Becoming more like Jesus - Sanctification (Part 1) (Daily Encouragement with Ike Idegbema) Bible reading: 1 Peter 1:13-16, 2 Cor. 5:17, 2 Cor. 7:1, Romans 8:29 Memory verse: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conform to the likeness of His Son, that he might be the first born among many brothers” (Rom. 8:29 NIV) Lesson objective: The objective of this lesson is to define sanctification Often when children are asked, “What do want to be when you grow up?” Different answers are usually given, from being a policeman to being a mother. As a believer, what do you want to be? The host of heaven longs to hear the response, “I want to be like Jesus!” We can be carried away by what Christ wants us to do, that we easily overlook that He has first called us to be like Him. Becoming more like Jesus is a wonderful journey of transformation that is filled with divine lessons to enrich and empower us for a fruitful life as Christians. In this lesson on sanctification, we shall be considering the following sub-topics (1) The definition of sanctification (2) The development of sanctification (3) The devotion of sanctification (4) the difficulties of sanctification. (5) The discipline of sanctification (6) and the dependency of sanctification. But today we are considering: 1. The Definition of Sanctification (1 Peter 1:13-16): Sanctification (consecration) is the means by which God brings us to be what He wants us to be. It’s both an act of separation from evil and an act of separation to God. This work of separation unto God starts at our conversion; as our sins were forgiven and we were declared righteous, but it does not end there. (1 Peter 1:13-16). The purpose of sanctification is to develop God’s holiness in our lives. And by doing this we become more like Jesus. 2. Differentiating initial conversion and sanctification (1 Cor. 6:11): There is an important distinction between initial conversion and sanctification. Conversion occurs when we accept Christ as our lord and savior. At that moment we are justified; that is we receive the judicial act of God by which He pronounces sinners righteous, free from condemnation and restored to right relationship with Him. God sees us as though we had never sinned (Micah 7:19, Psalm 103: 12) He imputes Christ righteousness to us (2 Cor. 5:21). Justification is instantaneous or immediate. But sanctification, on the other hand is not immediate, but God’s work through the Holy Spirit within us to change our characters and conducts. Through the power released on us by the Holy Spirit, we separate ourselves from our old sinful lifestyles and dedicate ourselves to pleasing the lord. 3. Spiritual DNA (2 Cor. 5:17, 2 Cor. 7:1, and Gen. 1:21): When a child is born, the child has distinct, defining DNA markers such as eye color, physical features, and health concerns. Those inherited marks can’t be altered, yet the personality, disposition, and attitude of the child will be formed throughout that person’s lifetime. When God justifies and regenerates us (gives us new life), we are given spiritual DNA markers. Thus, we are certain to partake in and manifest God’s character of grace, love, and holiness. This is part of what it means to be saved (2 Cor. 5:17, 2 Cor. 7:1) 4. On the spot (Instantaneous) or On-going (Progressive) (1 Cor. 6:11, Rom. 8:29): Some people wonder if sanctification is on the spot thing or on-going process. To large extent, it is both! The day we surrender to Christ, we stand before God without condemnation and are declared holy (1 Cor. 6:11). Yet, sanctification is also an on-going experience, as we are “to be conformed to the likeness of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). This conformation takes a lifetime and process. Many come to Church wanting to become like some of the workers in the Church or even like the Pastors and when they feel they are measuring up to the standard they see in these older Christians, they become discouraged. Christian maturity or becoming more like Christ is an ongoing process that takes time. As we continue in prayer, studying the Word of God and fellowship, we soon become not only like the older Christians, but like our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Rev. Ike
Posted on: Sat, 11 Oct 2014 01:59:25 +0000
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