What does it mean to be transformed into the image of Christ? Dr. Stanley explains how God uses the power of the Holy Spirit to progressively shape your character into its Christlike best. Discover the path to deeper maturity and intimacy with the Lord through His sanctifying presence.
Sermon Outline
Do you think of yourself as a saint or a sinner? Since we all make mistakes, the first may seem unlikely. In Scripture, however, God clearly says who we are in Him. This week, Dr. Stanley helps us better understand the different stages of sanctification and our role in each.
Key Passage: 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Supporting Passages: 1 Corinthians 1:1-2; 1 Corinthians 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:6-11; Colossians 3:5-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Peter 1:13-15; 1 John 3:1-2
We’re considered a saint from the moment we believe in Jesus. Then the Holy Spirit continues working all through our life.
Sanctification defined:
To be sanctified, a person or object is set apart by God and for God (2 Thess. 2:13).
A saint is a person who has been saved by grace. This is not a title earned through exceptional virtue but a position granted at salvation.
All believers are saints, regardless of denomination or spiritual maturity.
“In the process of sanctification, you and I must cooperate with the Holy Spirit.”
Sanctification as a position:
At salvation, the Holy Spirit sanctifies every new believer, setting him or her apart unto God (1 Cor. 1:1-2).
Even the Corinthians, who struggled with serious moral failures, were saints (1 Cor. 5:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:6-11).
Positional sanctification is a one-time work of the Spirit, granted to each believer at salvation.
Sanctification as a process:
Throughout our life, we undergo a process whereby we’re conformed to Christ’s image
(1 Thess. 4:1-7).We cooperate with the Spirit by yielding, surrendering, and walking in obedience (v. 8).
This process requires action. We are commanded to put aside things like immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (Col. 3:5-8).
The way that we see ourselves matters. Understanding that we are saints and not merely “sinners saved by grace” orients our heart toward obedience.
“When we leave this old body behind, we will be completely and entirely sanctified.”
Sanctification as a promise:
When Christ returns, God will sanctify us entirely (1 Thess. 5:23; 1 Pet. 1:13).
We shall see Him as He is—and we will be like Him (1 John 3:1-2).
Ultimate sanctification occurs at the moment of Christ’s return, when the dead in Christ rise first and then those remaining are caught up with them (1 Thess. 4:16-17).
After Watching
In Christ, you’re already a saint. You can thank Him by using your own words or the following prayer: Father, sometimes it’s hard to believe You call me a saint. I’m set apart by Your grace. Help me live today as the person You’ve made me to be. When temptation comes, remind me Whose I am, and give me the strength to live out that truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Is there a habit, relationship, or pattern the Holy Spirit has been prompting you to step away from? Where you still need to cooperate with His leading, ask Him for help. Where He’s already shaped you toward obedience and holiness, give thanks.
