The Intentional Pursuit of Sanctification

Salvation is the miracle of a moment. Sanctification, discipleship and really knowing Jesus is a journey of a lifetime.

Salvation is determined by a one-time confession of faith in Jesus and repentance of sin.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.Romans 10:9-10

Discipleship is the intentional process of becoming a committed follower of Jesus.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.Matthew 16:24-25

Sanctification is the process of growing in Christlikeness by intentionally putting one’s flesh to death.

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.John 17:15-17

Good discipleship should bring greater sanctification.

When we are saved

• We become a new creature.
• We receive the Holy Spirit.
• We receive a new heart.
• Our Spirit is made alive in Jesus.
• We have a new mind.
• We are declared righteous.

When we are saved

• We still have a flesh that desires to live.
• We will still face temptation.
• We will still sin.

While sinless perfection will not take place until we see Jesus, we must continually pursue sanctification.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.1 John 1:10

If we are saved, why pursue Christlikeness?

Our spiritual growth glorifies God.

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.1 Corinthians 6:20

Our spiritual growth shows evidence of salvation.

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.1 John 2:3-5

Our spiritual growth shows evidence of a healthy relationship with Jesus.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.John 15:5

Our spiritual growth protects the name of Jesus.

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.2 Timothy 2:19

Our spiritual growth prepares us for greater usefulness to Jesus.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.2 Timothy 2:20-21

Our spiritual growth encourages others.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.3 John 1:4

Our spiritual growth displays the Gospel to others.

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.John 4:29-30

How is your growth?

How do you continue in your spiritual growth?

What is hindering your growth?