TEXT: Philippians 2:12-18 (CSB) – “Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.”
Paul is giving us a very good picture of the Biblical Doctrine of Sanctification. Sanctification is the process of setting apart or the state of being set apart – for God and from the world. We looked yesterday at the definition of Sanctification, and today, we will look at the description of Sanctification.
When we come to this study, we find that there are two sides to this issue – the Divine side and the Human side – or – God’s part and Our part.
Let’s begin with God’s part –Reread verse 13 – “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” In the Phillips translation it states, “For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and power to achieve His purpose.” And, the Living Bible translates it as “For God is at work within you helping you to want to obey Him, and then helping you to do what He wants.”
Ultimately, Paul wants us to see that it must be God who sanctifies (sets apart) us. As one of my mentors would say, “God the Father planned it; God the Son provided it; God the Holy Spirit performs it.”
So, what is Our Part? Well, relook at verses 14 – 16a – “. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world….”
The question then becomes, “How do we do this?”
First – Salvation; Second – Education; Third – Dedication
We start by faith in Christ’s redemptive work. It is faith in Christ that sets us apart. The Scriptures teach us that it is “by faith” –
· We live (Rom 1:17)
· We walk (2 Cor. 5:7)
· We stand (2 Cor. 1:24)
· We fight (1 Tim. 6:12)
· We overcome (1 John 5:4)
As we become aware of what Christ has done – to what extent He has redeemed – bought us back – from the world and sin, we become separated. This is accomplished through the Word of God – “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). The Word read, believed, and obeyed is an effective way of sanctification. That is why I always challenge people to read their Bibles daily.
And, also through the complete dedication of our life. Romans 12: 1,2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The problem with being a living sacrifice is that we want to climb off the altar. And, we dedicate ourselves through self-judgment, personal renunciation of sin, and the active pursuit of holiness
So, Sanctified Saint – how do you measure up? Do you walk as close to the world as possible? Or, DO you seek to live as a citizen of a heavenly kingdom?
Two sides – God’s and Our’s.
God will willingly uphold His end.
How about you? Are you aware of God working in you? Do you desire to live that life that is pleasing to the Father?
Commit today to:
· Trusting Christ – not for just the future – but for life now.
· Bible Study – Read, Believe, Obey
· Dedicate your whole being to God.
No comments:
Post a Comment