Sermon Notes: Sanctification

I.The Goal & Foundation

1 Thessalonians 4:1–3a (ESV)

1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as

in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2

For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God’s will that

you should be sanctified…

Focus Point:

The goal of every Christian is to please God and to never be satisfied with where we are

spiritually.

Understanding Sanctification

• Sanctification = to be set apart

o OT: Tabernacle, Sabbath, Priests

o NT: Saints aka Believers aka US!

Understanding Justification…

Definition:

Justification - God’s legal declaration that a sinner is righteous solely by grace through our faith in

Jesus Christ

- One Time Event

- Initial point of repentance

• Not made righteous → Declared righteous
• God is the Judge—we are guilty
• Through Jesus → we are set free

1. Sanctification is Ongoing Repentance

• Justification = Initial repentance
• Sanctification = Ongoing repentance

Revelation 2:5 ESV - Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the

works you did at first.

The Holy Spirit makes us self-aware of our sin - more than our “moral compass”

God wants us to continue to repent because our relationship is rooted in LOVE.

Romans 2:4 “…the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.”

III. Sanctification Grows Through Spiritual Growth & Discipline

1. Growth as the Body

• We are equipped through one another
• Even less experienced believers can sharpen us

1. Growth as Individuals

James 1:17 (KJV)

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”

Spiritual Disciplines

• Be in the Word
• Practice humility
• Forgive others

Humility is Essential

James 4:10 (KJV)

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

• Repentance begins with humility
• Humility = thinking of yourself less

Assurance of Salvation

Romans 8:30 (KJV)

“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called… justified… glorified.”

• Written in past tense
• Your future is secure

1. Sanctification Multiplies Through Gospel

Witness

• As we are sanctified → we share the Gospel
• Growth leads to mission