Understanding Sanctification: The Journey of Christian Life
Summary
In the 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, Jesus prays for the sanctification of His followers, stating, "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth." This highlights the method of sanctification as taught in Scripture, emphasizing that every truth in the Bible contributes to our sanctification. The doctrine of God, sin, the law, punishment, judgment, and hell all point towards sanctification. While sanctification is found throughout Scripture, Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8 provide a detailed exposition of this doctrine.
The Apostle Paul addresses a misunderstanding in the early church that justification by faith in Christ allows for a life of sin. He refutes this by emphasizing the impossibility of a Christian continuing in sin due to the nature of Christian salvation. Justification and sanctification are inseparable; to think otherwise is a grave error. Romans 6 outlines the argument, which is expanded in chapters 7 and 8, showing that all Christians are spiritual and have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them.
Paul explains that through our union with Christ, we are dead to sin and alive to God. This union means we have been crucified, buried, and resurrected with Christ, and we are now seated with Him in heavenly places. Our salvation is not partial but complete, encompassing wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. However, while our spirits are redeemed, our bodies remain subject to sin. This duality means that while we are spiritually alive, our bodies are still dead because of sin.
The struggle against sin continues in our mortal bodies, but we are not left hopeless. The Holy Spirit works within us, leading us to truth and empowering us to live righteously. We are called to actively participate in this sanctification process by not allowing sin to reign in our bodies and by yielding ourselves to God. The ultimate hope is the redemption of our bodies, which will occur when Christ returns. Until then, we are to purify ourselves, knowing that we are children of God destined for glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Sanctification is a comprehensive process involving every truth in Scripture. It is not limited to specific passages but is woven throughout the Bible, pointing us towards holiness and a deeper relationship with God. [00:31]
- Justification and sanctification are inseparable. To separate them is to misunderstand the nature of Christian salvation, which is complete and encompasses all aspects of our being. [04:45]
- Our union with Christ means we are dead to sin and alive to God. This union is not partial; it involves every aspect of our being, and we are called to live in the reality of this truth. [15:18]
- While our spirits are redeemed, our bodies remain subject to sin. This duality requires us to actively engage in the sanctification process, relying on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance. [23:03]
- The ultimate hope for Christians is the redemption of our bodies. This future reality motivates us to live holy lives now, purifying ourselves as we await the complete fulfillment of our salvation. [29:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Sanctification
- [00:31] - The Role of Scripture in Sanctification
- [01:05] - Key Doctrines of Sanctification
- [01:50] - Romans 6-8: A Deep Dive
- [03:38] - The Impossibility of Continuing in Sin
- [04:45] - Justification and Sanctification
- [05:13] - Overview of Romans 6-8
- [07:02] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [09:40] - The Doctrine of Sin
- [12:14] - Complete Salvation in Christ
- [15:18] - Union with Christ
- [21:31] - Dead to Sin, Alive to God
- [29:26] - Redemption of Our Bodies
- [35:27] - The Process of Sanctification
- [44:07] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17:17 - "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth."
2. Romans 6:1-14
3. Romans 8:5-9
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#### Observation Questions
1. In John 17:17, what does Jesus identify as the method of sanctification for His followers? How does this relate to the role of Scripture in our lives? [00:31]
2. According to Romans 6:1-14, what is the Apostle Paul's argument against the idea that Christians can continue in sin? [04:12]
3. How does Romans 8:5-9 describe the difference between those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit? [06:14]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between justification and sanctification? [04:45]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "dead to sin and alive to God" in Romans 6:11-13 impact a believer's daily life and choices? [18:52]
2. What does the sermon imply about the completeness of salvation in Christ, and how does this affect our understanding of sanctification? [13:28]
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit assist believers in the process of sanctification, according to the sermon? [36:11]
4. How does the future hope of the redemption of our bodies, as mentioned in Romans 8:23, influence our current pursuit of holiness? [29:26]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding of sanctification. How can you actively engage with Scripture to deepen your sanctification process? [00:31]
2. Consider a specific area in your life where you struggle with sin. How can the truth of being "dead to sin" empower you to overcome this struggle? [18:52]
3. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily decisions and actions? What practical steps can you take to be more attuned to His leading? [36:11]
4. In what ways can you remind yourself of the inseparable nature of justification and sanctification in your spiritual journey? [04:45]
5. Identify a situation where you have felt defeated by sin. How can the hope of the future redemption of your body encourage you to persevere in holiness? [29:26]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset that sees your union with Christ as complete, affecting every aspect of your life? [15:18]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to "yield your members as instruments of righteousness unto God"? [24:30]
Devotional
Day 1: The All-Encompassing Nature of Sanctification
Sanctification is a comprehensive process that involves every truth in Scripture, guiding believers towards holiness and a deeper relationship with God. It is not confined to specific passages but is woven throughout the Bible, pointing us towards a life that reflects God's character. The doctrine of sanctification is not just about moral improvement but about being set apart for God's purposes. As believers engage with the truths of Scripture, they are transformed and renewed, becoming more like Christ in their thoughts, actions, and desires. This process is ongoing and requires a commitment to studying and applying God's Word in every area of life. [00:31]
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate a specific truth from Scripture into your daily routine this week to further your sanctification?
