“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21 AMP
Some people today believe that Christianity is about getting “saved” and that is the end of the process. Nothing could be further from the truth! Once we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior a process or rebuilding begins. Being born again means that a new life has begun and as all life, growth should then take place. This process is known as sanctification. The word sanctify means to “set apart for a special purpose” or “to make holy.” The Apostle Peter wrote,
“For the time already past is [more than] enough for doing what the [unsaved] Gentiles like to do--living [unrestrained as you have done] in a course of [shameless] sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4In [connection with] all this, they [the unbelievers] are resentful and surprised that you do not [think like them, value their values and] run [hand in hand] with them into the same excesses of dissipation and immoral freedom, and they criticize and abuse and ridicule you and make fun of your values.”
1 Peter 4:3-4 AMP
We are not talking about our eternal salvation through the forgiveness of our sin but rather the “being confirmed to the image of Christ” in the life that we now live. The Scripture is clear that our life will speak louder than our words. If we have been transformed by the power of the blood of Christ, the old has passed away and the new should spring forth. The process of sanctification is a life-long process of Holy Spirit produced change freeing us from the sinful ways of our past. The Apostle Paul told the church at Rome that God predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.” Romans 8:29 Regeneration is the beginning of the process through being born again. Glorification is the end of the process when we will be taken home to be with Him. In between lies the process of sanctification! Paul wrote to the Philippians,
“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” Philippians 1:6 AMP
Notice that he said that God “will perfect and complete” His work in us! No one is exempt from the molding and shaping of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. The question and determining factor is, “how willing are you to submit?” Peter again wrote in his first Epistle,
“like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment],” 1 Peter 2:2 AMP
The word grow here in the Greek means to “grow to the extreme limit” or to “mount in authority or position.” The word is found 8 times in the Old Testament, and it always is in relation to God making something fruitful or numerous. Remember that it is God who has called us to sanctification, and it is He who will enable us to make the journey!
God’s Word, like seeds planted in the ground, need watered and nurtured until they bring forth the intended harvest. Paul prayed that we would “grow in the grace and knowledge of God’s Word.” It is engaging with that process that allows us to become closer to image of who Christ is and that reflected from our lives.
Let me encourage you today to dig into God’s Word. Listen today for the area that the Holy Spirit wants to work. Remember that God is going to complete the process so why not allow Him to transform you daily into the image of Christ!
"Set Apart"
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21 AMP
Some people today believe that Christianity is about getting “saved” and that is the end of the process. Nothing could be further from the truth! Once we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior a process or rebuilding begins. Being born again means that a new life has begun and as all life, growth should then take place. This process is known as sanctification. The word sanctify means to “set apart for a special purpose” or “to make holy.” The Apostle Peter wrote,
“For the time already past is [more than] enough for doing what the [unsaved] Gentiles like to do--living [unrestrained as you have done] in a course of [shameless] sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4In [connection with] all this, they [the unbelievers] are resentful and surprised that you do not [think like them, value their values and] run [hand in hand] with them into the same excesses of dissipation and immoral freedom, and they criticize and abuse and ridicule you and make fun of your values.”
1 Peter 4:3-4 AMP
We are not talking about our eternal salvation through the forgiveness of our sin but rather the “being confirmed to the image of Christ” in the life that we now live. The Scripture is clear that our life will speak louder than our words. If we have been transformed by the power of the blood of Christ, the old has passed away and the new should spring forth. The process of sanctification is a life-long process of Holy Spirit produced change freeing us from the sinful ways of our past. The Apostle Paul told the church at Rome that God predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.” Romans 8:29 Regeneration is the beginning of the process through being born again. Glorification is the end of the process when we will be taken home to be with Him. In between lies the process of sanctification! Paul wrote to the Philippians,
“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].” Philippians 1:6 AMP
Notice that he said that God “will perfect and complete” His work in us! No one is exempt from the molding and shaping of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. The question and determining factor is, “how willing are you to submit?” Peter again wrote in his first Epistle,
“like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment],” 1 Peter 2:2 AMP
The word grow here in the Greek means to “grow to the extreme limit” or to “mount in authority or position.” The word is found 8 times in the Old Testament, and it always is in relation to God making something fruitful or numerous. Remember that it is God who has called us to sanctification, and it is He who will enable us to make the journey!
God’s Word, like seeds planted in the ground, need watered and nurtured until they bring forth the intended harvest. Paul prayed that we would “grow in the grace and knowledge of God’s Word.” It is engaging with that process that allows us to become closer to image of who Christ is and that reflected from our lives.
Let me encourage you today to dig into God’s Word. Listen today for the area that the Holy Spirit wants to work. Remember that God is going to complete the process so why not allow Him to transform you daily into the image of Christ!
Have a transformational day! Pastor Ken