What does "sanctification of the Spirit" mean for daily Christian living? Setting the Verse in Context “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.” (1 Peter 1:2) Defining “Sanctification of the Spirit” • “Sanctify” means “set apart” for God’s holy purposes. • The Spirit is the Person of the Trinity who applies Christ’s finished work to believers. • In this verse, Peter highlights two inseparable ideas: being set apart and being empowered for “obedience to Jesus Christ.” The Spirit Sets Us Apart Positionally At conversion the Spirit: • Regenerates (John 3:5–6). • Marks believers as God’s own (Ephesians 1:13–14). • Moves us from darkness to light (Colossians 1:13). Daily implication: we wake up already belonging to God—not trying to earn a place, but living from it. The Spirit Transforms Us Progressively • 2 Corinthians 3:18: “we are being transformed into His image from glory to glory… by the Spirit.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:3: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” Daily implication: growth is expected, gradual, Spirit-driven, and Christ-focused. Daily Expressions of Sanctification • Choosing obedience over self-rule: the Spirit inclines the will (Philippians 2:13). • Bearing fruit: love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22-23). • Battling sin’s impulses: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Renewing the mind through Scripture the Spirit inspired (Romans 12:2). • Growing in affection for Christ: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). Practical Helps for Walking in the Spirit • Start the day acknowledging His indwelling presence. • Stay in the Word the Spirit uses to shape thinking. • Confess sin quickly; He convicts to restore, not condemn (1 John 1:9). • Rely on His power in weakness—pray “according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:26). • Engage with the church family; sanctification is communal (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouragement from Other Passages • Hebrews 10:14: “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Already perfect in standing, still being perfected in practice. • Jude 24: He “is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless.” The Spirit will finish what He starts. Living in the Assurance of Grace Every ordinary moment—work, family, suffering, or rest—is an arena where the Spirit’s sanctifying power meets real life. Because He sets us apart and keeps shaping us, we can step into each day confident that obedience is possible, growth is promised, and Christ will be seen in us. |
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