What does "sanctified in Christ Jesus" imply about our daily conduct? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Greeting “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…” (1 Corinthians 1:2) • Paul addresses believers first by who they already are—“sanctified”—before he ever tells them what to do. • This opening locates every command that follows in the letter inside a settled identity: set apart in Christ. What “Sanctified in Christ Jesus” Means • “Sanctified” (hēgiasmenois) is a completed action: believers have been set apart for God’s holy purposes the moment they trusted Christ. • The phrase “in Christ Jesus” anchors sanctification not in self-effort but in union with the risen Lord. • Scripture treats sanctification in two complementary ways: – Positional: we are already holy in God’s sight (Hebrews 10:10). – Progressive: we are steadily being made holy in experience (Hebrews 10:14). Identity Before Conduct • Because we belong to Christ, we do not behave to become holy; we behave because we are holy. • Daily choices flow out of an unchanging status: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • The gospel pattern is always indicative before imperative—fact before duty. Daily Conduct Implications Being “sanctified in Christ Jesus” reshapes ordinary life: • Speech – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). – Words now aim to build up because they come from hearts already set apart. • Body – “Present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). – Choices about sexuality, health, and habits acknowledge ownership by Christ. • Mind – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). – Thought life is guarded; entertainment and information are filtered through holiness. • Relationships – “Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). – Forgiveness and sacrificial love mark interactions because we share a sanctified family identity. • Work and Service – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). – Vocation becomes ministry; excellence and integrity witness to the One who set us apart. Companion Verses That Echo the Call • John 17:17 — “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” • 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “Be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 — “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • 1 John 2:6 — “Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” Putting It Into Practice Today • Start each day remembering: “I am sanctified in Christ.” • Saturate heart and mind with Scripture; the Word is the Spirit’s primary tool for ongoing sanctification. • Yield promptly when the Spirit convicts; obedience is cooperation with who you already are. • Engage fellowship and accountability—God often advances holiness through the body of Christ. • Rest securely: sanctification began in Christ, continues by His power, and will be completed when He returns (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). |
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