Explores the Christian journey of sanctification and transformation, urging believers to live sacrificially and resist worldly influences for spiritual growth.
Good morning, beloved. I greet you in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and the Sustainer of our faith. Today, we gather not as mere individuals, but as a family of believers, unified in our desire to know God more deeply, to grow in our faith, and to allow His Word to shape us and mold us into the very likeness of Christ.
In the words of the esteemed preacher Charles Spurgeon, "There is no university for a Christian like that of sorrow and trial." Indeed, the path of sanctification, the process by which we are made holy, is not always an easy one. It is a path marked by trials, tribulations, and challenges. Yet, it is also a path that leads us to a deeper, more profound understanding of God's love for us and His desire for us to be transformed into the image of His Son.
Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Romans, specifically Romans 12:1-2:
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."
When we consider the life of Jesus Christ, we see a perfect example of sanctification. He lived a life completely set apart for God's purposes. His every action, His every word, His every thought was in perfect alignment with the will of His Father. He was the embodiment of holiness, the epitome of righteousness. And it is through Him that we too are sanctified.
Not something we can achieve on our own: It is not a product of our own efforts or good deeds. It is a gift, freely given by God through His Son. It is a process that begins the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and continues throughout our lives as we grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior: We are justified in the eyes of God. Our sins are forgiven, and we are declared righteous. But that is just the beginning. From that point on, we embark on a process of sanctification, of becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions. This process is not always easy. It involves surrendering our will to God's will, letting go of our desires and embracing God's desires for us. It involves dying to self and living for Christ. It involves turning away from sin and striving to live a life of holiness.
Not alone in this process: Jesus Christ is with us every step of the way. He is our guide, our mentor, our strength. He is the one who empowers us to live a sanctified life. Through His death and resurrection, He has made a way for us to be sanctified.
Now, let's look at the process of sanctification in more detail.
As we immerse ourselves in the profound wisdom of Romans 12:1-2, we are drawn to the Apostle Paul's exhortation to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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