Day 2: The Inseparability of Justification and Sanctification
Justification and sanctification are inseparable aspects of Christian salvation. To separate them is to misunderstand the nature of salvation, which is complete and encompasses all aspects of our being. Justification is the act of being declared righteous before God through faith in Christ, while sanctification is the process of becoming holy and set apart for God's purposes. Both are essential components of the Christian life, and one cannot exist without the other. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Romans, emphasizing that a true understanding of justification leads to a life of holiness and obedience. Believers are called to live in the reality of their justification, allowing it to transform their lives and lead them towards sanctification. [04:45]
"For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you allow the truth of your justification to influence your daily decisions and actions, leading you towards greater sanctification?
Day 3: Union with Christ: Dead to Sin, Alive to God
Our union with Christ means we are dead to sin and alive to God. This union is not partial; it involves every aspect of our being, and we are called to live in the reality of this truth. Through our union with Christ, we have been crucified, buried, and resurrected with Him, and we are now seated with Him in heavenly places. This profound truth means that our old self, dominated by sin, has been put to death, and we are now empowered to live a new life in Christ. This new life is characterized by righteousness, holiness, and a deep relationship with God. Believers are called to embrace this identity and live in a way that reflects their union with Christ. [15:18]
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ and live out the reality of being dead to sin and alive to God?
Day 4: The Duality of Redemption: Spiritually Alive, Physically Subject to Sin
While our spirits are redeemed, our bodies remain subject to sin. This duality requires us to actively engage in the sanctification process, relying on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance. The struggle against sin continues in our mortal bodies, but we are not left hopeless. The Holy Spirit works within us, leading us to truth and empowering us to live righteously. Believers are called to actively participate in this process by not allowing sin to reign in their bodies and by yielding themselves to God. This requires a daily commitment to surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to transform our lives. [23:03]
"So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh." (Romans 8:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power to overcome sin?
Day 5: The Hope of Redemption: Awaiting the Fulfillment of Our Salvation
The ultimate hope for Christians is the redemption of our bodies. This future reality motivates us to live holy lives now, purifying ourselves as we await the complete fulfillment of our salvation. While we experience spiritual redemption in this life, the full redemption of our bodies will occur when Christ returns. This hope gives believers the strength to persevere in their faith and live in a way that honors God. It is a reminder that our current struggles with sin and suffering are temporary, and a glorious future awaits us. As we look forward to this day, we are called to live in anticipation, purifying ourselves and growing in holiness. [29:26]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: How does the hope of future redemption influence your perspective on current challenges and motivate you to pursue holiness today?
