginning of sanctification. Seeking forgiveness means desiring separation from sin, which is the essence of sanctification. This insight challenges us to view forgiveness as more than just a release from guilt. [17:27]
- Evangelism must emphasize sanctification, not just forgiveness. The goal is to reconcile people to God, which involves being set apart for Him. This perspective ensures that our evangelistic efforts lead to genuine transformation. [18:30]
- Sanctification involves both God's work and our active participation. We must work out our salvation, recognizing that God empowers us to do so. This balance encourages us to engage in the process of becoming more like Christ. [32:54]
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 Views on Sanctification
[04:41] - God's Will for Our Sanctification
[06:30] - The Purpose of God's Actions
[09:01] - Dangers of Isolating Doctrines
[11:15] - Justification and Sanctification Connection
[14:12] - Seeking Forgiveness and Sanctification
[18:14] - Evangelism and Sanctification
[20:17] - Starting with God, Not Ourselves
[22:33] - The Process of Sanctification
[25:39] - God's Role in Sanctification
[32:01] - Our Role in Sanctification
[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. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:3 reveal about God's will for us concerning sanctification? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on sanctification as God's ultimate purpose? [05:15]
2. In John 17:17, Jesus prays for sanctification through truth. How does this prayer reflect the role of the Word in the sanctification process as discussed in the sermon? [06:45]
3. According to Philippians 2:12-13, what is the relationship between God's work in us and our responsibility in the process of sanctification? How was this balance described in the sermon? [32:54]
4. The sermon mentioned three views on sanctification: perfectionism, counteraction of sin, and an ongoing process. How do these views differ in their understanding of sanctification? [03:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding sanctification as God's will for us (1 Thessalonians 4:3) change the way believers view their spiritual journey and daily life? [05:15]
2. In what ways does the prayer of Jesus in John 17:17 challenge believers to engage with Scripture as a means of sanctification? How might this influence their daily practices? [06:45]
3. Philippians 2:12-13 speaks of working out our salvation. What practical steps can believers take to actively participate in their sanctification while acknowledging God's work in them? [32:54]
4. The sermon emphasized the inseparability of justification and sanctification. How does this understanding impact the way believers perceive their salvation and spiritual growth? [10:29]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of sanctification. How does viewing it as God's will for your life (1 Thessalonians 4:3) motivate you to pursue holiness more intentionally? [05:15]
2. Jesus prayed for sanctification through truth (John 17:17). What specific steps can you take to immerse yourself more deeply in God's Word this week to aid in your sanctification? [06:45]
3. Considering Philippians 2:12-13, identify one area of your life where you can actively work out your salvation. What practical actions will you take this week to align with God's work in you? [32:54]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of not isolating doctrines. How can you ensure that your understanding of justification and sanctification remains interconnected in your spiritual life? [10:29]
5. How does the idea that true forgiveness includes the beginning of sanctification challenge your current view of forgiveness? What changes might you need to make in your approach to seeking forgiveness? [17:27]
6. The sermon stressed the importance of evangelism that emphasizes sanctification. How can you incorporate this perspective into your conversations about faith with others? [18:30]
7. Reflect on the balance between God's work and your responsibility in sanctification. What is one specific area where you feel God is calling you to take more active steps in your spiritual growth? [32:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Sanctification as God's Ultimate Purpose
Sanctification is not an optional aspect of the Christian life; it is the very will and purpose of God for each believer. This process of being set apart for God is integral to the entire salvation journey, from justification to glorification. Understanding sanctification as God's ultimate goal helps believers see the continuity and unity in His redemptive plan. It is a divine work that involves cleansing from sin and empowering us to serve God wholeheartedly. Recognizing this truth encourages believers to embrace sanctification as a vital part of their spiritual growth and relationship with God. [05:15]
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 ways can you actively pursue sanctification in your daily life, recognizing it as God's will for you?
