Ephesians 4:1 says “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”
This passage informs us on the importance of living a sanctified life because of our calling and because of He, by whom we have been called. When we think about a life of sanctification, many believers think that this is for the “elite” amongst us like pastors and church leaders, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is the same as saying that breathing is only for athletes, how many of us would believe that? None of us would because we all need to breath. A life of sanctification is for every believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
Sanctification does not only mean separating ourselves from sin and from anything that grieves the Holy Spirit, but it also mean attaching ourselves to God. A life of sanctification is a life set apart. To be set apart is to be separated from the unclean things. Since the creation, God’s desire, and blueprint for us was for man to be attached to Him. Hence why he created man and placed him in his presence (in Eden). God did not entrust man to any other person or being but to himself. At the cool of the day God walked with Adam (Genesis 3:8) implying this was their common practice, God and man walking together hand in hand. The first commandment in the bible is “I Am the Lord your God” followed by “You shall not have another God before me”. It means I God, should be the only one in your sight. (Exodus 20:2-3)
The reason why a life of sanctification is important is because we are called to it, we are called to live and commanded not to try to be holy but to be holy. That is our identity. (1 Peter 1: 15,16) We are called to live the life of God, the life of Christ. We are called to live as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). We are called heavenward, to be citizens of the greatest kingdom ever. We are carriers of glory (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are children of God and co-heir with Jesus. Set apart for God’s special purposes in the world:
“Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy; for I am the LORD your God. Keep my statutes and do them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 20:7-8).
Paul also writes, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
Believers have been set free from their slavery to sin. Living a life, a holy and sanctified life is a proof of our transformation. The bible says you shall know them by their fruit. To say that we are born again Christians is great but where is the fruit that a sanctified person produces?
Finally, there is a purpose to everything that God does and asks of us. A sanctified life is a life of freedom and continual communion and fellowship with the Lord. It is a guilt-free life and a life of peace. It is a life that allows us to be ready to hear from God and be always used by Him. A life of sanctification is a life of power, we are drained of power when we do not live according to the will of God. It is a life of focus and dedication to God.
Prayer Points
- Sanctification begins by the inner workings of the Holy Spirt in a man’s heart. Let’s ask God to search and to show us the areas in our lives that needs his cleansing and purifying. Those secret areas of our thoughts and our desires that are holding is captive. Renounce and reject them as he reveals them to you one by one so that nothing would hold you back from God. (Psalm 139:23,24)
- Sanctification is a way to draw near to God, desire nearness with God James 4:8. As the Lord draws you to himself, you are drawn away from the things that pull you away from Him. Ask God to draw you closer to Himself
- Make up your mind to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and surrender to him. Don’t be double minded, you cannot seek sanctification while also enjoying sin. Choose this day to serve the Lord and ask for his grace to sustain you were you are weak (Joshua 24:15)
- Lord, it is your will for me to be sanctified therefore give me the grace to live a sanctified life, holy, and righteous life. (1 Thessalonians 4:3,) Yahweh Mekoddishkem
- Thank you Lord for making sanctification, holy and faithful living possible for me by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen!