OUTLINE:

How Are We Sanctified?
Most “Christians” make gross estimations about how God goes about sanctifying them. The most common, in our area at least, is the religious estimation of sanctification. Many self-professing Christians don’t even know what sanctification is (at best they understand the concept of spiritual growth). (cp Ps 111:10; Pr 4:7; 9:10)

Sanctification
Never, EVER speculate about how God sanctifies His own. The definition for, and the mechanics behind, sanctification aren’t “felt” into place or arrived at through philosophical debate. They are given in ONE place:  the Word of God. (2Ti 3:13-17)

Sanctification – Results vs. Causes
We must learn to differentiate between results described in the Bible and their causes. For example, a result is peace, where the cause is righteousness (ala “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” - Heb 12:11).

Results vs. Causes
If we get these two things backwards, we suffer. (Is 5:20; Mt 6:22-23)

Gratitude that Leads to Devotion
God doesn’t just want you to be grateful, He wants to remind you, by grace, exactly WHY you have so much to be grateful for, starting with the fact that we are saved/sanctified DAILY! (1Th 5:16-22)

Humility
Within thankfulness (gratitude) is humility. Living in a lifestyle of thanksgiving is clearly a big part of sanctification. The very peace our Lord has promised us (Jn 14:27) is directly linked to gratitude (Col 3:15).

Sanctification
Sanctification is our salvation alive and active. Our salvation shines out of darkness, showing us the way from our previous lives; for there is real momentum that we must contend with, even after we are born-again. (cp Job 29:2-3; Col 1:13; Jn 1:4-5; 2co 4:5-7)

Stay the Course!
America is racked with prosperity that most of its citizens cannot handle in terms of bringing glory to God (this includes immature believers). The temptation for believers is to become envious of others’ prosperity, even if they are evil. (cp Ps 73)

The Blessings “Litmus Test”
If what you are “doing” is taking you away from your “first love,” it isn’t from God (no matter how well it matches with your plans of “success” or how good it “feels” or how admired you are for it). God’s foremost command is to love (Him first, then others - Mk 12:28-31).

String of Pearls
- Humility is the key to the spiritual life.
- Obedience is the evidence of it, ensuring righteousness.
- Devotion is the focus activity.
- Peace and joy are the results.

Php 1:6 [Amplified Classic]
And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

God is asking us to "excel still more”. (1Th 4:1, 10)

OBEDIENCE

The Sphere Of Love
Anyone abiding in the sphere of love WANTS to DO what love desires. In the case of children of God, it is to OBEY their Father in Heaven.