Day 2: The Inseparable Link Between Justification and Sanctification
Justification and sanctification are not separate doctrines but are part of the same divine process of salvation. Justification is the act of being declared righteous before God, while sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. These two aspects of salvation are inseparably linked, and isolating them can lead to misunderstandings in our spiritual journey. By understanding their connection, believers can avoid creating false divisions and appreciate the holistic nature of God's work in their lives. [10:29]
Romans 6:22 (ESV): "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life."
Reflection: How does understanding the connection between justification and sanctification change the way you view your spiritual journey?
Day 3: Forgiveness and the Beginning of Sanctification
True forgiveness is not just a release from guilt; it involves a desire to be separated from sin, which is the essence of sanctification. When we seek forgiveness, we are also seeking the beginning of sanctification in our lives. This insight challenges believers to view forgiveness as more than just a momentary relief but as a transformative process that leads to holiness. By embracing this perspective, believers can experience a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God. [17:27]
Hebrews 10:10 (ESV): "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Reflection: When you seek forgiveness, do you also desire to be set apart from sin? How can this understanding deepen your relationship with God?
Day 4: Evangelism and the Emphasis on Sanctification
Evangelism should not focus solely on forgiveness but must also emphasize sanctification. The goal of evangelism is to reconcile people to God, which inherently involves being set apart for Him. By highlighting sanctification, evangelistic efforts can lead to genuine transformation and a lasting relationship with God. This perspective ensures that new believers understand the full scope of salvation and are encouraged to grow in holiness. [18:30]
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the message of sanctification into your evangelistic efforts to ensure a holistic understanding of salvation?
Day 5: Active Participation in Sanctification
Sanctification is primarily the work of God, but believers are also called to actively participate in this process. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, recognizing that it is God who works in us. This involves a balance between God's work and our responsibility to live out our faith, mortifying sin and pursuing holiness. By engaging in this process, believers can become more like Christ and experience the fullness of God's transformative power in their lives. [32:54]
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: What specific steps can you take today to actively participate in your sanctification, acknowledging God's work in you?
Quotes
"Sanctification, as we understand it, is the process by which we are set apart for God, both externally and internally. This separation involves a cleansing from sin's pollution, enabling us to serve God wholeheartedly. We have examined three main perspectives on sanctification: perfectionism, the counteraction of sin, and the ongoing process that begins at regeneration and continues throughout our lives." [00:00:24]
"The ultimate purpose which God has in doing everything that he's 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 purpose when he sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law was still our sanctification." [00:05:41]
"Sanctification is God's will and purpose for us, integral to the entire process of salvation. It is not an optional add-on but the ultimate goal of God's work in our lives. Understanding this helps us see the continuity and unity in God's plan for our redemption." [00:05:15]
"Justification and sanctification are inseparable. We must avoid the error of isolating these doctrines, as they are part of the same divine process. This understanding prevents us from creating false divisions in our spiritual journey." [00:10:29]
"True forgiveness includes the beginning of sanctification. Seeking forgiveness means desiring separation from sin, which is the essence of sanctification. This insight challenges us to view forgiveness as more than just a release from guilt." [00:17:27]
"Evangelism must emphasize sanctification, not just forgiveness. The goal is to reconcile people to God, which involves being set apart for Him. This perspective ensures that our evangelistic efforts lead to genuine transformation." [00:18:30]
"Sanctification involves both God's work and our active participation. We must work out our salvation, recognizing that God empowers us to do so. This balance encourages us to engage in the process of becoming more like Christ." [00:32:54]
"Sanctification is primarily the work of God, attributed to the Father, the Son, and the 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 it is God who works in us." [00:32:01]
"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. You take that statement of James in his epistle in that fourth chapter which is sometimes not properly understood because of our translations." [00:22:33]
"Sanctification is first of all and primary 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 decide yourself to go in for it." [00:31:46]
"Sanctification is not something we seek separately from forgiveness. True forgiveness involves a desire to be separated from sin, which is the essence of sanctification. Evangelism that focuses solely on forgiveness without emphasizing sanctification is incomplete." [00:18:14]
"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." [00:20:17]
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