Sanctification: The Process

Rev_Rick · 09-26-2007, 01:57 AM

Sanctification: The Process – 2 Timothy 2:19-21

Imagine walking into a room and noticing two ceramic vessels. One is a gracefully curved gold pitcher. The other is a plain pot. Which would catch your eye and draw you in for a closer look?
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul used this metaphor to explain how some Christians honor the Lord with their life and service. Others bring shame to the Gospel through selfish living. Scripture commonly uses the vessel image because believers should be “filled with” the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 says the Holy Spirit trains us in righteousness and strengthens us in suffering. His work begins on the inside, where He adjusts our thinking to align with God’s Word. Our beliefs affect our actions. The Lord wants our behavior to conform to the perceptions the Holy Spirit places on our spirit.
If a person cooperates with the Lord in removing ungodly actions and attitudes, then he becomes a “vessel of honor.” He can be used for God’s kingdom. As believers, our responsibility in the sanctification process is to work with God to eliminate sin from our lives.
The believer’s job is to deal with sin. We must flee from it, or confess and repent when necessary. When we’re vigilant about keeping a sinless life, then the Holy Spirit can work to mature our faith. This makes us golden vessels who pour God’s love upon the world.

Dusty · 09-26-2007, 03:29 AM

Thankyou for that Pastor Rick. That is something all of us need to practice in our daily living ....Holiness. We have to be consecrated to Jesus Christ and set apart for the use of God. for the furthurence of His KIngdom.Believers are called to show that consecration in their lives. We are to be holy in practise in the power of the Holy Spirit.