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Evidence and experience of sanctification
Song: Bible references: 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. Jesus Prays for All Believers 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:14-23). Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. (Hebrews 2:11). 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. (Hebrews 13:11-12). 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). 5 All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the wilderness during the journey from Egypt had not. 6 The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. (Joshua 5:5-8). Hezekiah Celebrates the Passover 1 Hezekiah sent word to all Israel and Judah and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, inviting them to come to the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel. 2 The king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem decided to celebrate the Passover in the second month. 3 They had not been able to celebrate it at the regular time because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not assembled in Jerusalem. 4 The plan seemed right both to the king and to the whole assembly. 5 They decided to send a proclamation throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, calling the people to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel. It had not been celebrated in large numbers according to what was written. (2 Chronicles 30:1-5). For it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16). “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. (Leviticus 19:2). Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14). A psalm of David. 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? 2 The one whose walk is blameless, Whoever does these things Introduction It is important that you know that sanctification is possible and necessary for every Christian. Sanctify them - This word means to render pure, or to cleanse from sins. Sanctification in the heart of a Christian is progressive. It consists in his becoming more like God and less attached to the world; in his getting the ascendancy (dominance, control, power) over evil thoughts, and passions, and impure desires; and in his becoming more and more weaned from earthly objects, and attached to those things which are unseen and eternal. The word also means "to consecrate, to set apart to a holy office or purpose." What is Sanctification? This word (sanctification) has two meanings: 1. It signifies to consecrate, to separate from earth and common use, and to devote or dedicate to God and his service. 2. It signifies to make holy or pure. The prayer of Christ may be understood in both these senses. He prayed – a. That they might be fully consecrated to the work of the ministry, and separated from all worldly concerns. b. That they might be holy, and patterns of all holiness to those to whom they announced the salvation of God. In summary, sanctification is: 1. Total devotion and consecration and submission unto God; not minding your personality. 2. Complete fellowship with God, loving God with all your soul, mind, and strength. Obedience (holiness) both inwardly and outwardly. 3. Pride and depravity is taken away. ‘The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.’ (Deuteronomy 30:6). 3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. (Psalm 24:3-4). 4. Suspicion, deceit, unforgiving spirit, selfishness and depravity must be taken away. 5. No hypocrisy, divorce, bitterness, anger. 6. When sanctified, there must be unity, mercy, loving compassion; you cannot condone grudges or enmity. You’ll always seek reconciliation. No yoke or burden between you and God or Man. You’ve got a light heart. 7. Don’t say things harshly. God bless you. In His Vineyard, JB Oseh |