Quotes
In the 17th chapter of The Gospel According to St John and in the 17th verse sanctify them through or in thy truth Thy word is truth that is clearly therefore an indication of the method of sanctification as it is taught in the scripture now the question arises at once what truth is this sanctify them in thy truth well our Lord answers the question Thy word is truth what word well the whole of the word in in other words everything that is in the Bible ministers to our sanctification. [00:00:31]
The Apostle is here out to show the utter impossibility of a Christian's continuing in sin and he says that it is impossible because of the nature of the Christian salvation you see he puts it in that question what shall we say then shall we continue in sin that Grace May abound God forbid that's it how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein that's the theme the impossibility he puts it as strongly as that as I want to show you of the Christian continuing in sin. [00:03:38]
The whole character and nature of the Christian salvation makes that quite impossible indeed if you like we could say that the theme of Romans 67 and 8 is this is to denounce with horror the tendency of people to separate justification from sanctification that's the whole message of chapter 6 7 and 8 of Romans to say that if you think you can stop at justification you are doing something which the Apostle says is so terrible that he can say nothing about it but God forbid that anybody should think such a thing or ever draw such a deduction. [00:04:45]
In chapter 8 Paul is not describing some special Christian who's had some Second Blessing he's describing any Christian every Christian If any man he says have not the spirit of Christ he is none of hiss if you haven't got the spirit of Christ in you says Paul you're just not a Christian at all and he says of these people they are not carnal they are not in the flesh they are in the spirit they were before conversion in the flesh but the moment you're converted you're no longer In the Flesh or in the spirit. [00:07:02]
Our Salvation in Christ is not a partial Salvation it's an entire salvation it's a complete salvation and what he sets out to do in this in this great passage in chapter 6 7 and 8 is just to work out that theme and to prove it now then the great text in my opinion is the 14th verse in the sixth chapter here it is for sin shall not have dominion over you for you are not under law but under grace that's the text observe what he says he doesn't say that sin ought not to have dominion over you he says sin shall not have dominion over you. [00:12:14]
The fundamental principle is our Union with Christ read again the second half of chapter 5 when you go home and you'll see that the argument is as we were in Adam so we are in Christ we've reaped all the consequences of what Adam did we have reaped all the consequences of what Christ has done that's the parallel what does this mean well we are joined to him in every respect let me put it negatively by putting it like this we are not only joined to the Lord Jesus Christ in some respects we are joined to him entirely. [00:15:18]
We are not only dead to the law but we are also dead to sin as far as we are concerned he says sin is no more we are dead to it he's got a great argument to prove that in the next chapter the argument of a woman married to a husband and the moment the husband is dead she's free that's his own illustration he puts it in the sixth chapter in for in the for in the form of this argument that uh you're a slave and you're owned by a but another one comes and buys you out and then you don't belong to the first you belong to the second. [00:21:31]
In our Christian salvation at this moment my spirit is entirely redeemed my body is not let me give you my evidence for saying that according to this teaching our bodies are still subject to sin our bodies are still dominated by sin and ruled and governed by sin our bodies I am not because I'm dead to sin I finished with it but my body still is under the Dominion of sin Christ has redeemed my spirit perfectly that's the new men but my body Still Remains under the throm of sin as the result of the let me give you the evidence. [00:23:03]
I am as a Christian my spirit is already redeemed but my body is not and what I'm waiting for is the day which is coming when my body shall be redeemed as well as my spirit because of sin and the fall of Adam I've gone down spirit and body Christ has come in he's already saved my spirit the body is not yet redeemed I'm waiting for the adoption to with the Redemption of my body well what is our position he ask does that mean therefore that as Christians we are condemned to a life of hopeless struggling and misery and failure and wretchedness in this world. [00:29:26]
The Holy Spirit Works Upon Our Wills he creates desires after Holiness he reveals sin to us in all its foulness and ugliness and creates aspirations after Purity and the life of God not only that he gives us strength and power and enabling to do what we I want to do what else well as Paul tells us in the 14th verse of the 8th chapter as many as are led by the spirit of God they are the sons of God and that is true again of every single Christian the spirit is in him and he is led by the spirit in the way I've just been describing. [00:35:27]
We are to see that we are already redeemed as spirits that the problem remains in this body we are to see that even that eventually is going to be delivered what do we do in the meantime well he shows us reckon yourselves indeed to be dead under sin but alive unto God he gives this assurance and confidence and certainty of ultimate Victory I no longer feel defeated I know that I'm on the Victorious side and that I must just go on then he gives an appeal to me he says let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body. [00:44:07]
There is a day coming when this process of redemption started in Me by Christ which has already delivered me as a spiritual being and has made me dead to sin there is a day when my body shall be equally dead to sin and I shall be perfect and entire faultless and blameless without spot and blemish standing face to face with God they love J who agrees entirely with Paul beloved now are we the sons of God now it does not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he does appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is. [00:49:33]
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