IT’S NOT MY JOB!

Philippians 2:12-16

INTRODUCTION: Some people believe that their sanctification is all God’s work and none of their own effort. Other believers feel that their sanctification is all their own responsibility and that they must be committed to their own sanctification. However our Lord has made it very clear that our sanctification is both God’s work and our work! Philippians 2:12-13; John 3:8. The word used for wind and spirit in both the Hebrew and Greek language is the same. Philippians 3:12-14. Are we also pressing toward the goal God has set for our lives?

I. SANCTIFICATION—NOT AN OPTION!

We are all being formed spiritually. The question is “By whom will we be spiritually formed? And what will we be like after we are formed? Romans 12:1-2. Truly, Christ-likeness—our sanctification is God’s will for all of us: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Hebrews 12:14-15. If we do not pursue holiness of life God’s Word tells us we will never see God: 1 John 3:1-3. We all have reasons why we do not pursue holiness but they will not sell with our God.

II. SANCTIFICATION IS NOT AN EVENT!

Our salvation is an event! It happens in an instant in time when we personally place our faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior: John 5:24. Our personal sanctification is different: Philippians 3:13-14. Just like the apostle Paul, we too must press on when we have our times of failure to walk with the Lord in personal holiness. We must learn to keep pursuing personal holiness even through our failures: Luke 9:62. 1 Peter 5:8-11: We must learn to press on no matter how many times we might fail. Sanctification is a life-long-process. So we don’t give up. We press on! Proverbs 3:5-6.

III. GOD EMPOWERS OUR SANCTIFICATION!

In Romans 12:2 the apostle Paul gives us the prescription for continued sanctification. Paul did not say transform yourselves. He said be transformed by the renewing of your mind. In other words “Let God’s Word and God’s Spirit do the work they desire to do!” 1 Thessalonians 5:19. Where is the Spirit of God working in your heart tonight? Are you setting the sail of your life to make the greatest effect of what God is up to in your life? Do you need God’s wisdom to understand what God is seeking to accomplish within you? James 1:2-8. Set your sail and ask the question Saul of Tarsus asked of Christ: Acts 9:6 KJV. 2 Chronicles 16:9; Isaiah 40:31.

IV. WHAT DOES BIBLICAL SANCTIFICATION LOOK LIKE IN OUR LIVES?

Matthew 23:23-28: Sanctification that God is pleased with is not just external white washed walls. True sanctification is in the heart. It works itself out in a life lived in the fruit of the Spirit of God. We need to yield to the Holy Spirit’s working in our hearts in order to be truly sanctified: Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:22-26. None of us are perfect in these things but we keep pressing on. Is it your goal to live a life controlled by the Holy Spirit? 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. Have you asked the Holy Spirit to examine your heart lately? Psalm 139:23-24; 1 Peter 5:8-11.